Vienna International Community - Other Top Players - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about other key people in Vienna's international community

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

Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements

At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.

October 13, 2020

100 Years Carinthian Referendum: Van der Bellen Apologizes to Carinthian Slovenes

During the 100 years anniversary of the Carinthian Referendum, Federal President Van der Bellen apologized to the Slovene minority in Carinthia for the bad treatment they had received in the past. He emphasized the importance of ethnic groups in Austria and hopes that these minorities will continue to exist.

October 12, 2020

Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided

The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.

October 9, 2020

Minister President of Bavaria Meets Kurz: "Borders Need To Stay Open"

Both, the Minister President of Bavaria Markus Söder as well as Austrian Chancellor Kurz, agreed on the fact that the borders between Germany and Austria need to stay open despite an increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in both countries.

October 9, 2020

Increase in Funding for Austria's Ethnic Groups

Ethnic groups in Austria will be receiving more funding due to a recent decision made by the Austrian government. The last increase dates back 25 years ago, which is why high-ranking politicians were in favor of supporting the ethnic groups even more.

October 9, 2020

Vienna-based OPEC Launches Newest Edition of World Oil Outlook

The 2020 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO) has been launched in Vienna providing, among other topics, the OPEC Secretariat’s in-depth look at the unprecedented scale and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global energy and oil markets.

October 8, 2020

Swiss Twannberg Meteorite at Natural History Museum Vienna

On the occasion of the official visit of the Swiss President of the Council of States Hans Stöckli to Austria, a piece of the Twannberg meteorite was handed over to the Natural History Museum Vienna. The piece that is estimated to be more than 150,000 years old can now be viewed in the Meteorite Hall of the museum.

October 7, 2020

Dutch Opera Director Lotte de Beer Becomes New Head of Volksoper

The Dutch opera director Lotte de Beer, artistic director of the Dutch ensemble Operafront, will direct the Volksoper Wien from September 1, 2022 onwards. She was able to secure the position, for which more than 30 international and national applications were submitted.

October 6, 2020

Austrian Airlines to Reduce Flights and to Increase Short-Time Work

Due to new travel restrictions from Germany, Switzerland and other countries with regard to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Austria, Austrian Airlines will reduce the number of flights which were originally planned for the upcoming season to only 30% compared to last winter.

October 6, 2020

Foreign Ministry Announces First Special Representative for Humanitarian Aid

Austria's first-ever Special Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid will be appointed by the Foreign Ministry in order to assure the proper coordination of humanitarian aid projects. Effective allocation of funds which amount to EUR 50 million will also be part of the duties of Mr. Christoph Schweifer.

October 6, 2020

Approval for EU Membership Remains High Among Austrians

A recent survey conducted by the Austrian Society for European Politics shows that the Covid-19 pandemic had only little or no effect on the approval for EU membership among the Austrian population. 70 percent of a representative sample wants to remain in the European Union.

October 2, 2020

UNIDO Partners Up With Women Leadership Forum to Hold Special Event

UNIDO and the European Brand Institute have organized the 8th Women Leadership Forum, which was held as a hybrid event in Vienna. International successful women as well as other supportive public figures have gathered together to empower women.

October 1, 2020

UNESCO Honors Vienna with "Smart City" Award

The city of Vienna was recognized by UNESCO fo its "innovative, intelligent, networked and explicitly sustainable" housing policy. Besides Vienna, other cities, such as Shenzhen (China), Dakar (Senegal) and Singarpore, have received other awards.

September 30, 2020

Public Deficit Amounts to 9.4%, Public Debt to 82.6% of GDP in First Half Year of 2020

Austria's government has lost its successful path to a lower public deficit due to Covid-19. In the first half year of 2020, the public deficit amounted to 9.4% while public debt rose to 82.6%. The outlook for the second half of 2020 is not much better and an increase of public debt is expected.

September 30, 2020

Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites

Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.

September 29, 2020