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


The Royal Foundation and UNODC Join Forces to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade

The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has announced a landmark partnership to address the global illegal wildlife trade through the United for Wildlife program.
July 23, 2023


OSCE Asian Partners Conference: Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Common Challenges

The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference held in Vienna has brought together participants to discuss synergies and opportunities for cooperation with a particular emphasis on strengthening dialogue between the OSCE and Asia.
July 23, 2023


Plants as Climate-Friendly Air Conditioning: City of Vienna Promotes Greening of Buildings

The positive effect of green buildings on the climate is undisputed. To promote the implementation of green buildings, the City of Vienna provides generous subsidies of up to € 20,200. Interested parties can obtain free advice on this subject from Eco Counselling (DIE UMWELTBERATUNG) in Vienna.
July 23, 2023


Salzburg Summit: International Conference Brings Together Top Politicians, Scientists and Business Leaders

July 26, 2023, marks the start of the 4th Salzburg Summit, a high-profile international business and future conference that will take place on the fringes of the renowned Salzburg Festival. The event will be formally opened by EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn and the President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), Georg Knill. In light of recent global challenges, including a war on European soil and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the summit is dedicated to the goal of a sustainable future for Europe amid uncertainty.
July 23, 2023


Controversy Surrounds Jan Marsalek's Letter in Wirecard Scandal Trial

In connection with the Wirecard scandal trial, a letter from Jan Marsalek, a former Wirecard board member, is causing controversy. Marsalek, who has been on the run for three years, contacted the Munich Regional Court in writing through his lawyer.
July 19, 2023


Austrian Government Aims to Increase Skilled Immigration and Address Labor Shortages

The Austrian government, led by Economy and Labor Minister Martin Kocher, plans to attract a minimum of 15,000 skilled workers from non-EU countries to Austria annually by 2027 through the Red White Red card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) program.
July 18, 2023


Exploring Vienna's Sustainable Solutions: Unusual Excursion Tips by MA 48

Waste prevention and waste separation as well as a clean city are among the central goals and concerns of street cleaning in Vienna (MA 48). MA 48 invites all interested parties to visit its facilities free of charge.
July 18, 2023


OSCE Monitoring Reveals Instances of Torture and Sexual Violence in Ukraine

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has released a new report summarizing its continuous monitoring of international law violations following Russia's military attack in Ukraine.
July 17, 2023


OMV's Polyolefins Business Cooperation: Concerns Raised as Greens Question Borealis' Future

Austrian energy company OMV has decided to pursue negotiations with ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, on potential cooperation of their polyolefins business. This reinforces certain concerns of the critical voices on the OMV-ADNOC deal.
July 16, 2023


Foreign Ministers of Slavkov Format Countries Hold Talks with Key Political Actors in North Macedonia

Foreign Ministers Jan Lipavský, Miroslav Wlachovský, and Alexander Schallenberg held talks with representatives of the government, parliament, and parliamentary opposition in Northern Macedonia. The aim of the ministers' visit within the framework of the Slavkov format countries was to support North Macedonia on its way to the European Union and to listen to the views of key political actors.
July 16, 2023


Austria on the Way to Innovation Leader in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2023

Austria has improved to sixth place in this year's European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and is thus on the right track to becoming an innovation leader.
July 13, 2023


OMV Secures Additional European Gas Transmission and Pipeline Capacities until 2028

The listed oil and gas group OMV has successfully secured additional European gas transport capacities and gas pipeline capacities. This measure serves to secure Austria's gas supply and enables OMV to meet its delivery obligations in the medium term.
July 12, 2023


EU Commission Expresses Concerns About Austria's Judicial System

In its published rule of law report, the EU Commission expressed several concerns about Austria. In principle, the independence of the Austrian judicial system is highly regarded, the country-specific document states.
July 12, 2023


