Sponsored Content
Vienna's International Organizations, Missions & Institutes
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria


Beijing's Influence Towards Austria: Visit by Wan Gang, the High-Level Leader of the Overseas Chinese Voice

Wan Gang, a high-ranking Chinese politician, engineer and Chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party (Sub-organization of United Front of China) visited Austria to consolidate the network of benevolent institutions, agencies and patriotic overseas Chinese and to strengthen China's economic and political influence.
November 30, 2021


The Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Austria's Economy

The consequences of COVID-19 pandemic continue to determine economic activity in Austria and the banks’ higher resilience has been key to COVID-19 response.
November 29, 2021

Last Call for Britons in Vienna: Apply for Residence by End of 2021
The City of Vienna is reminding all British residents and their families that they must apply for a residence permit by the end of 2021 due to Brexit. Read about this fast-approaching deadline for Britons in Vienna.
November 29, 2021

Travel and Covid: Austria Imposes Entry Ban on Southern African Countries
Due to the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, Austria has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini/Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Read about the new travel restriction and the variant causing it.
November 26, 2021 · Updated: November 26, 2021; 15:11

Naturalizations in Austria Up 21.1% Year on Year in the First Three Quarters of 2021
In the first nine months of 2021, Austrian citizenship was granted to 7,676 persons, including 1,131 persons residing abroad. With 368 naturalizations, the United States ranks fourth. Find out which other countries the new citizens come from.
November 26, 2021

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the America House in Vienna
The America House in Vienna is a beautiful mix of architecture and history. Learn more about the exquisite building at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 2 and the historical America House inside.
November 26, 2021

Homicides of Women by Family Members: Every 11 Minutes Worldwide, Every 11 Days in Austria
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, various findings were presented, including that the number of murders during the various waves of COVID-related mobility restrictions are particularly high.
November 25, 2021


Meet Leslie Hayden the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna

The Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna is currently Leslie Hayden. Ms. Hayden has had a distinguished career as a member of the foreign service. Learn more about her and her impressive accomplishments.
November 25, 2021


IAEA Director General Presents Latest Report on Verification and Monitoring in Iran

In Tehran Mr. Grossi met with Mohammad Eslami, the Vice President of Iran and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
November 25, 2021


Grossi to the IAEA Board of Governors "Extensive Negotiations to Address Iran’s Outstanding Safeguards Issues Proved Inconclusive"

When addressing the board of governors in Vienna, Grossi said, that getting to know the new Iranian officials was a positive element and this will certainly help.
November 24, 2021


Edtstadler at General Affairs Council: Mandatory Vaccination is Necessary

At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler stressed the need for mandatory vaccinations in Austria and coordination in the fight against COVID-19 at the European level. Read Edtstadler's expectations for the European Commission, her defense of compulsory vaccinations, and more.
November 24, 2021


New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan Presents Credentials

Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ghada Waly. Read about Ambassador Wanghchuk and his discussion with Director-General Waly.
November 24, 2021



New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador Presents Credentials


The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mireya del Carmen Muñoz Mera, presented her credentials to the heads of the UNOV, IAEA, UNIDO, and the CTBTO. Learn more about the new permanent representative.
November 24, 2021


UNESCO: Austria Elected to the Executive Board for the Fourth Time since 1948

Austria was elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO for the fourth time since it joined the organization in 1948. Read about Austria's election and what it plans to focus on during its term from 2021-2025.
November 23, 2021



High-level Belarus Conference in Vienna


Chancellor Schallenberg participated in a video conference to discuss the situation in Belarus and the worsening humanitarian crisis at the EU's external border with numerous representatives from other EU member states and Belarusian opposition politicians. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch a joint press conference with Schallenberg and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
November 23, 2021


Saudi Center KAICIID's Relocation from Vienna to Lisbon Completed

The Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva and KAICIID Secretary General, Faisal bin Muaammar signed the Headquarters Agreement in Lisbon. Austria has one less international organization, while Portugal will now host nine international organizations. Faisal bin Muaammar has now completed his second term as planned. Ms. Elham Alshejni currently serves as the Interim Deputy Secretary General of KAICIID.
November 23, 2021

What's on the Agenda for the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, November 24-26, 2021?
The IAEA Board of Governors will convene its regular November meeting virtually, starting at 10:30 CET on Wednesday, 24 November. Board discussions are expected to include verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015).
November 23, 2021


