Latest Headlines about other Organizations in Vienna

Read the latest headlines about developments at other organizations participating in the business, diplomatic and cultural environment of Vienna, Austria

Ex-Meinl Austrian Banker Peter Weinzierl in U.S. Pretrial Detention

The former CEO of the now-defunct Meinl Bank, Peter Weinzierl, is in custody in the United States. After years of investigations and complex extradition proceedings, the 59-year-old Austrian was transferred to a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York.

Yesterday

Austria Strengthens its Commitment to the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Gymnich Meeting

While the EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine at the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and discussed security policy decisions for Europe, the Austrian federal government also sent a clear signal: Wolfgang Anzengruber, an experienced economic and energy expert, was appointed national coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

May 8, 2025

Austria Plans Holocaust Museum: Government Launches Feasibility Study

The Austrian Federal Government unanimously approved a feasibility study for establishing a Holocaust Museum. This marks the start of a politically and socially significant process which - more than 80 years after the end of the Second World War - is intended to permanently anchor the memory of the systematic extermination of Jewish life by the Nazi regime in the center of the capital.

May 8, 2025

Joint European Police Raids on Benko in Austria, Italy, and Germany

In one of the largest cross-border raids in recent years, an international team of investigators has taken action against the imprisoned former real estate mogul René Benko and his Signa empire. Officials from Austria, Germany, and Italy simultaneously searched dozens of properties - including the Tyrol department store in Innsbruck, the Signa headquarters in Vienna's Palais Ferstel, and several warehouses and foundation offices.

May 7, 2025

EU Commission Initiates Several Infringement Proceedings Against Austria

The European Commission has initiated a series of infringement proceedings against Austria. Brussels sees considerable omissions in several areas - from customs and labor law to environmental law. Particularly explosive is a complaint before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) due to a far-reaching dispute of competence in the Danube Commission, which is steeped in tradition. Austria is therefore facing a wide range of accusations under European law.

May 7, 2025

Erste Group Expands into Poland: Takeover of Santander Bank Polska worth Billions

The Austrian Erste Group Bank AG has announced a step towards expansion in Central and Eastern Europe. The bank is acquiring a 49 percent stake in Santander Bank Polska for around EUR 6.8 billion and a 50 percent stake in asset manager Santander TFI for a further EUR 200 million. This transaction made Erste Group the third-largest bank in Poland and expanded its customer base in the region to around 23 million people.

May 5, 2025

Concordia Ball 2025: An Anniversary Celebration for Freedom of the Press and Waltz Tradition

On May 23, 2025, Vienna City Hall will again be transformed into a glittering ballroom when the 125th Concordia Ball takes place. Organized by the Concordia Press Club, this traditional ball is dedicated to freedom of the press and at the same time honors Vienna's musical heritage.

April 29, 2025 · Sponsored Content

Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs

Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.

April 29, 2025

Vienna Welcomes Sainer's Vibrant 'Kolorganism' Exhibition at Künstlerhaus with the Support of the Polish Embassy

Venna’s historic Künstlerhaus became the stage for a striking encounter with contemporary art as it hosted the vernissage of Kolorganism, the latest exhibition by Polish artist Przemysław Blejzyk, widely known by his artistic moniker, Sainer. Organized as part of the International Cultural Programme accompanying Poland’s 2025 EU Council Presidency, the event drew a full house of art lovers, cultural figures, politicians, and diplomats, all eager to immerse themselves in Sainer’s colorful world.

April 28, 2025

Vienna Election 2025: SPÖ Leads, FPÖ Surges, Coalitions Still Unclear

The results of Vienna’s 2025 municipal elections confirm major political shifts in Austria’s capital. While the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) maintained its leading position, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) posted historic gains. For expats and new residents of Vienna, the election reflects significant changes in the city’s political landscape that could influence future policies on housing, transport, and climate action.

April 28, 2025

The Western Balkan Mafia and its Operations: Vienna's Most Dangerous Shadow War

It is a hidden war that has long since left its mark in the heart of Vienna: The merciless power struggle between the Kavač and Škaljari clans, two of the most powerful drug cartels in Europe, is shaking not only their home country of Montenegro but also Austria and the rest of the world. One of Europe's most wanted criminals from these cartels has vanished into thin air. Austria is determined to track him down.

