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.

ESA Conference in Vienna: Importance of Space Research

European space exploration's current challenges and ambitions were presented at ESA's international symposium "Ready for the moon", co-initiated by the Austrian Federal Chancellery and held at Palais Ferstl in Vienna. The geopolitical, economic, and societal potential of Europe's future role in space exploration efforts was also discussed.

June 6, 2023

Austrian Diplomacy Wins: Two Austrians Freed from Iranian Detention

Austria's efforts to secure the release of Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb from Iranian custody have finally borne fruit. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announced that the two Austrian-Iranian dual citizens were on their way to Austria, where their families are eagerly waiting for them.

June 6, 2023

Cooperation Between Austria and Greece to Address Illegal Migration as a Hybrid Threat

The signing of the "Vienna Declaration" took place at the Ministry of Defense in Vienna. Dr. Arnold Kammel, Secretary General and Defense Policy Director of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, and Dr. Konstantinos Balomenos, Defense Policy Director of Greece, signed the declaration in the presence of the Greek Ambassador in Vienna, H.E. Catherine Koika.

June 5, 2023

Iran's Enriched Uranium Stockpile Soars: IAEA Concerns Grow

A recent confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found that Iran now possesses 23 times as much enriched uranium as agreed in the 2015 international nuclear deal. In his latest report, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi discusses verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran and indirectly confirmed the concerns of the confidential report days earlier.

June 5, 2023

Anniversary Celebration at MuseumsQuartier: 30 Years of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights

The Austrian Foreign Ministry, together with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is organizing a series of high-profile events in Vienna's MuseumsQuartier to mark the 30th anniversary of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights. The events are intended to draw attention to the importance of human rights in times of global crises and to make it clear that they are the cornerstone of democracy, peace, and justice.

June 4, 2023

Focus on Strategic Partnership and Middle East Situation: Israel's Foreign Minister Visits Vienna

Israel's Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, visited his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, in Vienna for the first time after taking office. During the meeting, the talks focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries, the Middle East peace process, and the latest geopolitical developments in the region.

June 1, 2023

OSCE Chairman Urges De-escalation and Emphasizes Youth Engagement During Visit to Kosovo and Serbia

The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Bujar Osmani, recently concluded a productive one-day visit to Kosovo. Chairman Osmani also visited Serbia's capital Belgrade a day earlier. During his visits, he engaged in high-level meetings with key political figures.

May 31, 2023

Peter Sloterdijk on Europe at the Austrian Integration Fund Pentecostal Dialogue

As part of the 11th Styrian "Geist & Gegenwart" Pentecost Dialogue held at Seggau Castle, the renowned German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk appeared as a guest speaker of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). Sloterdijk elaborated in the panel on Europe, Ukraine, and the challenges of nation-states.

May 31, 2023

Austria Finances Demining Equipment for Ukraine Worth 2 Million Euros

After several weeks of heated discussion on how Austria should continue to support Ukraine, the Austrian government decided to provide financial assistance to Ukraine for 2 million euros for demining.

May 30, 2023

42.5 Million Euros for the Establishment of Excellent Technical Competence Centers

Call for proposals for COMET Centres is now open. This Promotes research at a high international level by science and industry.

May 30, 2023

Festive Opening of the Interactive Exhibition "Experience Europe" in Vienna

In Vienna's Rotenturmstraße, the interactive permanent exhibition "Experience Europe" was opened with a great ceremony. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola, together with high-ranking guests, cut the opening ribbon to this multimedia show.

May 29, 2023

EU Parliament President Metsola Visited Vienna

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was on several working visits and events in an EU Parliament President addressed the members of the Austrian National Council. It also came to the working meeting with Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg and the opening of the interactive exhibition "Experience Europe" in Vienna.

May 29, 2023

Austria's Schallenberg Discusses Importance of Vienna and Human Rights Advocacy in Meeting with UNGA President Kőrösi

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met yesterday with the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, to discuss important matters related to the United Nations.

May 25, 2023

Austria's Best Tax Consultants Were Awarded

The Institute for Investment Consulting (IFA AG) and the daily newspaper "Die Presse" presented the coveted "Tax Consultant of the Year" award to the best tax consultants in Austria. The festive award ceremony took place in the Sofiensälen in Vienna and was accompanied by Federal Minister of Finance Dr. Magnus Brunner as keynote speaker. More than 16,000 nominations demonstrate appreciation for both the industry and the award.

May 25, 2023

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani Wraps Up Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, successfully concluded a two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where he engaged in high-level discussions with key officials and emphasized the importance of ongoing reforms in various sectors.

May 24, 2023

Austria Shows Interest in Developing the Railroad Infrastructure to the Slovenian Port of Koper

Despite expansion projects, rail capacity remains limited compared to road. The seaport in Koper, Slovenia, which is important for Austria, is an example of current efforts in rail expansion, but at the same time shows the limits of rail-bound freight transport. With regard to Koper, Austrian experts emphasized the importance of an efficient rail connection for freight traffic.

