Vienna's International Organizations, Missions & Institutes

Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria

Danger of Terrorism: Slovakian Warned Austrian Authorities

According to an Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) report, the assassin from Vienna, Kurtin S., had tried to buy ammunition in Slovakia in the summer.

November 4, 2020

Day Against Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: Schallenberg Commits to Safety

On the occasion of the International Day against Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Foreign Minister Schallenberg calls for more decisive action by the international community. He demands an increase in effort by every country to protect journalists around the world.

November 3, 2020

Von der Leyen: "European Family Stands With Austria"

The EU Commission President Von der Leyen and many other European politicians have offered their condolences to the Austrian population following the horrible attacks in Vienna. The European family is united in their response by expressing their commitment to freedom, democracy and the fight against terrorism.

November 3, 2020

United Nations Join Host City Vienna in Mourning for the Victims of the Terror Attack

In a message from Ms. Ghada Waly to Vienna, the staff of the VIC - Vienna International Centre and the world, the Director-General, UN Office at Vienna, declares that she rejects violence and hatred, stands in solidarity with Vienna and that the flags at the Vienna International Centre will be lowered during Austria's mourning period.

November 3, 2020

Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Terror Attack in Vienna

From the Ministry of the Interior it became known that the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed the attack in Vienna with four dead and 22 partially severely injured.

November 3, 2020

Terror Attack in Vienna: No Indication of Second Assassin According to Interior Minister

Following the terrorist attack in Vienna, which left five dead and 22 injured, the analysis of almost 20,000 indications has so far revealed no evidence of further assassins. However, neither the Chancellor nor the Minister of the Interior wanted to definitively rule out that there might not be a second fugitive suspect after all.

November 3, 2020

United Arab Emirates Strongly Condemns Terror Attack in Vienna

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Vienna is deeply moved by the Islamic motivated attack in Vienna and condemns the terrorist attack in a statement.

November 3, 2020

Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce Condemns Horrible Terrorist Attack in Vienna

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the economic representation of the Arab community in Austria, condemns and distances itself from this horrible terrorist attack in downtown Vienna and affirms that no wedge can be driven between our societies and cultures.

November 3, 2020

Terror Attack in Vienna - Perpetrator Was Sympathizer of the Islamic State

One of the assassins was an Islamic State (IS) sympathizer, further investigations are underway in the suspect's environment. Around 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed. At least one perpetrator is still fugitive and is classified as very dangerous. Minister Nehammer added in a press conference, that caution was still required and that one should stay at home if possible.

November 3, 2020

Terrorist Attack in Vienna: Several Dead and Injured according to Vienna Rescue Service

According to the Vienna Rescue Service (Berufsrettung Wien), several people were killed and injured in the shootout near the Vienna Main Synagogue.

November 2, 2020

Kurz: All of Europe in Middle of the Second Wave

At a video conference with all of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Chancellor Kurz and the other country heads discussed Covid-19 measures and a common approach of the EU. Since the second wave has already hit many of the member countries, better coordination than in the spring of this year is demanded by almost every country.

October 30, 2020

Charitable Actions of Austrian Embassies All Over the World

Austrian Embassies all over the world made an effort to celebrate the national holiday accordingly by supporting local charities and people who need it most. From Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires and from Washington to Zagreb, many embassies organized different types of aid projects for locals.

October 30, 2020

Times Higher Education Ranking: 10 Austrian Universities Among Top 300

Ten Austrian universities have made it into the Top 300 of the Times Higher Education Subject Ranking 2021. Federal Minister of Education and Science, Heinz Faßmann, is particularly impressed by the 34th place of the Arts & Humanities Department of the University of Vienna.

October 29, 2020

European Economic and Social Committee: Austrian Christa Schweng is New Head

The Austrian politician Christ Schweng is the new head of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). She is only the fifth woman to head the EU institution and will be in this position for the two and a half years. Her main goals for this period include to "make a decisive contribution to Europe's recovery and future resilience" with regard to the current crisis.

