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Vienna International Community - Other Top Players - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about other key people in Vienna's international community
Edtstadler Welcomes European Democracy Action Plan
The European Commission has presented the European Democracy Action Plan with which the EU wants to promote basic human rights values and democracy worldwide. Austria's EU Minister Edtstadler welcomes this initiative and demands a clear focus on the digital area of the plan.
December 4, 2020
New EU Guidelines Relax Air Travelling
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) together with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have issued new guidelines for air travel, which should guide the member states in their respective decisions with regard to Covid-19 measures.
December 3, 2020
Vienna Ice Dream Will Start Ahead of Schedule
Although the famous Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz has to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, the City of Vienna is able to antedate the Vienna Ice Dream, which will now start just in time for the Christmas festivities on December 24. Since ice skating counts as an outdoor sports, it is allowed under certain circumstances.
December 3, 2020
EU Multilateral Christmas Gala in Vienna
Vienna will be the host city of the EU Multilateral Christmas Gala taking place on December 19. The follow-up concert of the "TOGETHER as ONE" event in May will include a special and unique arrangement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony recorded live from the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn.
December 2, 2020
EU Ministers Discuss Reconstruction of Cultural Sector
The EU Ministers for Culture have come together virtually to discuss the reconstruction and the strengthening of the cultural sector. The current pandemic has shown how vulnerable this particular sector is and establishing proper measures in order to avoid similar downfalls in the future is the highest goal for the EU Ministers.
December 2, 2020
Red Ribbon at Austrian Parliament Draws Attention to World AIDS Day
In order to draw attention to World AIDS Day on December 1, the Austrian Parliament has installed a Red Ribbon on Vienna's Hofburg. National Council President Sobotka points out the recent research, treatment and therapy successes and demands tolerance for and the inclusion of people infected with HIV.
December 1, 2020
Vienna Symphony Orchestra Goes Living Room
Due to the second lockdown in Austria, the majority of public cultural life is at rest. However, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra will be providing some variety with its Living Room Concerts, which will be live-streamed for anyone interested. The concerts will take place every Friday until December 18.
November 27, 2020
Eurostat: Austria Is Second in EU With Research Expenditures
In its recent publication, the statistical office of the European Union, Eurostat, put Austria on second place for research expenditure relative to GDP. Austria has invested 3.19 percent of its gross domestic product in R&D, which is only surpassed by Sweden with 3.39 percent of the country's GDP.
November 27, 2020
Von der Leyen and Kurz: Light At the End of the Tunnel
After a virtual meeting between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Austria's Chancellor Kurz both assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel of the Covid-19 pandemic. The two politicians have discussed EU's vaccine strategy and other topics regarding the ongoing pandemic.
November 27, 2020
Leopold Museum Receives Historically Significant Klimt Painting
The Leopold Museum of Vienna received an art-historically significant painting by Gustav Klimt. A Viennese academic couple donated the painting, which is about EUR 475,000 worth, to the museum in order to make it permanently accessible to the public and to the visitors of the museum.
November 26, 2020
UN Campaign Orange the World: Parliament Shines in Orange
The UN campaign Orange the World is the reason for the Austrian Parliament shining in orange from November 25 to November 29. The Parliament is one of 130 buildings in Austria that want to draw attention to the fight against violence against women - the topic of the UN campaign.
November 25, 2020
Selmayr: Member States Need To Decide on Skiing at Christmas
The recent debate about skiing during the Christmas holidays will need to be regulated on a national level, according to the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Austria, Martin Selmayr. Selmayr states that the EU has neither the obligation nor the expertise to impose any EU wide rules in this matter.
November 25, 2020
Violence Protection Summit Welcomes International Guests
The Violence Protection Summit organized by Austria's Federal Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of the Interior will be supported by international participation. UN Special Rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic and EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli will be participating in the summit.
November 23, 2020
Increase in Funding for Carinthian Slovenes
In the year of the 100th anniversary of the Carinthian referendum, the National Council has decided to contribute another EUR 4 million to the support of the Slovenian ethnic group in Carinthia. Chancellery Minister Raab sees this "a clear signal of appreciation" for ethnic groups in Austria.
November 20, 2020
October: Minus 84.5 Percent Overnight Stays in Vienna
The Covid-19 crisis has hit the hotel and tourism industry hard. Especially urban areas are affected which is also the reason for the drastic numbers of overnight stays in Vienna. Compared to 2019, the city recorded a minus of 84.5 percent in the month of October.
November 20, 2020
Hong Kong Economist: How China Will Implement the National Security Law
Insightful conversation about the current economic crisis in Hong Kong, which was triggered by the National Security Law and the Coronavirus, which was conducted between the Austrian diplomat and former ambassador in Beijing, Irene Giner Reichl and the Hong Kong Economist and Lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chi Lo.
