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.

Vienna Conference against Human Trafficking in October

The Vienna Conference against Human Trafficking will be held on October 13, 2022. The event will be held under the title „No Future for Trafficking“, in cooperation between the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation (VIDC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the OSCE, and again with the Principality of Liechtenstein at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and online.

October 4, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Warning for Iran

In response to the ongoing protests and their violent suppression by the Iranian authorities, Austria has temporarily issued a travel warning for Iran. The Foreign Ministry strongly recommends Austrians in Iran leave the country.

October 4, 2022

Illegal Annexation: Russian Ambassador in Vienna Summoned

Like several other European countries, Austria summoned Russian Ambassador Dmitry Lyubinsky yesterday to tell him that Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory was an unacceptable violation of international law. The ambassador defended himself and spoke of referendums with free expression of will in full accordance with the norms and principles of international law.

October 4, 2022

"Afghanistan's Strong Women": Event in Vienna Draws Attention to the Situation of Women in Afghanistan

The event "Afghanistan's Strong Women" focused on women's rights in Afghanistan, which have been steadily deteriorating since the Taliban took power. Now the event, organised among others by the Austrian Parliament, wants to give a platform to those who fight against this injustice and work day by day to restore the rights of women in Afghanistan.

October 4, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Moldova to the United Nations in Vienna

Mihaela Mocanu, Moldova's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. As the new Resident Representative of Moldova to the IAEA, Ms. Mocanu presented her credentials as well to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Meet Ambassador Mihaela Mocanu, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Moldova to the International Organizations in Vienna.

October 3, 2022

Born Global Academy: Initiative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce

Internationalization is high on the agenda of many Austrian startups. According to Start-up-Monitor, 80 percent planned to export their business model this year. The Born Global Academy was launched last year by Aussenwirtschaft Austria and weGrow International offers an internationalization program for startups.

October 3, 2022

German-Austrian Technology Forum Deals With Change Towards Sustainable Economies

The question of industry in a more sustainable world has been a key issue in business for many years. Now, the German Chamber of Commerce in Vienna organised an event that invited industry representatives to discuss the shift towards sustainable business.

October 3, 2022

International Atomic Energy Agency and its 66th General Conference

Many issues were discussed at the 66th General Conference of the IAEA, held in Vienna. The theme of "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field" focused not only on nuclear security, the future of nuclear technologies, and the role of the IAEA but also on global nuclear security issues, such as Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs as well as recent Russian nuclear threats.

October 1, 2022

Latvian President Egils Levits Visits Vienna

Latvian Federal President Egils Levits recently visited his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen in Vienna to hold consultations on current issues. The two condemned Russia's behaviour in the occupied territories and agreed that the results of the sham referenda held in the annexed territories should not be recognised.

September 30, 2022

EU Capitals Make Important Contribution to EU Climate Targets

The 11th Annual Dialogue of EU Capitals with the European Commission took place recently. A representative of the City of Vienna was also present. Read on to find out what goals and issues the EU capitals are currently facing.

September 30, 2022

Weekly Briefing: 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is working at full speed and is already preparing exciting glimpses of the fall. The IAEA is holding its 66th General Conference and there are new economic developments in Austria. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 29, 2022

Vienna Conference on Journalist Safety in November

The Vienna Conference on Journalist Safety will be held on November 3 and 4. The event will be held under the title "Safety of Journalists: Protecting media to protect democracy", in cooperation between the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at Palais Niederösterreich and online.

September 29, 2022

Viennese Ball Season: Every Third Viennese Plans to Attend a Ball

The Viennese ball season is just around the corner and the Viennese people can hardly wait. According to a survey, a large part of the Viennese want to visit one of the many balls. After two years of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers can look forward to a good season this year.

September 29, 2022

Vietnam and Austria Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Austria, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son visited Vienna. Together with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the two counterparts discussed the good relations between the two countries and exchanged views on current international challenges, such as the Ukraine war.