October 28, 2020

Spanish Secretary of State for EU Met Edtstadler

The Spanish Secretary of State for the EU González-Barba Pera met European Affairs Minister Edtstadler in Vienna to discuss the fight against Covid-19 and the cooperation on EU-level. Both sides agreed on the importance of a common effort by the European Union to tackle future problems.

October 28, 2020

Italian Interior Minister Met Nehammer

Italian Interior Minister Lamorgese welcomed her Austrian counterpart Nehammer for a working meeting in Rome. The main discussion topics were the fight against organized crime and illegal trafficking as well as strengthening repatriation agreements with third countries.

October 27, 2020

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Schallenberg and Kurz Delighted

The 50th ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty means that the treaty can enter into force. Both, Austrian Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg, are delighted about the progress made with regard to the nuclear disarmament, which Austria has been supporting vehemently.

October 27, 2020

Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets

With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.

October 22, 2020

75 Years of United Nations: UN Flags Illumination on Schwarzenbergplatz

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna will be illuminated with the flags of the UN's member countries. Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly, and Mayor Michael Ludwig will start the illumination.

October 22, 2020

Foreign Disaster Fund Alleviates Covid-19 Consequences Abroad

In order to fight the impact of Covid-19 in developing countries and for people in fragile situations, the Austrian government has decided to release EUR 12 million of the Foreign Disaster Fund to NGOs that will be distributing the money as needed in the particular areas.

October 21, 2020

EU Health Agency Classifies Austria as Red

After rising infection rates in Austria, the EU has issued the highest warning stage and switched the traffic light to red. Although there are no binding regulations or recommendations in connection with the traffic light, a decrease in travel is to be expected.

October 19, 2020

Coronavirus: Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Tested Positive

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has tested positive for the coronavirus. As he attended the Council of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, there is a suspicion that he was infected there. In the meantime it has also become known via Twitter that one of his contacts, the Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes, has also tested positive.

October 17, 2020

EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions

At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.

October 16, 2020

Agreement Between Israel and Austria on the Joint Use of Archival Materials

The agreement between the Israeli and Austrian governments to a joint use of archival materials is one step closer to be actually implemented. This cooperation would enhance the cooperation of the two countries with regard to the reappraisal of the Holocaust as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism.

October 16, 2020

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Schallenberg Ensures Contribution

On the occasion of World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Foreign Minister Schallenberg ensures that the "reduction of poverty is the most important goal of the Austrian Development Agency". This has been underlined with the doubling of the Foreign Disaster Fund.

October 16, 2020

European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration

At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.

October 15, 2020

Germany Extends Border Controls to Austria

Germany announced that it will extend the border controls on the German-Austrian border for another six months starting November 12 2020. These controls are in place since the end of 2015 and will not include any new or unexpected measures.

October 15, 2020

Canadian Foreign Minister Visits Austria

The Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne visited Austria to conduct meetings with UN Organizations as well as with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. The topics on the agenda were the CETA agreement, the Covid-19 pandemic and current foreign trouble spots.

October 15, 2020

Winter in Vienna: New Year's Eve Trail Cancelled, Vienna Ice Dream Still On Track

The Covid-19 related cancellations of events were a common theme in the recent months. Now, Vienna's New Year's Eve Trail is the next victim of the pandemic. The popular event will not be held in 2020, while the organizers of the Vienna Ice Dream are still confident to see visitors gliding along the ice tracks.

October 14, 2020

EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian

The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.

October 13, 2020

EU Introduces Covid-19 Traffic Light System to Clarify Travel Situation

The EU member states have agreed on a common system to coordinate travel restrictions with regard to Covid-19. Similar to the current Austrian system, the colors of a traffic light will indicate the risk of the particular areas within the EU borders.

October 13, 2020

Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements

At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.

October 13, 2020

EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Warns of Second Iron Curtain

At this month's EU Foreign Affairs Council, current foreign issues, such as developments in Belarus, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the relations with Russia, were on the agenda. Austria was represented by Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

October 12, 2020

Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided

The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.