November 20, 2020
Nehammer: Strong Together in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism
The Jewish Religious Society and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior extended their funding contract for three more years. The President of the Society Deutsch and Interior Minister Nehammer signed the contract, which provides funding for Jewish facilities all over Austria.
November 19, 2020
International Mobility Days 2020 Held Virtually
The International Mobility Days of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce are held virtually. The mobility industry is one of the fastest evolving industries and the future of transportation, especially in growing cities, is a topic that has been dominating international entrepreneurial acton for years.
November 19, 2020
#RedWednesday: Austrian Parliament Participates For First Time
The campaign #RedWednesday which is organized by the relief organization "Aid to the Church in Need" will be supported by the Austrian Parliament for the first time. The campaign is supported by many countries and raises awareness for persecuted and threatened Christians all around the world.
November 18, 2020
Vienna Migration Conference: The Effects of Covid-19
The Vienna Migration Conference is taking place from November 16 to November 19, 2020, and can be followed online. Due to Covid-19, this year's event is held solely online and, as a matter of fact, will also examine the effects of the current crisis on migration and migration policy.
November 18, 2020
City of Vienna And Global 2000: Clean Drinking Water for Children From Chernobyl
The City of Vienna together with the environmental protection organization Global 2000 will provide another 15 drinking water purification systems that will be installed in the eastern Ukraine. These installations will provide fresh drinking water for thousand of children and their families.
November 17, 2020
Prize for Pre-Scientific Papers: "We Are Europe"
For the first time, the European Commission in Austria together with the Liaison Office of the European Parliament and the Ministry of Education has awarded the "We are Europe" prize to several young Austrians, who have shown a particular good understanding of European topics in their pre-scientific papers.
November 17, 2020
Lockdown: Public Church Services Suspended Until Further Notice
In addition to the measures put in place by the federal government, Austria's Minister of Cultural Affairs together with representatives of churches and religious communities have agreed to suspend all public church services until further notice. Places of worship will, however, stay open for personal prayers.
November 17, 2020
New Viennese City Government Announced
The Social-Democratic Party (SPOE) under the lead of current and future Mayor Michael Ludwig and The New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) have finished their negotiations to present a new city government for Vienna. The cornerstones of the program include an emphasis on education, the fight against climate change and a good health care system.
November 16, 2020
WKO Heads: "Lockdown Hits Companies With Full Force"
The new lockdown will once again shut down Austria's economy in its entirety. The heads of the Austria Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) emphasize the importance of financial support for companies by the government and of a well functioning education for children despite school closings.
November 16, 2020
Rail Traffic Between Vienna and Salzburg Can Be Maintained
Similar to measures taken in the spring of this year, the Ministry for Climate Protection has set up an emergency contract with the ÖBB and WESTbahn to safeguard rail transport between Vienna and Salzburg. The mutual acceptance of tickets from WESTbahn and ÖBB will also be established again.
November 13, 2020
European Commission Launches Initiatives Against Gender Pay Gap
With regards to the European Day of Equal pay, the day from which women will symbolically no longer be paid for the same work compared to their male colleagues until the end of the year, the European Commission has launched initiatives to tackle the persistent gender pay gap.
November 12, 2020
Eurochambres President Demands Rapid Measures for Businesses
At the presentation of the 28th Eurochambres Economic Survey, President of the Association for European Chambers of Commerce Leitl demands "immediate help" for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the survey results show sharp declines in many economic indicators.
November 11, 2020
Austria Supports Syrian Refugees in Lebanon and Jordan
The Austrian government has decided to support Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon with EUR 1 million. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister are sure that by supporting Austrian NGOs, the aid will "be helping directly in the crisis regions of the Middle East".
November 11, 2020
Commemoration of the November Progrom: Israel, Germany and Austria Promote Peace
To commemorate the November pogrom on November 9, 1938, Federal President Van der Bellen, together with his Israeli and German counterparts, sent a memorial message. Together they want to fight against anti-Semitism and promote peace and security for Jewish communities.
November 10, 2020
European Vocational Skills Week: Focus on Green and Digital Transition
The European Vocational Skills Week focuses on vocational education and training for environmental and digital change. Numerous online events from 38 countries can be attended to further knowledge and careers. Especially in times of economic and social hardship, obtaining new skills might provide decent recovery.
November 10, 2020
Day Against Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: Schallenberg Commits to Safety
On the occasion of the International Day against Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Foreign Minister Schallenberg calls for more decisive action by the international community. He demands an increase in effort by every country to protect journalists around the world.