May 24, 2023

Hungarian Ambassador Reacted to Citation to Austrian Foreign Ministry

Hungarian Ambassador to Vienna Andor Nagy responded to Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's criticism of Hungary's release of migrant smugglers and citation to the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

May 24, 2023

Meet the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria

The People's Republic of China has had a new ambassador in Austria for some time now. Meet Qi Mei, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria.

May 23, 2023

Council of Europe Summit Against Russian Aggression in Ukraine: Van der Bellen Holds Speech

The first Council of Europe summit in nearly 20 years took place, with some 30 European leaders traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland. The summit was all about support for Ukraine and finding solutions to hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression.

May 23, 2023

IGGÖ Supports Demands for the Fight Against Racist Attacks on Muslims

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) confirms the established link between the reported cases and certain political events. Against this background, the IGGÖ supports the demands of the Documentation Center to the Austrian Federal Government to develop and implement the National Action Plan against Racism, which has already been announced in the government program 2019, as soon as possible.

May 23, 2023

European Ministers of Serbia and Austria Emphasize the Importance of Relations

During her working visit to Belgrade, Austrian Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and her ministerial colleague Tanja Miščević.

May 22, 2023

Austrian Foreign Minister Summons Hungarian Ambassador

Diplomatic tensions arise as Hungary's early release of convicted human traffickers causes concern in Vienna. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in Brussels that the Hungarian ambassador would be brought to the Foreign Ministry because of the controversy over the release of migrant traffickers.

May 22, 2023

International Soldiers' Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Austrian Military Delegation for Peace

The 63rd International Soldiers' Pilgrimage to Lourdes is taking place under the motto "Let us build a church here". An Austrian delegation led by Military Bishop Werner Freistetter traveled to France with 289 pilgrims.

May 21, 2023

International Ombudsman Institute Sets Sign of Solidarity with Ukraine and Discusses Future Projects

The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) was recently held in Vienna and featured a guest speaker from Ukraine. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman, reported on the horrors of the Russian war of aggression and received the support of the IOI.

May 19, 2023

EU Parliament President Metsola Brings European Issues to Austrian Parliament

EU Parliament President Metsola will address the Austrian National Council on European affairs, participating in a National Council resolution.

May 18, 2023

Time to Decide Europe Summit 2023: Experts Debate the Future of Europe and the Challenges of Today

The 'Time To Decide Europe Summit 2023' in Vienna brought together experts to debate the future of Europe in times of current crises. Vindobona.org reviews the event, which featured high-level keynote speeches and engaging discussions on geopolitics, democracy, economics, energy, and the environment.

May 18, 2023

Diplomats Express Support for IDAHOBIT 2023: Joint Declaration on the Promotion of Gender Equality

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria and the diplomatic missions of several states, as well as organizations, have honored May 17 as the International Day against Homophobia, Biophobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). In a joint statement, they express their support for diversity and inclusion.

May 18, 2023

Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash Hiding in Vienna Faces Gas Purchase Manipulation Case

Dmytro Firtash, an oligarch who has lived in Vienna since 2014 and is linked to a U.S. extradition request, and eight other managers of gas companies in Ukraine controlled by Firtash have now been officially declared defendants in a criminal case.

May 15, 2023

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Attends Gymnich Meeting

At the Gymnich meeting in Stockholm in May 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg focused on the discussion of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU's relations with China.

May 15, 2023

Diplomats From All Over the World Compete in Soccer Tournament in Vienna

Last weekend, an extraordinary soccer tournament took place in Vienna: Diplomats from different countries competed against each other on the green pitch. The event brought diplomacy and sports together for the first time in a unique way.

May 15, 2023

Austrian Business Leaders and Government Officials Discuss Economic Ties with South Korea

The President of Austrian Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer welcomed South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. South Korea will be a global hotspot for future technologies of central importance for Austria.

May 14, 2023

Challenges to Media Freedom in OSCE Region Linked to Larger Political and Social Contexts

According to Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro, current setbacks in media freedom are not isolated incidents but rather closely linked to the larger political and social contexts in which they occur. Read on to learn more about Ribeiro's report and her call to protect and enhance media freedom in the OSCE region.

May 14, 2023

India and Austria Sign Migration and Mobility Agreement

In a significant development, Austria and India have signed a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation on legal migration and repatriation.

May 14, 2023

Meet the Permanent Representative of China to the International Organizations in Vienna

Li Song, China's permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Li Song, the permanent representative of the People's Republic of China to the International Organizations in Vienna.

May 11, 2023

Time to Decide Europe Summit to Address Urgent Questions Facing the Continent

The Time to Decide Europe Summit, a one-day conference co-organized by ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), is set to address the most pressing dilemmas posed by the war in Europe. The conference will bring together prominent thinkers, political scientists, and economists to untangle the urgent questions facing Europe today and offer insights into the future of the continent.