April 28, 2025

Peter Edelmann Takes Over the Directorship of Klosterneuburg Opera with Puccini's “Tosca” as a Prelude

The renowned opera festival “operklosterneuburg” is entering a new era in 2025 with a breath of fresh air and great artistic ambition: the internationally renowned baritone and experienced opera director Peter Edelmann has been introduced as artistic director. His first season gets off to a spectacular start, with a new production of Giacomo Puccini's opera classic “Tosca”, which premieres on July 5, 2025, in the venerable imperial court of the Augustinian canons' monastery.

April 24, 2025 · Sponsored Content

Russian Court of Appeal Confirms Billion-Dollar Fine Against Raiffeisen Subsidiary

A Russian appeals court in St. Petersburg has confirmed the decision of a court of first instance, according to which the Russian subsidiary of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), AO Raiffeisenbank, must pay over two billion euros to the Cypriot company Rasperia Trading Limited. However, this could also mean two exemptions at the same time - and one of them in Austria.

April 24, 2025

Austrian Company Palmers: Hope for Rescue by International Investor

The traditional Austrian underwear manufacturer Palmers, which had to file for insolvency in February 2025, may be about to be rescued by a foreign investor. The regional court in Wiener Neustadt has decided that the company can continue to operate for now, but financial support is urgently needed.

April 24, 2025

Rosenkranz Meets Orbán in Budapest: Political Rapprochement Causes Criticism

National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) has made an official visit to Budapest and met with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other leading representatives of the right-wing nationalist governing party Fidesz.

April 23, 2025

Strengthening the Economic Bridge Between China and Austria at the 15th Investment Seminar in Vienna

The 15th seminar on “Austria as an investment location” took place in the Austrian capital in the context of growing economic ties between China and Europe. The event was organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Vienna, under the direction of Ambassador Qi Mei. The high-caliber event brought together representatives from Austrian federal authorities, economic institutions, and federal states as well as numerous executives from Chinese companies operating in Austria.

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis Deceased: Expressions of Grief From Austria

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the Vatican confirmed, the Holy Father succumbed to the consequences of a stroke. The world is mourning the loss of a head of the Church who championed social justice, interreligious dialogue, and a church of closeness like no other. Many voices of grief and condolences have also been heard from Austria.

April 21, 2025

ECB Cuts Key Interest Rate Again: Vienna Stock Exchange Reacts Cautiously

The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rate again, for the seventh time since June 2024. The deposit rate, a key reference value for banks and savers, was lowered by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25 percent. The measure had been expected, but its frequency and the tone of the ECB's communication make it clear that the situation is serious.

April 17, 2025

Austria Backs Multilateralism and Calls for Strengthening of International Cooperation in Vienna

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger opened the constituent meeting of the Council for Austrian Integration and Foreign Policy (RIA) in Vienna. In her speech, she emphasized the central role of multilateral organizations such as the EU, the UN, and the OSCE in ensuring security and stability in the face of global tensions.

April 17, 2025

Austria Wants to Attract U.S. Researchers to Europe as a Science Location

In view of drastic cuts in research funding by the US government under President Donald Trump, the American scientific landscape is currently experiencing considerable turbulence. This development offers European countries, especially Austria, the opportunity to attract highly qualified researchers and strengthen their own research location.

April 17, 2025

Tri-national Military Exercise in Austrian Allentsteig with Almost 1,000 Swiss Soldiers

The multinational military exercise “TRIAS25” began at the Allentsteig military training area in Lower Austria. Around 1,300 soldiers from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria will be training together until May 9. The exercise aims to strengthen the interoperability of the armed forces and test new operational concepts.

April 15, 2025

OMV Stops Fuel Procurement from Serbian NIS due to U.S. Sanctions

The Austrian oil, gas, and chemicals group OMV has stopped purchasing fuel from the Serbian energy company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) due to the threat of U.S. sanctions. NIS is majority-owned by the Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Gazprom.

April 10, 2025

FACC Recovers Millions Lost in Sophisticated Fraud Scheme: Spotlight on China’s Role in International Asset Recovery

Austrian aerospace manufacturer FACC, based in Ried im Innkreis, has finally recovered €10.8 million, nearly a decade after falling victim to one of the largest corporate fraud cases in the country's history. The case, which involved deceptive emails, impersonation of top executives, and complex international money transfers, not only reshaped the company’s internal controls but also tested the limits of global legal cooperation—especially between Austria and China, where a portion of the stolen money had been frozen for years.

April 10, 2025

Austrian Securities Ownership Reaches New Heights

A recent survey reveals a significant increase in the number of Austrians investing in securities, highlighting a shift towards private pension planning amid economic challenges.

