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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
Austria Confirms Brussels Budget Negotiations and Resilience of International Partnerships
Over the past few days, Austria has been at the center of European attention in several respects. While Finance Minister Gunter Mayr presented a new budget path in Brussels, interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg focused on strengthening international relations during his inaugural visit to the EU. Both developments are crucial for Austria's role within the European Union.
Yesterday
Viennese Woman Kidnapped in Niger: Unclear Situation and Intensive Efforts for Clarification
Following the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Viennese woman in Niger, there are still no clues as to her whereabouts or the identity of the kidnappers. The Austrian Foreign Ministry confirmed the events and stated that the crisis team coordinated the investigation. A representative of the Austrian embassy in Algiers, which is responsible for Niger, is already on her way to the West African country to help on the ground.
Yesterday
Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD
The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.
January 12, 2025
Alexander Schallenberg Takes Over the Chancellery and Focuses on Continuity
Following the resignation of Karl Nehammer on January 10, 2025, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has entrusted the previous Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg with the continuation of the business of the Federal Chancellery and the chairmanship of the provisional Federal Government. Schallenberg, who already served as Chancellor from October to December 2021, will remain Foreign Minister. He sees his new role as a responsibility to ensure stability in a difficult political phase and to lead the country until a new government is formed.
January 12, 2025
ECJ Ruling Censures Austrian Data Protection Authority: Excessive Complaints or Structural Problem?
A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) caused quite a stir: The Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) was reprimanded by the ECJ because it had rejected the processing of complaints as “excessive” due to their sheer number. The Court clarified that such a limitation of complaints is inadmissible as long as no abusive intention on the part of the complainant can be proven.
January 9, 2025
Signa insolvency: Ex-managers to be Liable for One Billion Euros
Insolvency administrator Norbert Abel is stepping up the pace in the case surrounding the spectacular insolvency of Signa Prime Selection AG: 13 months after filing for insolvency at the end of November 2023, letters of liability were sent to former members of the company's Management Board and Supervisory Board shortly before the turn of the year.
January 9, 2025
Skills Shortage in Vienna: Thousands of Jobs at the City of Vienna Remain Unfilled
The City of Vienna is facing a major challenge: The ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the retirement wave of the baby boomers require massive efforts to continue guaranteeing a functioning municipal administration and services of general interest. Despite extensive recruitment measures, thousands of positions are still unfilled.
January 9, 2025
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
Energy Partnership: Uniper Secures Natural Gas Supplies from OMV Petrom from 2027
According to insider information, the German energy group Uniper has concluded a long-term supply agreement with the Romanian OMV subsidiary OMV Petrom. From 2027, Uniper will purchase natural gas from Romania, extracted from the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. The agreement covers the supply of 15 terawatt hours of natural gas over five years. This corresponds to around 1.5 percent of total German gas imports in 2024.
January 7, 2025
Discussion on Europe's Future after Trump's Re-election at the Burgtheater Vienna
Donald Trump's re-election is causing a stir not only in the USA but also in Europe. While right-wing parties are celebrating Trump's victory as confirmation of their political agenda, liberal forces are concerned about the potential impact on transatlantic relations. It is precisely this area of tension that is the focus of a high-profile panel discussion at the Burgtheater in Vienna.
January 7, 2025
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support
In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.
January 2, 2025
Signa Development Selection and Signa Prime: Real Estate Giants on the Brink
The Supreme Court's (OGH) decision to reject the appeal on points of law by Signa Development Selection AG and a German investor has closed another chapter in the liquidation of René Benko's billion-euro real estate group. Previously, the restructuring plan for Signa Prime, another central company of the group, had already failed. The insolvency of the Signa Group represents one of the biggest economic crises in Austria's history.
December 30, 2024
Financial Fraud as a “Growth Industry”: Record Losses and New Scams According to the Austrian Financial Market Authority
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) is sounding the alarm: financial fraud has developed into a real “growth industry”. According to the authority's latest figures, the total loss reported by financial fraudsters in 2024 amounted to around 15.5 million euros - an increase compared to the previous year, when the figure was 12.8 million euros. The dramatic increase in crypto-based fraud cases is particularly worrying. According to the FMA, the majority of these fraud cases could indicate that illegal financial markets are increasingly attracting the attention of criminals.