May 11, 2023

Vienna Stock Exchange Reports High Profits for Third-Year Running

Vienna's stock exchange, Wiener Börse AG, has announced high profits for the third year in a row, despite the turbulent economic environment of 2022. Vienna's stock exchange plans to continue its focus on consistent market modeling and alignment with international standards and is calling on the government to act to take advantage of the capital market's potential as a powerful lever.

May 10, 2023

Europe Minister Edtstadler Awards Outstanding Projects and Initiatives with the 2023 Europe State Prize

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtsdadler awarded the winners of the 2023 Europe State Prize at the Sofiensäle in Vienna. More than 200 guestes were present at the Europe gala.

May 9, 2023

Austrian and Costa Rican Foreign Ministers Celebrate 150 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Dr. Arnoldo André, met with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, to discuss a broad agenda of bilateral and multilateral issues in the context of the celebration of 150 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.

May 9, 2023

Ukrainian Human Rights Lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk Delivers Speech to Europe at Wiener Festwochen 2023

The Wiener Festwochen program begins with the Speech to Europe 2023, featuring Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and the head of the Center for Civil Liberties, the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

May 9, 2023

ICMPD Files Lawsuit Against NGO to Correct False Allegations

The conflict between the Viennese NGO SOS Balkan Route and the international organization International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) over the construction of a deportation center including a prison in the Bosnian refugee camp Lipa has a legal aftermath. ICMPD wants to correct the accusations that have made the rounds in the Austrian media.

May 9, 2023

Commemoration of Victory in Europe Day and Liberation Day in Austria

The government commemorated the liberation from National Socialism in a ceremony. The diplomatic community in Vienna also commemorated the end of the Second World War and the Liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp.

May 8, 2023

Vienna Ball Season 2023: Concordia Ball Anniversary Celebrates 160 Years

Vienna's famous ball season has been extended with the long-awaited return of the Concordia Ball. The ball, which is hosted by the Vienna Journalist and Writer Association Concordia, is one of the city's oldest dance events and has been held since 1863. This year's ball will take place on May 26th at Vienna's City Hall, the Rathaus.

May 8, 2023

EU Commissioner Hahn Says Only a United Europe Can Succeed in a Globalized World

On the occasion of Europe Day on May 9th, the European Commission recently organized a ceremony under the motto "Europe - Together for Democracy, Peace and Sovereignty" at the Austrian Parliament. EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of Europe's global political capacity for its future success.

May 5, 2023

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and Austrian Counterpart Emphasize Close Relations and Cooperation Potential

Greece's Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited his Austrian counterpart for working talks in Vienna. Overall, the meeting between Greece and Austria showcased their strong cooperation and commitment to international law and cooperation in various fields.

May 5, 2023

Austria's Foreign Disaster Fund is Increased

Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg have praised the increase of the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) to 77.5 million euros in 2023 before the Council of Ministers.

May 4, 2023

OSCE Experts Present Findings on Child Abductions in Ukraine to Permanent Council

A recent report by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) demonstrates that practices that violate international humanitarian law have been used in the abduction of Ukrainian children to areas controlled by Russia, or even as far away as Russia itself. OSCE experts were tasked to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible violations of OSCE commitments and possible cases of war crimes.

May 4, 2023

OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration: Promoting Peaceful Dispute Resolution

The OSCE Court of Arbitration is an important institution within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and recently the President and Vice-President of the OSCE Court met with the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to further strengthen it. But what is the OSCE Court of Arbitration and why is it important?

May 3, 2023

Trilateral Meeting Discussed Energy Transition and Energy Innovation

A trilateral conference was held at the Technical University of Vienna, where Italian, French, and Austrian energy actors discussed the topics of energy innovation and the energy transition. The discussion panels included topics such as the role of gas and nuclear power in European decarbonization, the importance of renewable energy sources, and the potential of solar energy in Europe.

May 3, 2023

Turkish Community in Vienna Criticizes Türkiye's Media Freedom on International Press Freedom Day

As the world marks International Press Freedom Day on May 3, Austria's media landscape faces a serious threat to its diversity, despite slight improvements in the Press Freedom Index. Meanwhile, Türkiye's media freedom is in a dire state, with journalists and opposition voices facing increasing pressure and imprisonment under Erdogan's AKP government, according to the Turkish Cultural Community in Austria (TKG).

May 3, 2023

New Deputy Director at the Austrian Centre for Peace

Eva Huber has recently been appointed as the new deputy director of the Austrian Centre for Peace (ACP), succeeding Lukas Wank, who has left the institute to pursue new endeavors. The appointment of Huber to the ACP is a noteworthy development in the organization's ongoing efforts to promote peace, justice, and human rights worldwide.

May 3, 2023