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Palestina in Austria| Palestinians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Palestinian Territories - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, diplomacy and culture
The Middle East Powder Keg: Between Rocket Attacks, Oil Price Shock, and Nuclear Uncertainty
Following massive U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran and Iranian counterstrikes in the region in the Emirates, Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, and Oman, the international community is facing a severe test. While Tehran laments damage to its nuclear program, the IAEA urges caution. In Austria, the government is preparing for the economic consequences, while thousands of citizens are stranded in the crisis region.
March 2, 2026
Between Reconstruction and Winter Aid: Austria's New Role in the Middle East and Ukraine
In a period of global instability, the Austrian Foreign Ministry (BMEIA) is increasingly focusing on a dual strategy of forward-looking economic aid in the Middle East and urgent humanitarian support for Ukraine. While Vienna debates the economic opportunities in Gaza and Syria, millions more are being spent on protecting the Ukrainian civilian population from the harsh winter.
January 26, 2026
Middle East Crisis on 70th Anniversary: Wave of Boycotts Shakes Eurovision 2026 in Vienna
What was supposed to be a glittering celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Wiener Stadthalle is turning into the most serious diplomatic crisis in the history of the competition. While the slogan “United by Music” is emblazoned across the preparations for May 2026, the European broadcasting landscape is more deeply divided than ever before.
December 22, 2025
Bloody Advent: 50 Years after the OPEC Raid in Vienna
It was the day the “Island of the Blessed” lost its innocence. Exactly five decades ago today, a heavily armed terrorist commando stormed the OPEC headquarters on Vienna's Ringstrasse. Three people died, the world held its breath, and Austria's security policy changed forever.
December 21, 2025
Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.
November 7, 2025
DSN Uncovers Hamas Weapons Cache in Vienna
The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has dealt a significant blow to a global terrorist organization with ties to Hamas as part of internationally coordinated investigations: a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. There is a strong suspicion that the weapons were intended for use in planned terrorist attacks in Europe against Israeli or Jewish institutions.
November 7, 2025
80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President
This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.
September 22, 2025
Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions
An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.
August 28, 2025
Rubio Received Meinl-Reisinger: Focus on Trade, Global Tensions, and the Transatlantic Partnership
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to Washington to meet with her U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss pressing global challenges. The focus was on issues important to Europe, such as transatlantic trade dialogue, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and stability in the Western Balkans.
July 28, 2025
Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”
July 23, 2025
Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts
In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.
July 10, 2025
Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution
Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.
July 3, 2025
Iran Threatens to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute Feared
The Iranian parliament has passed a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If the Guardian Council and the Security Council approve the bill, it would further escalate the already tense nuclear dispute and significantly hamper international efforts to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program.
June 25, 2025
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”
June 18, 2025
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East
Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.
March 23, 2025
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.
March 18, 2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Addresses Ukraine and Global Challenges
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg joined his EU counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine, assessing developments in the Middle East, and reviewing strategies for stability in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
February 24, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran Summons Austrian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Dispute
In a new diplomatic development, the Iranian government summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran, Wolf Dietrich Heim, to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This move comes in direct response to Austria's earlier summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, following his controversial social media post that included symbols of the Hezbollah militia, which is banned in Austria.
August 28, 2024
Outrage About Tweet by Iranian Ambassador in Vienna: Call for Summons
A social media posting by the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has caused a considerable political stir. In addition to calls for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, there have also been calls for further diplomatic consequences.
August 25, 2024
Austria Supports International Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
In an urgent joint statement, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and numerous other countries, including Austria, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
June 6, 2024
Escalating Tensions: EU Responds to Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel
Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated following the recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel, prompting an international response, particularly from the European Union. An urgently convened virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, took place to discuss the situation and possible steps to be taken.
April 17, 2024
Small Unrest During EU Parliament President Metsola's Visit to Vienna
The Austrian capital was the scene of a heated appearance by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola. During a public event at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna, which was held under the motto "Ask President Metsola", there were loud protests and interruptions by demonstrators. The discussion, which was originally supposed to cover topics such as the future of the EU, the upcoming European elections, and international political affairs, lost focus when the Middle East conflict came up.
March 20, 2024
Austrian Diplomacy in Crossfire: Schallenberg's Journey Through the Middle East
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which reached a new level of escalation following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2024, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg embarked on a significant diplomatic mission. His trip, which lasted three days, took him through Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and finally Lebanon - all hotspots in a region marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises.
March 4, 2024
Austria Suspends Payments to UNRWA After Allegations of Hamas Involvement
Austria has suspended its payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following serious allegations. It is alleged that employees of the organization may have been involved in a terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October. The Austrian government is calling for a comprehensive and swift investigation into these allegations by UNRWA and the United Nations. Payments to UNRWA will remain suspended until full clarification and clarity on the consequences.
