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Vienna International Community - People in the News - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key players in Vienna's international community, such as expats, executives, politicians, diplomats, investors, artists and others.
International Day for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons: Kurz and Schallenberg Issue Statement
On the international day for the complete abolition of nuclear weapons, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg stated that nuclear weapons bring death and suffering rather than security and peace.
September 28, 2020
75th Anniversary of the UN: Schallenberg Addresses Member Countries
The 75th anniversary of the United Nations is used as a year of reflection for the UN member countries. Nevertheless, current topics and outlooks into the future are dominating the General Assembly at which Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg also delivered his virtual speech.
September 28, 2020
European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Recognized as Runner-up
The Belgium city of Leuven was awarded the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. Vienna, which was still in the race up until the final round, was recognized as runner-up city together with Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Espoo (Finland), Helsingborg (Sweden), and Valencia (Spain).
September 25, 2020
Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials
Abat Fayzullaev, the new Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.
September 25, 2020
EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage
The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.
September 25, 2020
Meet the New Ambassador of Iran to Austria: H.E. Mr. Abbas Bagherpour Ardakani
The new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Austria and to Slovakia, H.E. Mr. Abbas Bagherpour Ardakani presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
July 12, 2020 · Updated: September 25, 2020; 10:30
Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days
US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.
September 24, 2020
Chief Rabbi of Vienna Meets Van der Bellen
Vienna's newly appointed Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer made his inaugural visit to President Van der Bellen to discuss current topics of the religious community and the Covid-19 situation.
September 24, 2020
EU eGovernment Benchmark 2020: Austria in Top 3
New services on oesterreich.gv.at and the "Digitales Amt" app are having an effect - Austria is one of the top nations in the Europe-wide comparison. Only Malta and Estonia received better results in this year's EU eGovernment Benchmark.
September 24, 2020
Austrian Armed Forces Will Control Embassies
The Austrian Armed Forces will once again assist the Vienna State Police with the protection and surveillance of embassies. This will allow the executive forces to intensify their operations against Covid-19, while the Armed Forces will take over embassy protection.
September 23, 2020
Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion
The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.
September 23, 2020
Cancellation of Vienna Opera Ball 2021
Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Austria, it was decided that the Vienna Opera Ball 2021 planned for February 11, 2021 will be cancelled. Although the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of the participants could not have been guaranteed.
September 23, 2020
Video Message by Kurz on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations
Federal Chancellor Kurz has submitted a video message to the United Nations in which he emphasized Austria's commitment to international cooperation. He also praised UN's achievements, such as the human rights system and the Agenda 2030.
September 22, 2020
European Commission Approves Further EUR 4 Billion for Austrian Companies
Further EUR 4 billion intended to help Austrian companies sustain the Covid-19 crisis were approved by the European Commission. Grants and guarantees of up to EUR 800,000 per company can be given out in cases of hardship and danger of bankruptcy.
September 22, 2020
Schallenberg at Council of EU Foreign Ministers
The EU Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to discuss current issues such as developments in Belarus and Libya. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg demands a "strong signal" from the EU towards the Belarusian government.
September 22, 2020
European Capital of Democracy Coming Soon
The newly formed initiative "European Capital of Democracy" will try to give civilization more access to democracy by supporting activities and events that aim to improve and strengthen democracy. The first capital will be selected next year.
September 21, 2020
Vienna Aims for Champions League of International Start-Up Scene
The start-up event ViennaUP'21 will be at the center of the international start-up scene in the spring of 2021. Many well-known formats have already assured their participation and will move the spotlight to Vienna from April 27 to May 12 2021.
September 21, 2020
Swiss President Welcomes Kurz
Swiss President Sommaruga and Austria's Chancellor Kurz met near Bern to discuss current topics related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cooperation between the two countries. Kurz also met with CEOs of leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies to discuss the current vaccine developments.
September 21, 2020
Permanent Representative of Latvia to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents Credentials
The new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to the United Nations, the OSCE and other International Organizations, Katrīna Kaktiņa presented her credentials to the Director-General of the UN Office in Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
September 18, 2020
First Digital Long Night of Research
Like many other events in 2020, the Long Night of Research will be held virtually this year. Although the live experiences will be missed, the digital format offers a variety of other advantages to the interested public.
September 18, 2020
Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents her Credentials
Esther Monterrubio Villar, the new Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented her credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.
September 18, 2020
Environmental Support Act: 1 Billion for Climate Protection Support until 2022
The National Council is in favor of a budget increase dedicated to climate protection. In detail, the Environment Committee wants to raise the amount of funding to EUR 1 billion by 2022 which will be invested in biogenic heating networks, renovation of buildings and other measures.
September 17, 2020
Ukrainian Foreign Minister in Vienna
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba visited his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg in Vienna to discuss the countries' cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 and economic relations. The conflict in eastern Ukraine and the developments in Belarus were also talked about.
September 17, 2020
New Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials
The new Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohamed H. El-Molla, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
September 17, 2020
Austrian World Summit 2020 Was a Success
The Austrian World Summit 2020 was held in a mixture of analog and digital setting due to Covid-19, yet starred international personalities that all highlighted the importance of sustainability and the fight against climate change.
September 17, 2020
Zelensky Visits Austria
Ukrainian President Zelensky came to Austria to visit President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and President of the National Council Sobotka. The topics comprised the successful bilateral economic relations and regional conflicts in the Ukraine.
September 16, 2020
Anniversary Exhibition "Vienna International Center"
The City of Vienna dedicates an entire exhibition in the Vienna City Hall to the over 40th anniversary of the Vienna International Center. The exhibition can be seen until October 30.
