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Vienna's International Organizations, Missions & Institutes
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria
Austria Backs Microelectronics: Three billion Euros Investment and AT&S Lighthouse Project
The Austrian government has made a firm commitment to support the microelectronics industry with three billion euros of investment over the coming years. These bold investments will help to promote the research and development of semiconductor companies in Austria and strengthen the foundations for digitalization, green energy transition, and sustainable growth.
November 2, 2023
Austria's Rejection of UN Resolution Raises Questions Within the Government
Austria voted against a resolution in the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate ceasefire and improvement in the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The decision, made by the ÖVP-led government, has caused tensions within the coalition, especially with the Green coalition partner, which has distanced itself from the decision.
November 1, 2023
Austrian Politics Between Neutrality and Security Policy
A heated political climate is currently shaping the political debate in Austria, where the FPÖ and other political groups in parliament are debating the issues of neutrality, security policy, and the right approach to current crises.
October 31, 2023
Austrian Blue Helmet Forum and Association of Austrian Peacekeepers
The significant gathering of civilian and military experts at the "Blue Helmet Forum" hosted by the "Association of Austrian Peacekeepers" at the National Defense Academy showcased Austria's international commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
October 30, 2023
Discussion on European Elections 2024 with Prominent Guests
In Vienna, a significant event was held at the House of the European Union to kick off the 2024 European elections. Among the renowned speakers were Dr. Othmar Karas, First Vice President of the European Parliament, Dr. Thomas Zehetner from WWF, and Dr. Clemens Pig from the Austria Press Agency (APA). The discussion focused on four central topics: Democracy, Climate Protection, Digitalization, and Education. In parallel, the new initiative "gemeinsamfuer.eu" was presented.
October 30, 2023
Ukraine Will Block Gas Transit: Challenges and Opportunities for OMV and Europe
Ukraine's decision to stop transiting Russian natural gas to the West from 2025 poses a significant challenge for OMV and for several European countries. The announcement, made by the head of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, Olexiy Chernyshov, raises several questions about energy security and dependence on Russian gas.
October 29, 2023
Austria's Commitment to International Peace Missions Remains Upright
On National Day, the Council of Ministers announced an important decision: The foreign deployments of the Austrian Armed Forces will be further extended. With this decision, Austria underscores its commitment to stability, security, and peace in various crisis regions around the globe.
October 29, 2023
Democracy in Crisis: How Austria's Democracy Index Reveals Alarming Trends
In recent years, democracy in Austria seemed to be on a good path. But the current Democracy Index raises eyebrows: The state of the democratic infrastructure is stagnating, and in some areas, there has even been regression. There is particular cause for concern in the areas of fundamental rights and the media landscape. But why is that and what can be done to counteract it?
October 26, 2023
Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations in Vienna
Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Kazakhstan's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, the permanent representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
October 24, 2023
APG Invests Nine Billion Euros in Austria's Electricity Grid
Austrian Power Grid (APG) has unveiled an ambitious €9 billion investment program designed to lay the foundation for a supply-secure energy transition in Austria. The company, a subsidiary of Verbund AG, thus plays a central role in the transformation of the Austrian energy supply system.
October 24, 2023
75 Years of Human Rights: A Light Art Celebration in the Heart of Vienna
The Parliament in Vienna will become a radiant work of light art between November 2023 and January 2024 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Austrian artist Victoria Coeln, known for her impressive light installations in world-famous locations, will transform the facade of the Parliament into a shining symbol of diversity, freedom, dignity, and rights for all.
October 24, 2023
Austria Takes Over Chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
November 1, 2023, marks the beginning of an important phase for Austria as it takes over the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This key region, which stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and encompasses around 115 million people, faces a multitude of challenges. The country is taking over this task from Slovenia and will be in charge until December 31, 2024.
October 24, 2023
Wien Energie Strengthens Independence By Reducing Russian Gas
With the start of the heating season in Vienna, ushered in by a sudden drop in temperatures after an unusually warm start to October, the essential issue of energy supply security is once again coming to the fore. In light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, Wien Energie, Austria's largest energy supplier, has taken proactive measures to secure heating supplies for the coming winter while reducing dependence on Russian natural gas.
October 22, 2023
Drastic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents in Austria
In recent days, the Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the Vienna Israelite Community (IKG) has noted a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. This is directly related to the devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas, in which more than 1,400 people have been killed and over 200 kidnapped, while thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel.
October 22, 2023
Vienna's Mayor Establishes "Council of Religions" to Foster Interfaith Dialogue and Peace
Vienna's Mayor, Michael Ludwig, convened a significant meeting at the cityhall, bringing together representatives from diverse religious groups in response to recent developments in the Middle East. These events underscore the vital role of religious tolerance and understanding in maintaining peaceful coexistence in society.
October 19, 2023
Explore a World of Opportunities at Diplomatische Akademie Wien's Open House 2023
The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna – Vienna School of International Studies invites aspiring graduate students from Austria and around the world to discover a world of academic and career possibilities at its Open House event on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
October 19, 2023
Potential Consequences of a Russian Nuclear Test
In a recent development, Russia is on the brink of withdrawing its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This decision has sparked intense discussions about the potential for Russia to conduct a nuclear test, creating significant ripples in the global security landscape. The prospect of Russia conducting such a test has prompted deep concerns among experts and policymakers.