November 3, 2020
Opening of Vienna's Christmas Market is Postponed
Due to the new lockdown, the City of Vienna has postponed the opening of the Christmas market on the Rathausplatz in Vienna, the square in front of the Vienna City Hall. It is still unclear if the recent terror attacks on the Inner City will also affect the Christmas celebrations in Vienna.
November 3, 2020
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Terror Attack in Vienna
From the Ministry of the Interior it became known that the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed the attack in Vienna with four dead and 22 partially severely injured.
November 3, 2020
Austrian Airlines Goes Into Hibernation
The worsening Covid-19 situation in Europe also affects Austrian Airlines and its success in the upcoming winter months. After a summer which was better than most forecasts had predicted, the current rise of Covid-19 cases means a reduction in demand for flights in the near future.
October 29, 2020
Austrian Railways To Suspend Night Trains Between Germany and Austria
After a rise in Covid-19 cases in Germany, the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) have announced the suspension of nightly train traffic between Germany and Austria for one month starting November 8, 2020. As of today, other daytime services will not be affected and will operate as usual.
October 28, 2020
First Descendants of Nazi Victims Apply for Austrian Citizenship
After the passing of an amendment that allows descendants of victims of National Socialism to obtain the Austrian Citizenship, the first applications have been received and welcomed by the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC.
October 27, 2020
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "Little Vienna in Shanghai"
The Jewish Museum Vienna opened the new exhibition "Little Vienna in Shanghai" that is dedicated to the stories of Viennese Jewish families that fled to Shanghai in the hope to live a better life. The exhibition can be seen until April 18, 2021.
October 21, 2020
Foreign Disaster Fund Alleviates Covid-19 Consequences Abroad
In order to fight the impact of Covid-19 in developing countries and for people in fragile situations, the Austrian government has decided to release EUR 12 million of the Foreign Disaster Fund to NGOs that will be distributing the money as needed in the particular areas.
October 21, 2020
September: 75 Percent Fewer Overnight Stays in Vienna
Compared to September 2019, Vienna has recorded 75 percent less overnight stays this year. Due to Covid-19 and current travel regulations, the City of Vienna faces a drastic reduction in tourists which can be also observed when looking at the statistical measurements.
October 20, 2020
First Microsoft Cloud Data Center in Austria
Microsoft has announced the establishment of Austria's first ever data center region. Chancellor Kurz says that this "represents a decisive competitive advantage" and thanks Microsoft for the commitment to Austrian companies and their employees.
October 20, 2020
Austrian Railways: EUR 17.5 Billion of Investment Until 2026
The railway system in Austria will see impactful investments in the near future. Due to a package of around EUR 17.5 billion until 2026, the Federal Government together with Austrian Railways (ÖBB) will try to make travelling and transporting by rail even more attractive to customers.
October 20, 2020
EU Health Agency Classifies Austria as Red
After rising infection rates in Austria, the EU has issued the highest warning stage and switched the traffic light to red. Although there are no binding regulations or recommendations in connection with the traffic light, a decrease in travel is to be expected.
October 19, 2020
Investor Survey: Vienna Among Top 3 Locations for Real Estate Investments
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Vienna is still one of the most attractive European metropolises for real estate investments. According to a recent survey among investors, London, Berlin and Vienna make up the Top 3 locations in which real estate is highly sought.
October 19, 2020
Agreement Between Israel and Austria on the Joint Use of Archival Materials
The agreement between the Israeli and Austrian governments to a joint use of archival materials is one step closer to be actually implemented. This cooperation would enhance the cooperation of the two countries with regard to the reappraisal of the Holocaust as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism.
October 16, 2020
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Schallenberg Ensures Contribution
On the occasion of World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Foreign Minister Schallenberg ensures that the "reduction of poverty is the most important goal of the Austrian Development Agency". This has been underlined with the doubling of the Foreign Disaster Fund.
October 16, 2020
Germany Extends Border Controls to Austria
Germany announced that it will extend the border controls on the German-Austrian border for another six months starting November 12 2020. These controls are in place since the end of 2015 and will not include any new or unexpected measures.
October 15, 2020
Winter in Vienna: New Year's Eve Trail Cancelled, Vienna Ice Dream Still On Track
The Covid-19 related cancellations of events were a common theme in the recent months. Now, Vienna's New Year's Eve Trail is the next victim of the pandemic. The popular event will not be held in 2020, while the organizers of the Vienna Ice Dream are still confident to see visitors gliding along the ice tracks.
October 14, 2020
EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian
The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.
October 13, 2020
EU Introduces Covid-19 Traffic Light System to Clarify Travel Situation
The EU member states have agreed on a common system to coordinate travel restrictions with regard to Covid-19. Similar to the current Austrian system, the colors of a traffic light will indicate the risk of the particular areas within the EU borders.
October 13, 2020
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