December 23, 2024
Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Ostchem Holding GmbH: Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash in Financial Difficulties
Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Salzburg Regional Court against Ostchem Holding GmbH, a company linked to a major oligarch in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash, considered one of Ukraine's most influential and wealthiest oligarchs, is the company's majority shareholder, which has increasingly run into financial difficulties in recent years.
December 23, 2024
The Marsalek Espionage Case: A Web of Intrigue and Agents
The espionage affair surrounding former Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek has developed into one of Europe's biggest secret service scandals. New revelations show how deep and widely ramified the network of the fugitive manager, who is said to be operating on behalf of Russian intelligence services, is. The case reveals not only a complex network of agents and connections but also an alarming security situation in Austria and beyond.
December 22, 2024
Poland and Austria Network in the Field of Fintech and Finance
The Polish Embassy in Vienna hosted the conference “Poland and Austria: cooperation and exchange of expertise. Fintech and finance” took place. The event brought together many experts, industry representatives, and decision-makers from Poland and Austria. The aim was to network the dynamically growing Polish fintech sector with the stable and well-regulated Austrian financial market and explore potential cooperation areas.
December 18, 2024
OMV Abandons Plans to Sell Exploration Business in New Zealand
Following an intensive review, the Executive Board of OMV Aktiengesellschaft has decided not to pursue the sale process for the exploration and production (E&P) business in New Zealand. OMV New Zealand Limited will, therefore, remain part of the partly state-owned energy company's E&P portfolio.
December 17, 2024
Westbahn Expands Offer: New Overnight Connection from Vienna to Salzburg
With the timetable change on December 15, 2024, the Westbahn is introducing a significant innovation: a daily night connection from Vienna to Salzburg. This additional late-night connection is aimed in particular at commuters, night owls, and travelers who want to travel comfortably from Vienna to the West even late at night.
December 16, 2024
Further EU Infringement Proceedings Initiated Against Austria
The European Commission has initiated further infringement proceedings against Austria. The reason: is non-compliance with EU regulations on the recognition of professional qualifications. The Commission sees this as violating the rules intended to make it easier for freelancers and employees to work temporarily and occasionally in other Member States.
December 16, 2024
Austria Joins Artemis Accords: A Milestone for International Space Cooperation
Austria has become the 50th country to sign the Artemis Accords, thus taking an important step towards international cooperation in space research. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer signed the agreement in the presence of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State at the US Department of State.
December 12, 2024
OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture
The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
December 12, 2024
OPEC Revises Forecasts and Cadre: Decline in Global Oil Demand Expected
OPEC has revised its expectations for global oil demand in 2024 and 2025 downwards for the fifth time in a row. At the same time, the organization is celebrating the eighth anniversary of the “Declaration of Cooperation” and appointing new leaders.
December 12, 2024
New Flight Connection Between Vienna and Chengdu Inaugurated
Hainan Airlines links Europe and Asia with a new direct flight route between Vienna and Chengdu. The opening of the route was attended by a prominent delegation, including Qi Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria, Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG, Meng Fanzhuang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, and Zhang Zhuo, General Manager Austria of Hainan Airlines. The event marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between Austria and China.
December 12, 2024
Reforms as the Key to the Future of the EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Road to Membership
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, for a working meeting in Vienna. The meeting focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession process, bilateral relations, and current foreign policy issues. The message was clear: reforms are the key to the country's EU future.
December 11, 2024
Polish Minister Katarzyna Kotula Visits Austria: Joint Impulses for European Equality Policy
The Polish Minister for Gender Equality, Katarzyna Kotula, visited Austria. The focus of her visit was a meeting with the Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Youth and Integration, Susanne Raab. The talks focused on gender equality policies in Europe, particularly in Poland and Austria, as well as on anti-discrimination laws in both countries. The plans of the Polish EU Council Presidency, which Poland will assume from January 2025, were also discussed.
December 11, 2024
OMV Terminates Gas Supply Contract with Gazprom
OMV has terminated its long-term gas supply contract with the Russian energy group Gazprom with immediate effect. According to OMV, this was due to “fundamental breaches of contract” by Gazprom, in particular, because no gas deliveries have taken place since November 16, 2024. This decision represents a turning point in Austrian energy policy and marks the end of a business relationship that has lasted over 50 years.