April 9, 2025

U.S. Tariffs Cause Tensions: Austria between Willingness to Negotiate and Strong Response

Transatlantic economic relations are once again being put to the test. Following the US decision to impose import tariffs on European products - particularly steel, aluminum, and a range of industrial goods - under former President Donald Trump, the EU has responded with a second package of sanctions. Stakeholders in Austria are also taking a clear stance - between calls for diplomacy and calls for consistency.

April 9, 2025

Voices from Vienna Against Republika Srpska Leaders Amid Constitutional Crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Austria and Germany have imposed targeted travel bans against three high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska (RS) – including RS President Milorad Dodik – accusing them of endangering the constitutional integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Meanwhile, the OSCE condemned legislative and institutional moves undermining BiH’s sovereignty and legal structure as well as assuring the organization's support for stability in the region.

April 9, 2025

Economic Dialogue with a Signaling Effect: China and Austria Intensify Cooperation

Economic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria have taken a significant step forward. The focus was on the official visit of a high-ranking Chinese business delegation led by Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), accompanied by intensive talks with political decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and institutions in Vienna.

April 7, 2025

René Benko Remains in Pre-Trial Custody: Investigations Against Signa Founder Widen

The Regional Court for Criminal Matters in Vienna has extended the pre-trial detention of Austrian real estate entrepreneur René Benko by a further two months. The court cited the continuing danger of the offense as the reason for this.

April 7, 2025

China's Ambassador QI Mei in Dialogue with Austrian Parliamentary Leadership

The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, held important diplomatic talks with leading representatives of the Austrian Parliament to further deepen bilateral relations between China and Austria. Within a few days, the Ambassador held talks with the two top representatives of the Austrian legislature - National Council President Dr. Walter Rosenkranz and Federal Council President Dr. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler.

April 6, 2025

Vienna Plans Traffic-Restricted Inner City with Camera-Based Access Control

After years of discussion, the traffic restriction measures in Vienna's inner city are about to be implemented. A planned amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO) is to create the legal framework for automated camera access management. This amendment is being submitted to the government by Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and is due to come into force on January 1, 2026.

April 6, 2025

Polish Diplomats Discuss New Geopolitical Reality at Conference in Vienna

Under the title “European Security in the New Geopolitical Reality”, political and diplomatic representatives, as well as experts, gathered to discuss Europe's security policy challenges in times of global upheaval. The conference, organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna and the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), sent a strong signal about the need for a common European course.

April 2, 2025

French Ambassador Matthieu Peyraud Meets Sociologist Michel Wieviorka

The French Ambassador to Austria, Matthieu Peyraud, met the renowned sociologist Michel Wieviorka in the run-up to the 33rd Jewish Film Festival Vienna. Wieviorka, known for his extensive research on anti-Semitism, racism, and terrorism, gave a lecture on “Combating anti-Semitism among young teachers and students” at the festival opening.

April 2, 2025

China's Ambassador Visits the Austrian Theatres-Holding in Vienna

The recent visit of Chinese Ambassador Qi Mei to the Bundestheater-Holding underlines the increasing importance of cultural exchange between Austria and China. The focus is on joint theater projects, artist exchanges, and the strengthening of bilateral relations in the performing arts.

April 2, 2025

Taxes Rising, Deficit Growing: Austria Faces EU Criminal Proceedings

Austria is threatened with EU deficit proceedings - at 4.7 percent of GDP, the budget deficit is well above the Maastricht limit. To counteract this, the federal government is taking the first noticeable steps - above all, tax increases on tobacco, betting, e-vehicles, and court fees. However, experts warn that the road to budget consolidation is rocky and politically explosive.

April 1, 2025

Ambassador Qi Mei Visits the University of Vienna: Sinology as a Bridge between China and Austria

In the spirit of bilateral relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, paid an official visit to the Department of East Asian Studies and Sinology at the University of Vienna. Her visit underlined the growing importance of academic exchange and intercultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

April 1, 2025

Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer Nominated for Top Job at EU Bank

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) has nominated former Federal Chancellor and ex-ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer for a position on the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

April 1, 2025

Vienna as a Safe Haven for Ukrainian Corruption Suspects

In recent years, Vienna has become a preferred retreat for Ukrainian citizens who are wanted in their home country on corruption charges. Among them are high-ranking personalities such as the former head of the National Bank, Kyrylo Shevchenko, a former deputy minister, the chairman of a state-owned arms company, a former member of parliament, and several oligarchs. Austria's cautious extradition practice compared to countries such as Germany or Poland contributes to this trend.