September 16, 2020
Foreign Ministers of Central Five Meet in Slovenia
The heads of diplomacy of Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria conducted a working meeting with the topics being the fight against a possible second wave of rising Covid-19 cases and other foreign affairs issues.
September 16, 2020
International Day of Democracy: Collection of Initiatives for Promoting Democracy
The IPU in cooperation with the Austrian parliament has issued a report that comprises best-practice examples of how countries promote democracy among the population, especially among the youth and young adults.
September 15, 2020
Sacher Hotels Lay Off 140 Employees
The dramatic situation in Austria's tourism industry does not even spare one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. The Sacher Hotels, located in Vienna and Salzburg, have announced the dismissal of 140 employees.
September 15, 2020
Warning of Economic Consequences Due to Rising Infection Rates
Austria's Minister for Tourism Köstinger and Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck emphasize the importance of low Covid-19 infection numbers for the tourism and trade sector. They fear that a rise in numbers endangers Austria's important autumn and Christmas business.
September 15, 2020
Meet the New Bangladeshi Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
HE Muhammad Abdul Muhith, the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia, and the new Permanent Representative to the United Nations and to the International Organizations in Vienna recently presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly and to Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of CTBTO PrepCom - Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.
September 15, 2020
European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Still in the Race
The European Union will announce the European Capital of Innovation 2020 and will award EUR 1,000,000 to support innovation at the end of September 2020. Vienna is among the six finalists which also include Valencia, Helsingborg, Espoo, Cluj-Napoca, and Leuven.
September 14, 2020
"Vibrant Center of Intellectual Life in Vienna" Welcomes 22 New Fellows
The Vienna-based Think Thank IWM (Institut fuer die Wissenschaften vom Menschen - Institute for Human Sciences), whose board of patrons includes among others George Soros, Karel Schwarzenberg and Erhard Busek, welcomes 22 new fellows who will spend the next months at the institute or who will support the institute from afar as non-resident fellows.
September 14, 2020
Digital Days 2020 on the "Digital Capital of the People"
The Digital Days 2020 organized by the City of Vienna will be held as an online conference with the main theme being "Digital Capital of the People". It will take place from September 30 to October 1 and registration is free of charge.
September 14, 2020
Suspension of Restrictions Between Hungary and Austria
Hungary has lifted the 30-kilometer and 24-hour restrictions for commuters from Austria. This makes cross-border life and business significantly easier and allows the trading relationship between the two countries to flourish again.
September 14, 2020
Elite Research Institute "IST Austria" on the Right Track
The current, third review of "IST Austria - Institute of Science and Technology Austria", covering the period 2016-2019, focused on the scientific achievements as well as the general development and hiring strategy of the Institute, its research portfolio, the graduate school, the scientific and administrative support structures, efforts in technology transfer and science education, as well as its internal organization and plans for the future. The evaluation acknowledges accomplishments so far and recommends long term commitment.
September 11, 2020
2,300 Potential Job Losses in Steyr
The German truck and bus subsidiary MAN announced that 9,500 jobs are in danger due to reorganization of the company. 2,300 and therefore the total workforce of the production site in Steyr, Austria might be included in the cut.
September 11, 2020
New Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials
Andrei Dapkiunas, the new Permanent Representative of Balarus to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), today presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.
September 11, 2020
U.S. Embassy Vienna Explains Covid-19 Checks Received by Austrians
U.S. Ambassador Traina has issued a statement on the stimulus checks received by a number of Austrians. The Embassy will look into this matter and will update the public about any findings.
September 11, 2020
New Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials
Arafan Kabinè Kaba, the new Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), today presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.
September 10, 2020
Panel Discussion: The Legacy of Solidarność and Current Challenges in Europe
A panel discussion about "The legacy of of Solidarność and the current challenges facing Europe during Poland's chairmanship of the Visegrád Group" was held in Vienna. Diplomats, politicians, and journalists shared experiences.
September 10, 2020
Japan's Abe Thanked Kurz for Cooperation
In a telephone summit, Japan's Prime Minister Abe and Austria's Chancellor Kurz wished each other farewell since Abe will step down as Japan's leading politician due to health issues.
September 10, 2020
Slovak-3 Summit with Matovič, Babiš, and Kurz
The Slovak-3 Summit with the highest officials from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria took place in Vienna. The topics comprised cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and the overall relations between the three neighboring countries.
September 10, 2020
Eurogroup President Donohoe Met Blümel
New Eurogroup President Donohoe and Austrian Finance Minister Blümel met at a round table discussion on "Europe's Comeback". Topics were the strength of a common currency union and strategies on how to achieve the economic comeback.
September 9, 2020
EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies
The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.
September 9, 2020
Joint Statement by Greece and Austria
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz have issued a joint statement that deals with European refugee policy and the ongoing dispute with Turkey over the natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean.
September 9, 2020
Cooperation Between Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Laxenburg Research Institute IIASA
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has joined IIASA as a prospective member through the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan. The two potential partners are testing a two-year trial membership.
September 9, 2020
Arnold Schwarzenegger and the "Climate Kirtag"
After the Austrian World Summit and the Climate Kirtag had to be postponed in spring due to the Corona pandemic, they are now entering the second round. No tickets are available this year. You need to register online to join the events virtually for free.
September 8, 2020
Meeting Between Janša and Kurz
Slovenia's Prime Minister Janša and President Pahor welcomed Chancellor Kurz for a working visit. All three politicians highlighted the important bilateral economic and political relations.
September 8, 2020