December 11, 2024
Austria Halts Asylum Procedure for Syrians: Consequences and Reactions
One day after the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Austria and many other European countries drastically revised their asylum policies for Syrian citizens. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum procedures and to review existing grants of asylum. This also applies to family reunification, which will be temporarily halted. Germany, Italy, and Great Britain have also taken similar steps.
December 11, 2024
Firtash Remains in Vienna for the Time Being: Regional Court Stops Extradition to the USA
The long-running legal dispute over Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash's extradition to the USA has taken a new turn. The Vienna Regional Court ruled that the controversial businessman's extradition to the United States was inadmissible. However, this decision may not be the last word in the internationally sensational case, as the Vienna public prosecutor's office has already announced that it will appeal by December 16.
December 4, 2024
René Benko at the Center of International Investigations: Arrest Warrant from Italy for Real Estate Projects
An international warrant for the arrest of Austrian real estate entrepreneur René Benko, founder of the Signa empire, has triggered a wave of investigations extending from Italy to Austria and Germany. The accusations range from corruption and criminal association to violations of tax law. While Benko was questioned in Tyrol and remains at large, extensive investigations are underway in Italy, involving over 100 searches and the arrest of nine suspects.
December 3, 2024
Jewish Museum Vienna Kicks Off Anniversary Year with Gala in New York
A special gala dinner was held in the elegant rooms of Christie's New York to mark the start of the 130th anniversary year of the Jewish Museum Vienna. This exclusive event brought together important personalities from the worlds of culture, business, and diplomacy and paid tribute to the historical significance of the world's first Jewish museum, which opened in Vienna in 1895.
December 3, 2024
Igor Strehl Launches Dunaj Family Office Consulting in Vienna
With the founding of Dunaj Family Office Consulting 24/7 GmbH, Igor Strehl, an experienced expert in the field of financial and real estate management, is establishing a new player in the Austrian consulting landscape. The company, which specializes in investments, relocations, and property management, is positioning itself as a comprehensive service provider and trustworthy partner for private and institutional clients in Austria.
December 2, 2024
KTM Facing Insolvency: Effects on Upper Austria and the Austrian Economy
The longstanding Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is on the brink of collapse. The company filed applications for restructuring proceedings with self-administration with the Ried Regional Court. The company's financial difficulties are serious: with liabilities of over 1.8 billion euros, the KTM crisis is one of the biggest insolvencies in the history of Austrian industry.
December 2, 2024
Cultural Bridge between Austria and Japan: Schönbrunn Palace and Himeji Castle Enter Into Partnership
Two of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and Himeji Castle in Japan signed a partnership agreement. This cooperation aims to preserve cultural treasures, exchange knowledge, and promote sustainable tourism and cultural education. The signing ceremony took place in the magnificent White and Gold Rooms of Schönbrunn Palace and was attended by high-ranking representatives from both countries.
December 2, 2024
Islamic Religious Community in Austria on the Future of Imam Training
With the symposium “Imams in modern society: training paths and social responsibility”, the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) initiated a discussion about the role of imams in Austria. The event aimed to lay the foundations for Austrian imam training that does justice to both the religious traditions of Muslim communities and the requirements of a pluralistic society.
December 2, 2024
New Institute in Vienna with Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Society
The luxury hotel SO/Vienna opened its doors for an event on the technological future: “AI & The Future: The Age of Machines” by a new think tank in Vienna, the Vienna Institute for Global Studies.
November 28, 2024
Viennese Sausage Stand Becomes UNESCO Cultural Heritage: A Tribute to the Viennese Way of Life
The Viennese sausage stand culture has been officially added to UNESCO's national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. With this recognition, the sausage stand joins the prestigious list of Austrian traditions and is now on par with Vienna's coffee house and wine tavern culture. The decision underlines the cultural and social significance of this institution, which goes far beyond its culinary role.
November 27, 2024
BRICS 2024: Diplomacy Between Myths and Reality
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, was highlighted by Dmitry Lyubinsky, the Russian Ambassador to Austria, as one of the most important global events of 2024. In his statement, Lyubinsky repeatedly criticized the portrayal of the alliance in Western media and addressed supposed myths surrounding BRICS. But how convincing are his arguments?