EU Skepticism in Austria Underpinned by Eurobarometer Survey

According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, Austrians continue to be among the biggest EU skeptics in Europe. Only 35 percent regard the EU as a whole as "positive," while the EU average is 45 percent. Just under a third of respondents in Austria are in favor of EU enlargement, while across Europe half are in favor.
July 10, 2023


U.S. Ambassador Victoria Kennedy Hosts Independence Day Reception

U.S. Ambassador Victoria Kennedy hosted a festive reception at her residence to mark Independence Day. The event was attended by numerous friends and partners to celebrate this significant day together.
July 10, 2023



OSCE High-Level Climate Conference Highlights Cross-Border Cooperation


Addressing climate-related challenges and security risks through enhanced cross-border cooperation took center stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, held at the Hofburg in Vienna. Among those attending the conference were high-level representatives of the OSCE participating states and partners for cooperation, climate security experts and practitioners, and representatives of international organizations.
July 9, 2023


Insights into the Situation of Ukrainian Women Displaced in Austria

In the summer of 2022, the Austrian Institute for Family Research at the University of Vienna, on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), surveyed displaced women from Ukraine for the first time about their living situation and future plans in Austria. The results showed that at that time 90 percent of the respondents felt very well off and had an impressive level of professional qualifications. A new study now provides new insights into the situation of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria.
July 9, 2023


Viennese International Economic Institute: Growth in Eastern Europe Weaker than Expected

The Central and Eastern European EU member states recorded weaker economic growth in the first quarter of this year, according to a recent study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW).
July 6, 2023


Austria's State Security Agency to Take Stronger Action Against Disinformation

The Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence (DSN) has reportedly called for the introduction of penalties for spreading "fake news" in order to curb the spread of conspiracy theories.
July 6, 2023


Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Sabotage at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Kyiv and Moscow have voiced accusations against each other regarding possible acts of sabotage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Kremlin described the situation as tense, while Ukraine again accused Russia of planting explosive devices at the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency also continues to express concern.
July 5, 2023


Franco-Austrian Cooperation for Clean Water in Eastern Europe

France's Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, spearheaded a round table discussion in Vienna as part of the "EU4Environment-Water Resources and Environmental Data" program. This initiative, funded by the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency, and the Artois-Picardie Water Agency (France), aims to support Eastern Partnership countries in their journey towards European standards for water resources and environmental data management.
July 5, 2023


Security Review Conference Convened by OSCE Chairpersonship

The OSCE Chairpersonship organized the Security Review Conference in 2023 to address the security crisis and promote multilateral engagement. High-level representatives gathered to assess security threats, including the humanitarian impact of Russia's war against Ukraine.
July 4, 2023


Vienna's Universities and the EU: Funding for "Circle U." and "ENGAGE.EU" Alliances

The European Commission continues its funding for European university alliances, supporting the efforts of Vienna's universities. Both the Circle U. Alliance and the ENGAGE.EU Alliance receive financial support for their innovative projects under the European University Initiative.
July 4, 2023


Iran Nuclear Talks: U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Put on Leave

The U.S. special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley, was officially placed on leave yesterday, the U.S. State Department announced. He will be replaced by Abram Paley, who will take over the duties for the time being.
July 2, 2023


Journalists' Associations Protest Against Exclusion at OPEC Event

Journalists' associations have protested the renewed exclusion of international press representatives from an OPEC event in Vienna. According to an open letter from the Association of Foreign Press, the Concordia Press Club, and the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), reporters from the Reuters and Bloomberg news agencies and the "Wall Street Journal" were denied accreditation.
June 29, 2023


Diplomatic Trip to Styria: Between Business Location and Chocolate Paradise

After a break of several years due to COVID - Pandemic, the traditional diplomatic excursion finally took place again. This time, the ambassadors based in Austria had the opportunity to get to know the many facets of the local culture, innovative strength, and culinary delights in Styria.
June 29, 2023


Austria Stresses Need in Fight Against Illegal Migration Despite Rejection of Higher EU Budget