Western Balkans: Foreign Minister Linhart Visits Albania and North Macedonia

Foreign Minister Linhart, accompanied by an Austrian business delegation, visited the Western Balkan States of North Macedonia and Albania. Read about the foreign minister's meetings with various government officials, as well as his meetings with local business people as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative.
November 22, 2021


Vienna International Centre-based Organizations Reduce their Presence

After only a few months in which employees at the Vienna International Centre were able to slowly return to their jobs, the end of the gradual return to "normal operations" has now been heralded and the VIC is at the beginning of the fourth lockdown. What needs to be done to ensure the health and well-being of all VIC employees?
November 22, 2021



OeAD: International Agency for Education and Networking Turns 60 Years Old


The Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) has celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn about the OeAD and some of its numerous programs, and watch a video with President Van der Bellen.
November 19, 2021


State of Qatar Reviews Cooperation with UNODC

The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, Ghada Waly, met with a Qatari delegation, including the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UNODC, Sultan Salmeen Al-Mansouri, to discuss further cooperation between Qatar and the UNODC. Read what the Qatari delegation conveyed to the executive director.
November 18, 2021


UN International Law Commission: Austria's Candidate Reinisch Re-elected

Dr. August Reinisch was recently re-elected as one of the 34 members of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC). Read about Reinisch's election, his background, and the ILC.
November 16, 2021



Austria Welcomes New Sanctions Against Belarus


Foreign Minister Linhart attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, at which the 27 foreign ministers of the EU agreed upon new sanctions against Belarus. They also discussed other topics, such as the EU enlargement process. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch an interview with the Austrian foreign minister.
November 16, 2021




VIC: Austria’s Foreign Minister Linhart Met with Li Yong and Ghada Waly




UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and UNIDO Director-General Li Yong hosted Foreign Minister Linhart for a visit at the United Nations Office at Vienna ahead of UN Day. Read what was discussed and watch a video from Linhart's visit.
November 15, 2021


Migration: Expansion of Value and Orientation Courses for Asylum Seekers Planned

Integration Minister Susanne Raab announced that the mandatory values and orientation courses for asylum seekers will be expanded to include three days of lessons rather than just one. Read more about the expansion of the program and what will be taught.
November 12, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Verification of Compliance with Applicable Access Rules Becomes Easier
A new app known as Green Check is now widely available in Austria and has made verification of compliance with COVID-19 access rules much simpler. Read more about the new app and how it works.
November 12, 2021


US Embassy: Visit of the Chargé d'affaires Strengthens Economic Ties between USA and Upper Austria

The Chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Vienna Mario Mesquita visited Linz and met with Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer and Voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner. Read about Mesquita's visit and what was discussed.
November 11, 2021


Austrian Foreign Trade Picks Up Again

Austria's foreign trade in 2021 has improved significantly compared to 2020, and in some months, it is even approaching the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Read the detailed numbers showing that Austrian trade is picking up again.
November 11, 2021

Expo Dubai: Viennese Coffeehouse is Culinary Ambassador
The Viennese coffeehouse, Austrian Delight, is serving as the culinary ambassador for Austria at the World Expo in Dubai. Read about how the cafe is representing Austria and what else Vienna is offering at the World Expo.
November 11, 2021


Cybercrime: New High-Tech Cybercrime Center Opens in Vienna

In response to an increase in cybercrime, Austria has opened the new high-tech Cybercrime Center (C4) of the Federal Criminal Police Office. Learn about the stark increase in cybercrime and the new Cybercrime Center.
November 10, 2021



New Shoah Name Walls Memorial in Vienna: 64,440 Names Commemorate Humanity's Atrocity


The Austrian government unveiled the new Shoah Wall of Names Memorial on the 83rd anniversary of the November pogroms. Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and others spoke at the event. Read about the new memorial, what the leaders said at its opening, and watch a video of the event.
November 10, 2021


November Pogroms: Remembrance Event of the Turkish-Jewish Synagogue in Zirkusgasse

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, representatives from the religious communities in Vienna, and others took part in a remembrance event for the November pogroms at the location of one of the synagogues that was burned down in 1938. Read more about the solemn event and what Mayor Ludwig said.
November 10, 2021

Travel: Vaccinated Austrians Allowed to Enter the U.S. Again
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals, including Austrians, are now allowed to enter the United States again without requiring a "national interest exemption." Read about the latest update to US entry requirements and find out who qualifies for an exception.
November 9, 2021