October 17, 2023
Italy Takes Austria to the European Court of Justice over Transit Measures
The ongoing controversy over transit measures on the Brenner route reached a new level of escalation when the Italian government decided to take Austria to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
October 16, 2023
Austria Discusses Sustainable Development: 3rd SDG Dialogue Forum Austria
The 3rd SDG Dialogue Forum Austria has now taken place in the Sofiensälen in Vienna. The meeting was organized by the Austrian Federal Administration, SDG Watch Austria, and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The agenda focused on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations by 2030.
October 15, 2023 · Updated: October 16, 2023; 12:49
Fulbright Scholars and Gilman Scholars: Exchange, Knowledge and Connection
U.S. Ambassador Victoria Kennedy opened the doors of her residence to welcome returning Austrian Fulbright Scholars, newly arrived U.S. Fulbright students and scholars, board members, program partners, distinguished alumni, and also the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
October 15, 2023
Othmar Karas' Reckoning with the ÖVP
For about 25 years, Othmar Karas, the first vice president of the EU Parliament, was a weighty member of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) in the European context. His withdrawal from the EU election and the associated clear criticism of his party caused a political stir in Austria.
October 12, 2023
Austria Intensifies Vigilance of Israeli Facilities in Wake of Hamas Attack
Amid an escalating Middle East conflict and subsequent massive military clashes between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has ordered increased surveillance of Israeli facilities in the country. The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and facilities that could potentially be targeted for attacks.
October 11, 2023
Russia Reconsiders Nuclear Weapons Test Ban: CTBTO Expresses Concerns
In a recent development, Russia is preparing to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Russia will only conduct a nuclear test if the United States does likewise. Russia signed the CTBT in 1996 and ratified it in 2000.
October 10, 2023
EX-FPÖ Defense Minister Herbert Scheibner: Shadow Diplomacy in Syria and Iran
In the summer of 2019, when Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was acting with extreme brutality against the rebels in Idlib, former FPÖ Defense Minister Herbert Scheibner went on a trip to Syria. He met high-ranking representatives of the Assad regime in Damascus and later visited the Iranian ambassador in Vienna. But what drove Scheibner to these meetings?
October 9, 2023
Austria Reacts to Hamas Attack: Solidarity with Israel and Concern about Iran
Amid the tense situation in the Middle East, the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Vienna. Austria strongly condemned the official Iranian reaction to the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization. The Foreign Ministry stressed that Austria categorically rejects any questioning of Israel's right to exist and will consistently act against any form of anti-Semitism in the future.
October 9, 2023
Construction Stop of "High Speed 2" in Northern England: Austrian Companies Affected
The surprising halt to the construction of part of the major British project, the "High Speed 2" (HS2) high-speed rail line, is causing discussion among the companies involved. Austrian companies in particular, which are involved in the rail project worth billions, could be affected.
October 5, 2023
Austria Takes Position Against Russian Wagner Group
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council in Parliament has unanimously supported an initiative against the activities of the Russian Wagner Group. This follows allegations that the group is involved in human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine and other countries. The committee calls for Austria to take action with European partners to limit the group's influence and global presence.
October 5, 2023
Nobel Prize in Physics 2023: Ferenc Krausz - From Vienna to Global Fame
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Hungarian-Austrian physicist Ferenc Krausz, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to particle research and attosecond physics. The Nobel Committee made the announcement recently in Stockholm. Krausz shares the prestigious prize with his colleague Anne L'Huillier and his colleague Pierre Agostini.
October 4, 2023
Federation of Austrian Industries: New Divisional Managers in "Education & Society" and "International Relations & Markets
The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) has announced personnel changes in two of its core areas. Gudrun Feucht and Igor Sekardi join in senior positions, supported by their previous roles at IV and their extensive expertise in their respective areas.
October 2, 2023
Central European Foreign Ministers of the "Central 5" Discuss OSCE, Ukraine, and Migration
The foreign ministers of the "Central 5" (C5) - Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia - met in Vienna to discuss current security policy and neighborhood issues. Host Alexander Schallenberg stressed the importance of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) as a pan-European platform for dialogue, especially in light of the challenges posed by Russia's attack on Ukraine and the need to keep the OSCE alive. During the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijártó repeatedly irritated the participants.
October 1, 2023
OSCE in Deep Crisis: Russia's Veto Paralyses Europe's Largest Security Body
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is facing its most profound crisis as Russian vetoes block critical decisions, endangering the stability and functionality of the world's most extensive security body. This stalemate emerges from Moscow's continued aggression towards Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between OSCE member states.
September 28, 2023
Austria Advocates Accelerated EU Integration of the Western Balkans
Austria's Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg show a profound commitment to the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union (EU). They recently sent concrete proposals in a letter and a "non-paper" to EU External Relations Commissioner Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. The central theme of these proposals is to accelerate the enlargement process and clarify the agenda for 2024 and beyond.