September 29, 2022

Belgian Foreign Minister Met Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib met with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg for working talks in Vienna. The subsequent discussions focused on bilateral relations between Austria and Belgium, the EU enlargement process and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

September 28, 2022

Austria and Switzerland Agreed On Action Plan Against Migration

Austria and Switzerland want to cooperate even more closely in the fight against irregular migration. During a visit by Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to his Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter in Switzerland, a joint action plan was agreed upon. At the common border, cooperation is to be intensified in priority actions. In addition, pressure is to be exerted on Balkan countries such as Serbia to restrict the current visa rules.

September 28, 2022

How International Direct Investment and Skilled Workers Influence the Austrian Economy

A new study deals with the question of the extent to which foreign companies and workers influence Austria's value creation. The results show a clear outcome. Read on if you want to learn more!

September 28, 2022

Argentinian Foreign Minister in Vienna

The Argentine Foreign Minister, Santiago Andrés Cafiero, who is currently attending the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to strengthen Argentina's relations with the Agency, met with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The exchange focused on the expansion of bilateral relations, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its global implications.

September 27, 2022

Natural History Museum Vienna Returns Bones of Members of the Māori and Moriori to New Zealand

Bones of members of the Māori and Moriori people were returned to Aotearoa, New Zealand, during a repatriation ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Vienna.

September 27, 2022

Number of Holiday Trips Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

To mark World Tourism Day, today we turn our attention to tourism in Austria. After the summer, the travel activity of the Austrian population was evaluated. The pleasing result: the Austrian population is travelling more again and is back at pre-crisis levels. Among others, this pleases the airport, which recorded an increase in passenger volume.

September 27, 2022

Austria's Economy Demands Help with Energy Crisis

Many companies in Austria are currently struggling with the high energy prices. Now the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Federation of Austrian Industries are calling for political intervention to prevent company closures.

September 27, 2022

Opening of the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The 66th IAEA General Conference is taking place at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 26-30 September. Representatives from the IAEA’s 175 Member States are convening at the conference in Vienna. Under the theme "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field," the focus is not only on nuclear security and the role of the IAEA but also on Iran's buildup of highly enriched uranium stockpiles as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the accompanying nuclear threats from Russia.

September 26, 2022

Schools in Austria on the Path to Become European Parliament Ambassador Schools

With a full-day kick-off event with European Parliament members Hannes Heide and Thomas Waitz at the House of the European Union in Vienna, teachers from 20 schools, started the Ambassador Schools Program of the European Parliament for the school year 2022/23.

September 26, 2022

Working in Austria: Further Facilitation of the Red-White-Red Card

Applying for a Red-White-Red Card is made easier again! Skilled workers who intend to work in Austria will find it easier to obtain a work permit in the future. Read this article to find out which simplifications have been decided.

September 26, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met Representatives of Jewish Organizations in New York

Austria should take its historical responsibility for the Holocaust seriously. Foreign Minister Schallenberg met with representatives of Jewish organizations on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

September 25, 2022

European Cooperation with Austria's Educational Institutions

During an Erasmus+ networking meeting, the new European digital hub "European School Education Platform" was presented at a gala event. Furthermore, the European Innovative Teaching Awards (EITA) were awarded to three Austrian schools.

September 25, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Hemra Amannazarov, Turkmenistan's new Ambassador in Austria and permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna presented her credentials to the Austrian Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen. Meet Ambassador Hemra Amannazarov, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 23, 2022

Meeting in New York: Turkey and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In the course of his stay at the UN General Assembly in New York, Federal President Van der Bellen met Turkish President Erdogan. Among the topics discussed were the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and Turkey's role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

September 23, 2022

Weekly Briefing: New Ambassadors in Vienna

The Find out more about this week's developments. In Vienna, several new ambassadors were accredited, who will represent their respective countries bilaterally as well as multilaterally at the OSCE and the international organizations in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 22, 2022

Austria Becomes Member of Methane Reduction Coalition

Austria joins the international initiative to reduce methane emissions founded a year ago. The goal of the now more than 100 countries is to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020.