March 31, 2025

Hope for De-escalation: Iran and IAEA Continued Talks on Nuclear Program

A new attempt to revive cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gives cause for hope. A meeting in Vienna between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi marks a potential turning point in an increasingly tense geopolitical conflict over Iran's nuclear program.

March 31, 2025

Rediscovered Turner on Offer in Vienna for 38 Million Euros

A true treasure of art history is currently on sale at the Artziwna Gallery in Vienna: A rediscovered painting by the British Romantic painter William Turner is up for direct sale for a whopping 38 million euros.

March 31, 2025

Russian Espionage Affair in Austria: A Targeted Disinformation Campaign in the Heart of Europe

Austria is once again at the center of an espionage scandal: The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has uncovered an extensive Russian disinformation campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion in favor of Russia and to the detriment of Ukraine.

March 24, 2025

Iran Demands Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations With the USA

The Iranian government is prepared to accept the negotiations on its nuclear program offered by US President Donald Trump but has set clear conditions regarding the sanctions against the Iranian economy, society, and the state itself.

March 23, 2025

Significant Increase in Terrorism and Youth Crime Cases in Vienna

Vienna is facing a noticeable increase in terrorism and youth crime cases. Recent figures from the Public Prosecutor's Office reveal a sharp rise over the past two years. What factors are driving this development, and how are authorities responding? Here’s what the authorities know so far.

March 20, 2025

Swarovski Back on the Road to Success: Lux-Ignite Strategy Shows Results

After years of challenges, the Tyrolean crystal group Swarovski is back on the road to success. For the first time in five years, the company is in the black and recorded a significant increase in sales in the 2024 financial year. Thanks to the ambitious Lux-ignite strategy and a strong fourth quarter, CEO Alexis Nasard succeeded in returning the long-established company to profitability. But it was not an easy road.

March 20, 2025

Glamor and Diplomacy at the Diplomatic Ball 2025 in Vienna

On April 12, 2025, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna will once again open its magnificent doors for the annual Diplomatic Ball. For the 30th time, the historic building will be the setting for a glittering evening where diplomats, students, and personalities from business and politics celebrate together. The ball is not only a social highlight, but also a stage for international networking - and all for a good cause.

March 20, 2025

Economic Forum in Vienna: Poland and Austria in Dialogue on Security and Economy

As part of the Polish EU Council Presidency, the high-caliber forum “Ensuring Security and Freedom of Business - Polish and Austrian Perspectives” took place at the headquarters of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). The event, which was organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna in cooperation with the WKÖ, brought together over 130 representatives from public institutions, business organizations, and various industries from both countries. The event aimed to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the areas of energy security, digital transformation, and economic policy at the EU level.

March 19, 2025

Vienna Elections 2025: Citizenship and Voting Rights at the Center of the Debate

Vienna's municipal and district council elections are scheduled for April 27. Originally planned for the fall, the election was brought forward in order to send a signal against a possible FPÖ-ÖVP federal government. In addition to party political strategies, one debate dominates the political landscape: the question of voting rights and citizenship.

March 19, 2025

The Austrian Institute of Technology Aims to Become a Leading Institution in Applying Modern AI Methods

The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is pursuing ambitious goals: It wants to establish itself as a leading institution for applying modern artificial intelligence (AI) methods. At the heart of this strategy is the “AI Factory Austria” (AI:AT), a flagship project to strengthen the Austrian AI sector and promote the country's technological sovereignty. With European co-financing and broad support from business and science, the initiative is seen as a milestone for Austria as a location for innovation.

March 19, 2025

Steyr Motors Flying High: Defense Business and Expansion Drive Growth

The Austrian specialty engine manufacturer Steyr Motors is experiencing a remarkable economic upswing. Thanks to the increased demand for military technology, in particular high-performance engines for armored vehicles and special boats, the company was able to significantly increase its sales and profits. In addition, consistent expansion in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa is ensuring further growth.

March 18, 2025

Austrian Bishops' Conference Meets in Hungary for the First Time Without Cardinal Schönborn

For the first time in its history, the Austrian Bishops' Conference is holding its spring plenary meeting at the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma in Hungary. Following the resignation of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, he will no longer be attending the meeting. He will be replaced by the Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl.

March 14, 2025

Austria Plans Decision on Long-Range Missile Defense by 2028

The Austrian government has set itself the goal of making a decision on the acquisition of a long-range air defense system by 2028.

March 14, 2025