November 26, 2024
Concert Night at the Austrian Foreign Ministry: Music as a Bridge between Cultures
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg hosted a special concert evening at the Palais Niederösterreich under the motto “The unifying power of music”. For the second time, this event, organized by the Foreign Ministry's “Dialogue of Cultures” task force, was an impressive example of how art and music can build bridges and promote dialogue.
November 26, 2024
Austria's Commitment to Freedom of Religion and Belief: From Red Wednesday to International Alliances
On “Red Wednesday”, a campaign by the international Catholic aid organization Aid to the Church in Need, the focus is on the fate of millions of persecuted, oppressed, and threatened Christians. Numerous buildings around the world, including in Austria, will be illuminated in red to commemorate the victims of persecution and violence. The Austrian Foreign Ministry has actively supported this campaign for years and is committed to freedom of religion and belief as well as the protection of religious minorities - at national and international levels.
November 24, 2024
Arrest Warrants Against Netanyahu and Gallant: Austria Sharply Criticizes ICC Decision
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. This decision has sparked fierce international debate and provoked harsh criticism - including from Austria. The Austrian Foreign Ministry published a clear statement describing the arrest warrants as “incomprehensible and incomprehensible”.
November 24, 2024
Focus on European and Global Economic Interdependencies: 21st Vienna Economic Forum 2024
High-ranking representatives from business and politics gathered at the House of Engineers in Vienna to take part in the 21st Vienna Economic Forum - Vienna Future Dialogue 2024. Under this year's motto “Regional economy as part of the European and global economy”, the forum was all about economic and political dialog. The event provided a platform for analyzing the challenges of the present and working together to develop paths for a sustainable future.
November 21, 2024
Lower Austria's Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG Records Significant Drop in Profits
Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG (SBO), a leading global supplier of specialized equipment for the oil and gas industry, recorded a significant decline in net profit in the first three quarters of 2024. With a slump of 38 percent, profit fell to 34.4 million euros, highlighting the challenges of a volatile market and geopolitical uncertainties.
November 21, 2024
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi Honored with the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was honored with the Henry De Wolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award at the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Winter Conference in Florida. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
November 20, 2024
Vienna Stars as European Capital of Democracy 2024/25
Vienna was officially named the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25. The Year of Democracy, in which the city will implement a diverse program to promote democratic participation and co-determination, began at a festive event. Vienna is the second city after Barcelona to hold this title.
November 20, 2024
Iran Announces Limitation of Uranium Production: IAEA and the International Community are Watching Closely
Iran has announced that it will voluntarily limit its production of highly enriched uranium. This decision was announced by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, following talks with high-ranking Iranian officials in Tehran. The measure is seen as an important step towards de-escalation, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the region.
November 19, 2024
1,000 Days of War: Austria Steps Up Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine and Moldova
Tuesday, November 21, 2024, marks the 1,000th anniversary of the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg condemned the “brutal war of aggression in violation of international law”, which has plunged Ukraine into a humanitarian and economic crisis for 1,000 days.
November 19, 2024
Austria and Liechtenstein to Chair the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region in 2025
The handover ceremony for the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) took place at Brdo Castle in Slovenia. From January 2025, Austria and Liechtenstein will jointly take over the leadership from Slovenia.
November 19, 2024
Russian Gas Flow to Austria: Stop of Gazprom Deliveries without Noticeable Effects
Despite the cessation of gas deliveries by the Russian energy group Gazprom to the Austrian OMV, the gas flow to Austria remains stable. Deliveries were registered at the important Baumgarten hub in Lower Austria, albeit with a slight reduction compared to previous months.
November 19, 2024
Celebrities and Journalists from Austria, Europe and America Leave X
The once important platform Twitter, now known as X, is experiencing a massive decline in prominent users. While international personalities such as Stephen King or media outlets such as the British Guardian have announced their departure, the exodus is also becoming visible in Austria. Numerous opinion leaders and journalists have closed their accounts under the hashtag #eXit.
November 17, 2024
Meet the New Permanent Observer of the Council of Europe to the International Organizations in Vienna
Hermine Poppeller, the Council of Europe's new permanent observer, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Hermine Poppeller, the new permanent observer of the Council of Europe to the International Organizations in Vienna.
November 14, 2024
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