January 29, 2024
Israel's Ambassador to Vienna, David Roet, on Current Challenges in Austria and the EU
David Roet, Israel's ambassador to Austria, has been actively involved in the public debate since his arrival and is committed to solidarity with Israel.
January 23, 2024
Austria Considers Entry Ban for Violent Israeli Settlers
In a noteworthy development, Austria is considering a travel ban on violent Israeli settlers, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has announced. This follows moves by the US as well as Germany and France, which are discussing similar measures.
December 27, 2023
Austria's Engagement in Palestine: New Security Measures and Humanitarian Support
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg set an example for humanitarianism by meeting a group of Austrian-Palestinian dual nationals who were recently evacuated from the Gaza Strip. This meeting, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, allowed the Minister to learn first-hand about the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip and the challenges of the evacuation operation.
December 14, 2023
Discussion in Austria's Parliament on Security Policy Concerning Ukraine and Israel
In the run-up to the European Council, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met in Parliament to discuss current security policy challenges.
December 13, 2023
Solidarity with Israel in the Austrian National Council
In a remarkable session of the Austrian National Council, strong solidarity with Israel and a clear condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist attacks were demonstrated. The unanimous decision of the MPs reflects Austria's stance on the Middle East conflict and the violence in the region.
November 26, 2023
Austria's Engagement in the Middle East: Solidarity with Israel and Support for Palestine
Amid the tense situation in the Middle East, Austria has reaffirmed its solidarity with Israel and at the same time pledged humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population.
November 12, 2023
Austria Chancellor Nehammer on the Phone with Palestinian President Abbas
In a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his concern about the current tensions in the Middle East. The conversation was made particularly urgent by the current hostage-taking of innocent civilians by Hamas, an organization classified as a terrorist group by the EU, including an Austrian citizen.
November 6, 2023
Austria's Rejection of UN Resolution Raises Questions Within the Government
Austria voted against a resolution in the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate ceasefire and improvement in the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The decision, made by the ÖVP-led government, has caused tensions within the coalition, especially with the Green coalition partner, which has distanced itself from the decision.
November 1, 2023
Austria Reacts to Hamas Attack: Solidarity with Israel and Concern about Iran
Amid the tense situation in the Middle East, the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Vienna. Austria strongly condemned the official Iranian reaction to the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization. The Foreign Ministry stressed that Austria categorically rejects any questioning of Israel's right to exist and will consistently act against any form of anti-Semitism in the future.
October 9, 2023
List of National Days of the Home Countries of All Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria
The Vindobona table below is an updated list of National Days of all nations, which belong to at least one of following categories: Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria; Diplomatic Corps and other representations in Austria; International Organizations in Vienna and Permanent Missions; Missions and Delegations to the OSCE.
February 11, 2015 · Updated: December 14, 2022; 08:12
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Travels to the Middle East
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories to hold Working meetings. The Russian invasion of Ukraine shakes the world. Austria shows itself as a mediator also in regions that are endangered but have moved into the background of attention.
April 26, 2022
Arab Chambers’ Day at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
The event "Arab Chambers' Day" at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 provided an opportunity for Emirati, Arab and Austrian delegates to meet and become acquainted with leading Austrian companies. Find out more about the event and which senior Arab and Austrian officials and delegations attended.
April 5, 2022
Omicron Coming: New Entry Rules for Austria since December 20.
With immediate effect and thus before Christmas, new stricter entry rules apply for travel to Austria. This applies to both foreigners and locals. Please find the details as follows.
December 19, 2021
Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 28 Senior Diplomatic Posts Worldwide
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) has decided in its last meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (28) Austrian diplomats - as follows.
December 15, 2021
Additional Millions for the Fight Against Terrorism, Armed Conflict, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Austrian government has decided to provide millions of euros to help Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, and Jordan deal with the humanitarian crises they are facing. Read how this aid will be allocated and why Austria believes it is necessary.
December 3, 2021
Opening of the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting 2021 in Vienna
The IAEA Board of Governors met physically this week under the chairmanship of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the Plenary Hall of the M-Building at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), and discussed the topics listed below.
September 17, 2021
Mückstein Announces Ten Million Euros for International Projects in Health and Social Sector
Austrian Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein announced that Austria will provide ten million euros for European and international projects to address the health and social consequences of COVID-19. The projects are particularly targeted at women and girls, refugees and vulnerable groups that have been significantly affected by the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.
August 13, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules
Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.
July 20, 2021
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