September 27, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna
Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, Saudi Arabia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 27, 2023
Possible Spy Ring: Ex-Wirecard Manager and Suspected Russian Spies on Trial
British investigators suspect that former Wirecard manager and Austrian Jan Marsalek was involved in a spy network acting for Russia. This information became known through a communication from the British public prosecutor's office and was later reported by BBC and "Spiegel".
September 26, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna
Carl Hallergard, the EU's new diplomat in Vienna has the challenging task of coordinating the EU's interests within complex multilateral organizations that aim to ensure peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. Meet Ambassador, Carl Hallergard, the new permanent observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 25, 2023
FPÖ-Delegation Visits Taliban in Afghanistan
Several members of the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) traveled to Afghanistan and met, among others, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting became known through a press release from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, which also published a photo of the delegation.
September 25, 2023
Japanese Takeda Lays Foundation Stone for "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Urban Lakeside Aspern
In a symbolic act, the foundation stone was laid for Takeda's "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Seestadt Aspern. With an investment of around 120 million euros, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant represents the company's largest investment to date in Austria in a technically and ecologically optimized new building for biopharmaceutical research and development.
September 22, 2023
Tensions Escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh: The International Community Calls for Immediate Action
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the contested territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is once again on a knife's edge. Recent developments have escalated tensions, threatening regional stability and raising urgent humanitarian concerns. International organizations like the OSCE and UN are deeply concerned and have convened special meetings to address the issue.
September 21, 2023
Three Seas Initiative Summit Concludes with Resounding Commitments and Strong Support for Ukraine
During the 8th edition of the Three Seas Initiative Summit, the prestigious halls of the Cotroceni Palace welcomed Central and Eastern European leaders. This gathering was a demonstration of unity and determination against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension. On this same occasion, the President of Austria stressed support for Ukraine and the common fight against global warming.
September 20, 2023
Austria's Air Future: Embraer's C-390 Set to Replace the Stalwart C-130
In a landmark decision, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, flanked by National Armaments Director Major General Harald Vodosek, announced the intended replacement for the Austrian Armed Forces' reliable yet aging C-130 "Hercules": the Embraer C-390.
September 20, 2023
EU-Mercosur Pact: Austria's Balancing Act between Trade Opportunities and Sustainability
The discussion about the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries - Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay - is entering a new round. While some see the treaty as an opportunity to intensify trade between the two economic areas, others raise serious concerns about its impact on the environment and social standards.
September 19, 2023
Austrian Representatives at the UN General Assembly in New York
The UN General Assembly, which is taking place in New York this year, will see strong representation from Austria. With Federal President Alexander van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the forefront, Austria wants to convey its messages clearly.
September 19, 2023
OMV to Supply Air France-KLM 2,000 Tons of Sustainable Jet Fuel
OMV, a Vienna-based integrated company specializing in energy, fuels, and commodities, has taken a decisive step towards promoting more sustainable aviation practices. It has signed an off-take agreement to supply 2,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Air France-KLM Group for 2023.
September 18, 2023
AACC Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting” at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in harmonious collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies or Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, successfully conducted the “Ambassadors’ Meeting”.
September 17, 2023
Austrian Armed Forces Continue to Provide Protection for Embassies in Vienna
To support the police and secure embassies and other critical objects in Vienna, the Austrian Armed Forces have extended the duration of their assistance mission until March 31, 2024.
September 17, 2023
Discrimination on the Housing Market: A Growing Problem in Austria
A recent SORA study conducted on behalf of the Ombud for Equal Treatment highlights a serious problem in Austria's real estate market: racism and discrimination. People with foreign-sounding names or accents have significantly fewer chances of being invited to view an apartment compared to people with typical Austrian names.
September 14, 2023
Austria EU Representative Selmayr at Dispute Because Of "Blood Money" Statement
EU representative Martin Selmayr has called Austrian gas payments to Russia "blood money". Now reprimanded by Vienna and Brussels, EU Commission representative Martin Selmayr does not want to give up his job in Austria.
September 14, 2023
Skills Shortage in Austria: Companies Feel Pressure, But Also Opportunities
A recent study by the recruiting platform Stepstone shows that the shortage of skilled workers is leaving a clear mark on Austria's companies. Two-thirds of respondents are concerned about the additional workload caused by unfilled positions. This is despite a slight increase in advertised vacancies of 2 percent in the first half of the year, with some sectors such as engineering, care, and construction even seeing significant increases.
September 13, 2023
Historic Center of Vienna Remains on the UNESCO Red List
The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's red list of endangered World Heritage Sites despite recent changes to the Heumarkt project. This was decided by UNESCO. Now it is being examined whether the project is compatible with World Heritage in this way.
September 13, 2023
19th Salzburg Europe Summit 2023: "Europe: Setting out for New Horizons"
From September 24 to 26, 2023, the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) invites you to the 19th Salzburg Europe Summit at the Salzburg Congress. More than 700 participants from all over Europe are expected to discuss together the current challenges and opportunities of the continent.
September 12, 2023
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