Czech Republic Supports IWM Think Tank with 175,000 Euros

The Czech Republic has agreed to provide 175,000 euros in support for research at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) from 2021 to 2023. Learn more about the new agreement and the IWM.
November 9, 2021


Climate Crisis: Vienna Joins "Race to Zero" Campaign

At the World Climate Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Vienna has announced that it is joining the "Race to Zero" campaign, which aims to cut emissions in half by 2030 and create a carbon-free world. Read about Vienna's new climate change commitment.
November 8, 2021


Vienna as a Center of Diplomacy: Bid for Another International Organization

Vienna is bidding to become the European headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute, which has been based in Seoul since 1997 and is responsible for distributing vaccines to developing countries. The aim is to further strengthen Vienna as the official seat of international organizations. Cost: Fifteen million euros within 5 years. Learn more about the background, the plan and the financing of this initiative.
November 8, 2021


Strengthening Bilateral Economic Relations: Austria's Linhart in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Foreign Minister Linhart is visiting Central Asia with a business delegation to attend the first EU-Central Asia Economic Forum and discuss economic relations with various government representatives. The foreign minister's trip includes stops in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Read about Linhart's agenda and what topics will be discussed.
November 5, 2021


Solidarity Against Political Islam

Austrian Integration Minister Susanne Raab hosted the "Vienna Forum on Countering Segregation and Extremism in the Context of Integration." Various officials from across Europe came to discuss the fight against extremist movements such as "political Islam." Read about the key areas that Raab and the others agreed upon at the event.
November 4, 2021


Alexander Maculan Receives Russian Order of Friendship

Alexander Maculan, CEO of TAMAK Holding AG, was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij at a recent meeting of the Austro-Russian Business Council at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Read about Maculan and why he was given this honor.
November 4, 2021


Austria-United Arab Emirates Society Awarded PaN Prize of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Austria-United Arab Emirates Society (ÖVAEG) was presented with the PaN Prize of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read about ÖVAEG and the extravagant ceremony at which the award was presented.
November 3, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Concerns About Transition to 2.5G Rule in Workplace
Due to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Austria is considering transitioning from the 3G rule in the workplace to a 2.5G rule in the coming weeks. Some government officials are expressing concerns about the implementation of this change. Read about the potential requirement change and the concerns that some have about it.
November 3, 2021


Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"

Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.
November 2, 2021


Austria Deepening Relationship with Gulf States: Foreign Minister Linhart in Qatar

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently met with Foreign Minister Linhart in Doha, Qatar. The leaders discussed various issues, including the strengthening of ties between Qatar and Austria. Linhart also met with Qatari business leaders as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative. Read about Linhart's trip to Qatar.
October 29, 2021


African Union and European Union to Strengthen Cooperation on COVID-19

Representatives of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), including Austrian Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, recently met in Kigali, Rwanda. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially unequal vaccine distribution, was a central topic of discussion. Read more about the meeting and the effort to increase vaccine access around the globe.
October 29, 2021


Strategic Partnership with United Arab Emirates in the Pipeline

On a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka expressed support for a strategic partnership between the two countries. Read about this new partnership that is currently in the works.
October 28, 2021

Greenpeace: 80% of Austrian Short-haul EU Flights are Substitutable by Train
According to a Greenpeace report, 80 percent of Austria's short-haul flights can be replaced by rail travel. For 53 percent of all top-30 short-haul flights within the EU, there are direct overnight train connections, the report states.
October 27, 2021


Economic Diplomacy a la "ReFocus": Connecting Diplomatic Representatives with Austria's Business Community

Diplomatic representatives in Austria met with members of the Austrian business community as part of the "ReFocus Austria" government initiative aimed at promoting Austrian companies abroad and Austria as a business location. The main focus of this event was opportunities in the "green economy." Read more about this event and "ReFocus Austria."
October 27, 2021


Rating Agency Fitch Affirms Stable Outlook for Austria at AA+

Austria's AA+ rating is supported by a rich, diversified, open and high-value-added economy with strong political and social institutions, according to Fitch, the NYC based rating agency.
October 26, 2021



Vienna Hosts "Central 5" Foreign Ministers


The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which make up the informal "Central 5" (C5) forum, recently met at the Albertina in Vienna. Read about the meeting, what Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart said, and watch the full joint press conference.
October 26, 2021
Loss for Vienna: Relocation of Saudi Center to Lisbon Finalized
The controversial KAICIID (King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), which is largely financed by Saudi Arabia and is currently based in Vienna, will relocate to Lisbon.
October 25, 2021