October 9, 2020

Belarusian Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya Met Schallenberg

The famous Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently trying to win the EU and European politicians over to help her and her supporters fight against the recent fraudulent election result, met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna.

October 8, 2020

Vienna-based OPEC Launches Newest Edition of World Oil Outlook

The 2020 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO) has been launched in Vienna providing, among other topics, the OPEC Secretariat’s in-depth look at the unprecedented scale and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global energy and oil markets.

October 8, 2020

Edtstadler Welcomes Progress in Accession Process of Western Balkan States

The European Commission has agreed on a financial package for economic integration of the Western Balkan states. The good developments in North Macedonia and Albania are not only welcomed by the European Union but also by Federal Minister Edtstadler.

October 8, 2020

Slovenian President will join Van der Bellen for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum"

For the first time ever, a Slovenian President will take part in the ceremony for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum". Slovenian Head of State Pahor will be joining his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen for the celebrations.

October 7, 2020

Swiss Twannberg Meteorite at Natural History Museum Vienna

On the occasion of the official visit of the Swiss President of the Council of States Hans Stöckli to Austria, a piece of the Twannberg meteorite was handed over to the Natural History Museum Vienna. The piece that is estimated to be more than 150,000 years old can now be viewed in the Meteorite Hall of the museum.

October 7, 2020

Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Met Austrian Counterpart

The Swedish and Austrian Minister for EU Affairs have come together to discuss current EU topics which included migration policy, the joint fight against Covid-19 and recent developments between Great Britain and the EU regarding Brexit.

October 7, 2020

Foreign Ministry Announces First Special Representative for Humanitarian Aid

Austria's first-ever Special Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid will be appointed by the Foreign Ministry in order to assure the proper coordination of humanitarian aid projects. Effective allocation of funds which amount to EUR 50 million will also be part of the duties of Mr. Christoph Schweifer.

October 6, 2020

European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus

The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.

October 5, 2020

75th UN General Assembly: Schallenberg Denounces Nuclear Weapons

Foreign Minister Schallenberg emphasizes at the 75th UN General Assembly that nuclear weapons pose a constant threat, while there are no advantages on the other side of the coin. He also advertises for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TNPW), which has already been signed by 84 countries.

October 2, 2020

Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020

A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.

October 2, 2020

Approval for EU Membership Remains High Among Austrians

A recent survey conducted by the Austrian Society for European Politics shows that the Covid-19 pandemic had only little or no effect on the approval for EU membership among the Austrian population. 70 percent of a representative sample wants to remain in the European Union.

October 2, 2020

UNIDO Partners Up With Women Leadership Forum to Hold Special Event

UNIDO and the European Brand Institute have organized the 8th Women Leadership Forum, which was held as a hybrid event in Vienna. International successful women as well as other supportive public figures have gathered together to empower women.

October 1, 2020

EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues

The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.

October 1, 2020

European Commission Publishes First Report on Rule of Law

The European Commission has published its first report on the rule of law among member countries. Although the European Union requires high standards, there are still some procedures that need revision in order to assure independency and proper democratic systems. Even Austria has some catching up to do.

October 1, 2020

UNESCO Honors Vienna with "Smart City" Award

The city of Vienna was recognized by UNESCO fo its "innovative, intelligent, networked and explicitly sustainable" housing policy. Besides Vienna, other cities, such as Shenzhen (China), Dakar (Senegal) and Singarpore, have received other awards.

September 30, 2020

Vienna International Centre - Coronavirus Situation: Historical Developments Between March 12 and September 30, 2020

The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO City) is reporting new positive COVID-19 cases. Following you have the historical developments between March 12, 2020 and September 30, 2020, as reported by the four main Vienna-based United Nations organizations (United Nations Office at Vienna/UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Industrial Development Organization and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization), as announced by UNIS.

March 12, 2020 · Updated: September 30, 2020; 00:00