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

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

Arbitration Court Awards OMV 230 Million Euros in Dispute with Gazprom

A significant legal victory for OMV: the Austrian energy group has successfully concluded arbitration proceedings against Gazprom Export under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

November 14, 2024

Vienna's MA 35: Progress at the Dreaded Office, but Challenges Remain

Vienna's MA 35, responsible for immigration and citizenship, has long been regarded as a symbol of inefficient administration and endless waiting times. The City of Vienna wants to counteract this image with a comprehensive reform process. Initial successes have been achieved, but not all problems have been solved.

November 13, 2024

Against Forgetting Political Prisoners in Belarus: “Connection” at Playhouse Vienna

Belarusian artist Maryna Yakubovich presented her solo performance “Connection” at Schauspielhaus Wien. This one-woman play focuses on the courageous resistance against political oppression in Belarus and sheds light on the dramatic situation of the opposition. The performance occurred as part of the Artists Solidarity Program Europe (ASoP) of the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

November 13, 2024

Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Stop to Tel Aviv and Tehran

The tense security situation in the Middle East is having an impact on international air traffic. Austrian Airlines (AUA) is reacting to the current situation and is further suspending its flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran.

November 11, 2024

New Bankruptcy in the Signa Group: Signa Development Icon GmbH Will not be Continued

The economic turbulence surrounding the Signa Group shows no sign of abating. The creditor protection association Creditreform announced that Signa Development Icon GmbH has filed for bankruptcy proceedings, which will not be continued in the future. "The Icon Vienna" houses prominent companies and diplomatic missions and is a subsidiary of the Signa Development Selection AG, which had previously filed for insolvency.

November 11, 2024

Othmar Karas is the New President of the European Forum Alpbach

Othmar Karas, long-time ÖVP-EU politician and former Vice-President of the European Parliament, is the new President of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA). With the handover from Andreas Treichl, who successfully reoriented the Forum over the last four years, Karas takes over the leadership of one of the most important platforms for European dialogue on future issues. Othmar Karas has already announced his plans for an even more international and European forum.

November 10, 2024

Focus on Environmental Disasters: Austria and Italy Intensify Cooperation in Environmental Monitoring

At the Italian Embassy in Vienna, international experts and representatives from politics, science, and civil protection discussed innovative methods for monitoring environmental disasters. The event emphasized the urgency of cross-sectoral cooperation and the exchange of scientific findings to overcome global environmental crises.

November 10, 2024

Official Commemoration of November Pogroms Overshadowed by Protests Against Walter Rosenkranz

Vienna remembers the November pogroms of 1938: a moving light installation and memorial events at the Shoah Wall of Names commemorate the more than 65,000 Jewish victims in Austria. However, the official commemoration was overshadowed by controversy when National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) met with resistance.

November 10, 2024

Austria's National Bank Chief: Budget Coffers are Filling Up Again

Robert Holzmann, Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, sees the high inflation of recent years as a major challenge for Austrian savers. Now that salaries have risen and household budgets are being replenished, he nevertheless urges caution. For a sustainable economic upturn, he says, consumer and investor confidence is essential.

November 10, 2024

62nd Round of Geneva Talks: Progress and Challenges in the Dialogue on the Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Delegations gathered at the Palais des Nations on November 5 and 6, 2024 for the 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus. The Geneva talks, which have been convened since 2008 following the Georgian-Russian war, provide a platform for dialog and diplomatic exchange between Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and representatives of the EU, OSCE, and the United Nations.

November 6, 2024

New EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner Approved by EU Parliament

The European Parliament has officially confirmed Magnus Brunner, the Austrian Minister of Finance (ÖVP), as the new EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration. During the hearings, Brunner presented his vision for the migration portfolio and caused a stir with his support for the full inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area. With this approach, Brunner departs from the previous ÖVP position and sends a clear signal for increased European cooperation in migration policy.

November 6, 2024

Austrian Construction Group Strabag Fined Millions in Germany for Cartel Agreements

Austria's largest construction group, STRABAG SE, is again in the headlines due to cartel allegations. The German Federal Cartel Office has imposed a hefty fine of 2.79 million euros on STRABAG AG, a subsidiary of STRABAG SE, headquartered in Cologne. The reason for the fine is an illegal bidding agreement in connection with the renovation of the famous Zoobrücke bridge in Cologne.

November 6, 2024

Intense Debates and Optimistic Solutions at the Vienna Migration Conference 2024

The annual Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place at Palais Liechtenstein and brought together more than 300 leading representatives from politics, academia, business, and civil society to debate current and future challenges in migration policy.