Dealing with irregular migration, increasing the EU budget as well as foreign and economic policy considerations were the focus of the Parliament's EU Main Committee today. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer reiterated his opposition to a higher EU budget, but at the same time stressed the great need for funding in the fight against illegal migration.
June 28, 2023


Salzburg Europe Summit 2023 Taking Place this Year for the 19th Time

The annual Salzburg Europe Summit, Europe's leading event, will once again address the many challenges facing Europe in September in Salzburg. Among others, topics from war and the climate crisis to energy supply and social coexistence will be discussed.
June 28, 2023


Wirecard Trial: Entire Wirecard Asia Business Made Up

Wirecard's insolvency administrator, Michael Jaffe, has confirmed that the company's deal with supposed partners in Asia was completely fabricated, according to recent findings. This is according to Jaffe's fifth status report to the Munich District Court.
June 27, 2023


European Movement Austria Presents Reform Ideas for the EU Single Market

Europe has achieved a level of prosperity that no previous generation has experienced. The EU Single Market, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is the key to this success. The future of the Single Market was the focus of a panel discussion of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ) at THE LEO GRAND in Vienna.
June 27, 2023


Austria's Interior Minister Karner Refers to EU Entry Ban on Question of Asylum for Prigozhin

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has stated that the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has no prospect of asylum in Austria. Initially, Karner spoke of a case-by-case examination to answer a related question but later specified via a spokesman that Prigozhin was on the EU sanctions list and therefore not allowed to enter the country.
June 26, 2023


European Local Councils Initiative Brings the EU to Austrian Innsbruck

More than 100 European local councilors take part in the initiative's annual conference as part of the 69th Austrian Municipal Day in Innsbruck. The event, which is integrated into the Austrian Municipal Day for the first time, emphasizes the close connection between the European and municipal levels.
June 25, 2023


European Forum Wachau: Building a Resilient, Green, and Competitive Europe

The event under the general theme "Building a Resilient, Green and Competitive Europe" takes place for the 27th time. This year, the Europa Forum Wachau invited top-class guests to discuss the most important European issues. Among others also the topic of illegal migration, the war in Ukraine, and the Euro-integration of the Western Balkan states.
June 25, 2023


Austria Tumbles in Gender Equality Index

Austria has plummeted to 47th place out of 146 countries in the global ranking of gender equality published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
June 21, 2023


Austria Takes Responsibility: Recommendations for Dealing with Art Objects from Colonial Contexts Presented

At a press conference, State Secretary for Art and Culture Andrea Mayer, together with Jonathan Fine, Director of the Vienna World Museum, presented the recommendations for action of an international advisory panel on the handling of art objects from a colonial context in Austrian federal museums.
June 20, 2023


EU Culture Salon Invites to a Discussion on the Future of Europe with Caroline de Gruyter

On June 27, the EU Culture Salon, a new series of events organized by the Representation of the European Commission, will take place at the House of the European Union. The guest will be the renowned journalist and author Caroline de Gruyter, whose book "The Habsburg Empire - Inspiration for Europe?" has caused a sensation.
June 20, 2023


OPEC and Non-OPEC Participating Countries Agree on Crude Oil Production Adjustments

In a bid to maintain stability in the oil market, OPEC and non-OPEC Participating Countries have announced key decisions during the 35th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting held in Vienna. The meeting emphasized the commitment to achieving a stable oil market and providing long-term guidance for the industry.
June 19, 2023


Preliminary Presentation in Vienna of UN Study Results on Fast Fashion and Old Clothes

The Austrian-based foundation COMÚN and the Chilean study author, Beatriz O'Brien, exclusively show the disastrous consequences of "waste colonialism" in research ordered by the UN in the run-up to the "Austrian Consumer Dialogues: Textiles".
June 19, 2023