September 22, 2022

Austrian Chancellor at UN General Assembly: End War at the Negotiating Table as Soon as Possible

The UN General Assembly in New York gathered a large number of international politicians to debate the current problems in the world. The Austrian President Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chancellor Nehammer and Alexander Schallenber, Austria's Foreign Minister, were also present.

September 22, 2022

Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre announce payload program awardees

A joint initiative, the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), is a cooperation program under the Access to Space for All Initiative between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). PHI-1, which the first transport is called, will carry two payloads from the National Space Science Agency of the Kingdom of Bahrain (NSSA) and the Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal University.

September 21, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations in Vienna

Lorenzo Ravano, Monaco's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano, the new permanent representative of the Principality of Monaco to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 21, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations in Vienna

Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour, Sudan's new permanent representative to the United Nations (Vienna), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour, the new permanent representative of Sudan to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 21, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in Vienna

Rodrigo Olsen Olivares, Chile's new permanent representative to the United Nations (Vienna), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Rodrigo Olsen Olivares, the new permanent representative of Chile to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 20, 2022

Why do so Many Viennese Not Apply for Austrian Citizenship?

Austria has one of the highest proportions of foreigners in the European Union. A recently published study by the City of Vienna analyses the motivations of the many people without Austrian citizenship and explains why most of them prefer to keep their old citizenship.

September 20, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of France to the International Organizations in Vienna

Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, France's new permanent representative to the United Nations (Vienna), presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, the new Permanent Representative of the French Republic to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 20, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?

The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.

September 20, 2022

Reopening of the Bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna

As a part of the reopening of the bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Icelandic counterpart Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir. Aside from bilateral issues, Iceland's upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe and the security situation in Europe were also discussed.

September 19, 2022

Taliban Opponent Massoud at Afghanistan Conference in Vienna

A conference in Vienna last week focused on the future of Afghanistan. About 25 politicians, human rights activists, scientists and other Afghan personalities met for the conference. Among them was Ahmad Massoud, probably Afghanistan's most prominent freedom fighter.

September 19, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna

Caroline Vermeulen, Belgium's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Caroline Vermeulen, the new permanent representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna, as well as the Ambassador to Austria.

September 19, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE in Vienna

Christian Gronbech-Jensen, Denmark's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen, the new permanent representative of Denmark to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 18, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in New York

As part of his New York trip, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will participate in the UN General Debate, the "Transforming Education Summit" and bilateral working talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of government.

September 18, 2022

Ukraine Commission of Inquiry Demonstrate Unity Against Impunity

The United Nations Human Rights Council established an Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine in March. Schallenberg recently welcomed those members.

September 16, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Bilateral Diplomacy in Vienna

The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is back from the summer break in Vienna. The bilateral relations in Vienna produced some meetings, demonstrating that diplomacy is always present in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 15, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in Vienna

Bharat Kumar Regmi, Ambassador-Designate of Nepal to Austria and Nepal's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Bharat Kumar Regmi, the new permanent representative of Nepal to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 15, 2022

State of the EU 2022 Speech: Austria Wants to Usher in a Modern EU Future

The State of the EU address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed many acute issues, including the war in Ukraine and its international repercussions. Austria's Minister for Europe responded.

September 15, 2022

Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President

With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.

September 15, 2022

Austro-Arab Chamber Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting at Vienna School for International Studies”

The Vienna School of International Studies hosted the "Ambassadors' Meeting at Vienna School of International Studies", organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber (AACC).

September 14, 2022

Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Women's Museum Hittisau Launch Project "Calliope. Join the dots"

With "Calliope. Join the dots", the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Women's Museum Hittisau are launching a joint project that is intended to inspire as a platform for outstanding Austrian women, as well as to promote equality and renew Austria's image abroad.

September 14, 2022