November 4, 2024

Brunner Faces Challenge at EU Hearing: Focus on Migration and Changing Schengen Position

The week of hearings for the candidates for the new EU Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen begins in Brussels. The candidates face intensive scrutiny by the European Parliament. Austria's candidate, the current Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), will face the questions and must in particular prove his suitability for his new migration portfolio.

November 4, 2024

Orbán's Controversial Visit to Vienna: Talks, Alliances and Criticism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Vienna caused a stir across Europe and highlighted the ideological tensions within the EU. His meetings with FPÖ representatives and the discussions about the war in Ukraine and the future of Europe divided opinion between supporters of national sovereignty and advocates of European integration.

November 3, 2024

Austria's Wooden Ribbon: A Symbol of Innovation for the Expo 2025

Austria is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka and recently presented the centerpiece of its pavilion in Lower Austria: a spiral-shaped wooden loop that symbolizes the motto “Composing the Future”. This impressive sculpture stands for Austrian craftsmanship and the strong connection to Japan, which is to be further strengthened by the Expo.

October 31, 2024

Anti-Semitism in Austria: IKG Records Dramatic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents

The Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) warns of a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. In the first half of 2024, the IKG's anti-Semitism reporting office registered a total of 808 anti-Semitic attacks and threats - an increase of around 160 percent compared to the previous year.

October 30, 2024

Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.

October 29, 2024

Moldova and the UAE Launch Space Technology Projects with UNOOSA and MBRSC

In a major international collaboration, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the winners of the second round of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI): the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) and the start-up Madari Space Limited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

October 29, 2024

OPEC Fund Intensifies Global Development Cooperation with New Financing Commitments

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced significant financing commitments of around half a billion US dollars at the 2024 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings to support climate action, food security, and infrastructure in various partner countries.

October 28, 2024

AUA Flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran Remain Suspended Due to Escalating Tensions

Austrian Airlines (AUA) is extending the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran due to the uncertain situation in the Middle East. Connections to the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv are expected to remain suspended until November 25, while flights to Tehran will be canceled until the end of November.

October 28, 2024

Maria Todorova and Balkan Research: “Mission Possible” in Vienna

Renowned historian Maria Todorova held a series of lectures in Vienna entitled “The Balkans: Mission Possible”, in which she presented new perspectives on the complex history and culture of the Balkans. The lectures, part of the IWM Lectures in Human Sciences, challenged common stereotypes and highlighted the region as a dynamic and culturally rich area.

October 27, 2024

Georgian Parliamentary Elections Characterized by Unevenness and Tension

Widespread tensions, political polarization, and numerous concerns about fairness marked the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. While voters had a choice of 18 parties and lists, international election observers, including the OSCE and the Council of Europe, criticized the conditions as unequal and prone to manipulation. In particular, the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Act, introduced shortly before the elections, exacerbated the conflict and significantly impaired the independence of civil society.

October 27, 2024

Austria in Pursuit of Compromises for the Next Government

After the 2024 National Council elections, exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ will now begin to pave the way for a new government in Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer with forming a government, even though the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl received the most votes. This decision led to criticism from the FPÖ, which continues to see itself as an important player in the political process.

October 24, 2024

Magnus Brunner Pleads for Schengen Accession of Bulgaria and Romania

In a published document, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has spoken out clearly in favor of Bulgaria and Romania's full admission to the Schengen area. Brunner emphasized that both countries meet all the necessary conditions for accession and called for the EU Council to abolish the remaining border controls.

October 24, 2024

Insolvency of Viennese Real Estate Developer Lukas Neugebauer and his LNR Group

Another Austrian real estate company has been hit by insolvency. Bankruptcy proceedings have now been opened at the Vienna Commercial Court over the assets of Viennese real estate developer Lukas Neugebauer and his LNR Group. The bankruptcy affects both B&R Generalunternehmer GmbH and LNR Development GmbH, two central companies in Neugebauer's real estate conglomerate. The insolvency affects 32 creditors who have claims totaling 94 million euros. The creditors have until December 30, 2024, to assert their claims.

October 23, 2024

Austria's State Security: Increasing Threat of Terrorism in Europe Since the Hamas Attack

In the last twelve months, the threat of planned terrorist attacks in Europe has increased significantly. The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) reported a fivefold increase in the number of detected attack plans since 7 October 2023, when the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. This development underlines the increasing security threat in Europe, particularly concerning geopolitical tensions.