Austrian National Bank Publishes Macroeconomic Forecast for 2023 to 2025

According to the published forecast of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), the Austrian economy is expected to pick up speed in the second half of 2023, with GDP growing by 0.5 percent in 2023. Accelerated growth of 1.7 percent is forecast for 2024. Although HICP inflation will fall steadily after the highs at the beginning of the year, it will still be above average at 2.9 percent in 2025.
June 18, 2023


U.S. Embassy and Austrian Armed Forces Celebrate Anniversary of State Partnership Program

The one-year anniversary of the "State Partnership Program" between the "Vermont Air National Guard" and the Austrian Armed Forces under the leadership of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner was celebrated in Zeltweg. High-ranking guests such as the Ambassador of the United States in Austria, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, as well as Brigadier General Henry Harder, Commander of the "Vermont Air National Guard", were present at a festive ceremony. Within the framework of this partnership, the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard and the Austrian Air Force are conducting joint flight exercises for the first time.
June 18, 2023


World Association of Firefighters Assembly of Delegates Meets in Vienna

The CTIF, the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire, is holding its annual delegates' meeting in the Austrian capital. The event serves as an international exchange of experience between firefighters and experts from the fire and rescue services. The CTIF Secretary General, Ing. Roman Sykora, who is also the Chief Fire Officer of the City of Vienna - Fire Brigade and Civil Protection, has invited to the Vienna City Hall and the Vienna Fire Brigade Museum for this purpose.
June 15, 2023
Research Presentation: Western Balkans 20 Years after the EU Summit in Thessaloniki

On Friday, June 30, 2023, at 09:00, the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), together with prominent politicians from Austria and the Balkans, will present their new study on the EU's geo-economic influence in the Western Balkans. The event will take place in the Reitersaal of the Oesterreichische Kontrollbank in Vienna.
June 15, 2023


ICMPD Gets Bigger: Netherlands Joins as New Member

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has expanded its membership as the Netherlands becomes its 20th member state. ICMPD is an international organization dedicated to finding innovative solutions to regional migration challenges. This development follows the recent accession of Greece in 2021 and Germany in 2020.
June 14, 2023


Austria Plans Participation in NATO Training Mission in Iraq

Austria plans to participate in NATO's training and advisory mission in Iraq (NMI) with up to ten members of the Austrian Armed Forces. This was decided by the Council of Ministers at the request of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in agreement with Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
June 14, 2023


Tanzania Officially Opened its Embassy in Vienna

Tanzania's Foreign Minister Stergomena Lawrence Tax visited Vienna on the occasion of the opening of the Tanzanian Embassy in Vienna. The meetings with Austrian and UN Diplomats focused on deepening bilateral and multilateral relations.
June 13, 2023


European Union's Space Program Contributes to UNOOSA's "Space2030" Agenda

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme have joined forces to unveil a groundbreaking report aiming to shed light on the crucial role played by the European Union in advancing the objectives of the "Space2030" Agenda and addressing long-term sustainable development concerns facing humanity.
June 13, 2023


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations in Vienna

Stephen Mubiru, Uganda's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Stephen Mubiru, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Uganda to the International Organizations in Vienna.
June 12, 2023


Austria Supports IAEA with 1 Million Euro for Nuclear Safety in Ukraine

Austria has decided to support nuclear safety efforts in Ukraine by providing one million euros to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
June 11, 2023


NEFI Study Shows Paths to Climate-Neutral Industry in Austria

A recent study by the innovation network NEFI - New Energy for Industry has provided important impetus for a climate-neutral future for Austrian industry. In 2021, the domestic manufacturing industry was responsible for more than one-third of the total CO2 emissions in Austria. The NEFI experts have now developed three scenarios that show concrete ways to transform the industrial energy system.
June 11, 2023


UNOOSA and ESA Collaborate to Launch Space Solutions Database Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

In a joint effort to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have introduced a comprehensive database, known as the Space Solutions Compendium (SSC), to showcase ongoing and past projects by space agencies.
June 7, 2023