October 23, 2024

Discussion on the Sobieski Monument in Vienna Continues

The discussion about a monument to King Jan III Sobieski in Vienna has picked up speed again. Since 2013, there have been calls for a monument to be erected on the Kahlenberg to the Polish king, who played a key role in saving Vienna from the Ottoman siege in 1683. Despite the failure of these efforts to date, in September 2024 the Polish embassy once again appealed to the relevant authorities to pay due tribute to this important chapter in European history.

October 21, 2024

Record Number of Company Bankruptcies in Vienna Burdens Economy and Labor Market

In Vienna, more than 1,100 companies filed for insolvency between January and September 2024, with the real estate sector particularly hard hit. This development contributes to rising unemployment, which has increased by 8.8% compared to the previous year. Experts blame the rise in the poor global economic situation, high inflation, and increased energy and rental costs. The increase is particularly worrying for retail and service companies, as shown by the example of Pepco, which has affected over 600 employees.

October 21, 2024

Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism

Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.

October 20, 2024

Inflation in Austria at its Lowest Level Since 2021

Inflation in Austria fell to 1.8 percent in September compared to the same month last year. This was the lowest figure for a good three and a half years, according to Statistics Austria.

October 19, 2024

ÖBB Increases Ticket Prices by 4.9 Percent

ÖBB announced that prices for standard tickets will increase by an average of 4.9 percent from December 15, 2024, in parallel with the winter timetable. This is the first price increase in 18 months. However, numerous tickets, including the popular Sparschiene tickets and seat reservations, will remain unaffected by the price adjustment.

October 17, 2024

FPÖ Election Victory Causes Unease in Western Intelligence Agencies

The FPÖ's election victory in Austria is causing concern among Western intelligence services. Experts fear restrictions in international cooperation due to previous security gaps in the Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the FPÖ's proximity to Russia. In particular, the exchange of sensitive information could be affected if the FPÖ is in government.

October 17, 2024

Austrian Defence Minister Tanner and European Consensus on Continuation of UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon

The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, which has been in operation since 1978, is to continue despite increasing attacks. The European troop contributors reaffirm their support to ensure stability and humanitarian aid.

October 16, 2024

Austrian Financial Market Authority Orders Forced Closure of Euram Bank

The Financial Market Authority (FMA) has withdrawn the business license of European American Investment Bank AG (Euram) in Vienna with immediate effect. This follows an extraordinary general meeting at which the bank failed to present a plausible plan for an orderly self-resolution. The bank should have either decided on a capital increase of 25 million euros or presented a credible liquidation strategy.

October 16, 2024

Stalemate after National Council Elections: Van der Bellen Calls for Revived Talks

Following the national elections in Austria, the country finds itself in a political impasse. President Alexander Van der Bellen declared in a speech that he would not give any party the task of forming a government at present due to the stalemate that has arisen. The FPÖ, which emerged from the election as the strongest force with 28.8%, is currently unable to find a coalition partner, as both the ÖVP and the other parties (SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens) refuse to cooperate with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.

October 15, 2024

Austria Excludes Solo Withdrawal from UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon

The escalation in southern Lebanon poses a significant threat to stability in the region, with UNIFIL continuing to attempt to maintain its security and observation mission despite the ongoing attacks. Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has ruled out a withdrawal of Austrian blue helmets in Lebanon on her own.

October 15, 2024

Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Suspension to Tehran and Tel Aviv

Due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Austrian Airlines (AUA) has decided to suspend flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until at least the end of October.

October 15, 2024

Music Giants Rock the Cineplexx Cinemas: A Trend Excites Austria

Concert films and music biographies bring the biggest stars to the big screen, creating a very special cinematic experience. Among others, Coldplay's “Moon Music” and Whitney Houston's “Durban Concert” celebrated great success. These films not only offer high-resolution picture and sound quality but also allow fans to experience their favorite artists' concerts together without the inconvenience of a live event.

October 15, 2024

Palestine Congress in Vienna Causes Controversy and Criticism

The Palestine Congress, which had already caused a great deal of controversy in the run-up to the event, was moved at short notice from Vienna-Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus to Favoriten. The event will take place in a hall in Kudlichgasse shortly before the anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel.

October 5, 2024

Deficit Forecast for 2024 Rises to 3.3 %: Austria Facing Economic Challenges

The Ministry of Finance has raised its deficit forecast for the 2024 budget to 3.3% of GDP, which puts the deficit above the Maastricht limit of 3%. The reasons for this development include the sluggish economic recovery, the effects of the flood disaster, and the increase in the climate bonus. This represents a significant deterioration, as the forecast in March was still 2.9%.

October 3, 2024