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Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
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Austria Faces Hard Lockdown
Due to rapidly rising Covid-19 infection rates in Austria, the government will most likely implement a hard lockdown starting at the beginning of next week. The new restrictions might include the closing of schools and kindergartens as well as shutting down all stores that are not providing goods to cover basic needs.
November 13, 2020
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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
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Ambassador Turner Met Governor of Carinthia
British Ambassador to Austria met Carinthia's Governor Kaiser to discuss the current Covid-19 situation in Austria and also the Brexit negotiations that are in the decisive stage. Turner hopes that the registration of British citizens following the Brexit will be easy and unbureaucratic.
November 12, 2020
Central Five Held Virtual Conference
The Foreign Ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria (Central Five) held a virtual working meeting. On the agenda of the meeting were current foreign relation issues, but especially the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent terror attack in Vienna.
November 12, 2020
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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
Macron, Merkel, Von der Leyen and Kurz on the Fight Against Terrorism
At a video conference, Macron, Merkel, Rutte, Von der Leyen, Michel and Kurz have agreed that the EU needs to act decisively and jointly against a terrorism and extremism. Following the recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria, the politicians demand further discussions about the future procedure of the fight against terrorism.
November 11, 2020
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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
French Secretary of State for Europe Beaune Meets Austrian Counterpart
Clément Beaune, the French Secretary of State for Europe, visited Minister for European Affairs Edtstadler to discuss closer cooperations in the fight against terrorism. Both politicians agreed on intensifying developments against radical Islam and other forms of terrorism, also on an European level.
November 10, 2020
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Integration Minister Raab: "Increasing Radicalization Tendencies Need More Determined Cooperation"
At a video conference with her European counterparts, Austria's Integration Minister Raab demanded even more determined cooperation at the EU level to fight extremism and terrorism. She emphasizes the fact that this fight can be only battled together and that it is important to detect the breeding ground for ideologies that stand against common European values.
November 9, 2020
EU Council President in Vienna
EU Council President Michel came to Vienna to commemorate the victims of the Vienna terror attack and to discuss measures that could enhance the fight against terrorism. Chancellor Kurz and Michel both agreed on the fact that the EU needs to find joint solutions for Political Islam and the terror that is often a result.
November 9, 2020
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US Election: Schallenberg Looks Forward to Continuing Partnership With US
After the US Election, Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg wants to continue the good cooperation with the new administration but also emphasizes the importance of having a strong European community that does not need to rely on the US or any other partners.
November 9, 2020
Turnover Compensation For Impacted Companies
The Austrian Ministry of Finance has issued another instrument to offset negative consequences of the second lockdown for the economy. Impacted businesses will be compensated for 80 percent of their turnover with an allegedly unbureaucratic and fast process that should help companies as uncomplicated as possible.
November 6, 2020
Belarusian Opposition Leader in Vienna
The Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanovskaya visited Vienna to hold meetings with representatives of Austrian and European politics. Chancellor Kurz thanked Tikhanovskaya for her "tireless efforts" and reaffirmed Austria's support for a democratic Belarus.
November 6, 2020
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EU Budget: Austrian Commissioner Hahn Welcomes New Agreement
For the first time ever, the disbursement of funds from the next EU budget will be directly connected to the rule of law of each member state. This was negotiated by representatives of the European Parliament and the Council; among them is Austria's EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
November 5, 2020
Conference of Frugal Four and Finland Was Hosted by Austria
The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland came to Vienna to meet with Austria's Minister for European Affiars Edtstadler. On the agenda was the issuance of a joint statement in which they Ministers condemn the recent terror attack in Vienna and other topics regarding the cooperation of the five countries.
November 5, 2020
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Dutch Foreign Minister in Vienna
The Dutch Foreign Minister Blok visits his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg to discuss EU's foreign and security policy, the fight against terrorism, and other current foreign relations issues. The Dutch politician also offered his condolences after the terror attack in Vienna,
November 5, 2020
Macron Was to Visit Austria, Now Only Virtual Meeting With Kurz
The French President Macron had planned to travel to Austria to meet with Sebastian Kurz. However, due to the Covid-19 measures in place, the two politicians will only meet virtually. After the recent terror attack in Vienna as well as in Nice, the topic of discussion will be the fight against Islamist terrorism. A common European approach is demanded and will also be discussed during the working meeting.
November 4, 2020
Worldwide Expressions of Solidarity After Terror Attack in Vienna
Many international organizations and presidents of other parliaments are shaken by the terror attack in Vienna and offer their condolences to the President of the National Council Sobotka. According to Sobotka, this shows the "international dimension" of the attack.
November 4, 2020
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70 Years of European Convention on Human Rights: "Democracy Needs Human Rights"
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, Constitutional Minister Edtstadler stated that human rights are a prerequisite for an democracy. She also sees the Islamic assassination in Vienna as an attack on the freedom and democracy in Austria and Europe.
November 4, 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
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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
Von der Leyen: "European Family Stands With Austria"
The EU Commission President Von der Leyen and many other European politicians have offered their condolences to the Austrian population following the horrible attacks in Vienna. The European family is united in their response by expressing their commitment to freedom, democracy and the fight against terrorism.
November 3, 2020
Kurz: All of Europe in Middle of the Second Wave
At a video conference with all of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Chancellor Kurz and the other country heads discussed Covid-19 measures and a common approach of the EU. Since the second wave has already hit many of the member countries, better coordination than in the spring of this year is demanded by almost every country.
October 30, 2020
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Áder Met Van der Bellen
The Hungarian President Áder visited his Austrian counterpart in Vienna to discuss the current fight against Covid-19. Although there would have been many other EU and bilateral topics to discuss, the prevailing matter is the rising infection numbers in Europe and the measures taken by the various governments.
October 30, 2020
Beligum Is Now Warning of Travel to All of Austria
The Belgian Foreign Ministry now warns of travel to all nine federal states of Austria. Carinthia and Styria complete the list of the federal states that are depicted in red, which is the highest Covid-19 warning level. Travellers from these areas need to self-quarantine for at least ten days.
October 29, 2020
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European Economic and Social Committee: Austrian Christa Schweng is New Head
The Austrian politician Christ Schweng is the new head of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). She is only the fifth woman to head the EU institution and will be in this position for the two and a half years. Her main goals for this period include to "make a decisive contribution to Europe's recovery and future resilience" with regard to the current crisis.
October 28, 2020
Spanish Secretary of State for EU Met Edtstadler
The Spanish Secretary of State for the EU González-Barba Pera met European Affairs Minister Edtstadler in Vienna to discuss the fight against Covid-19 and the cooperation on EU-level. Both sides agreed on the importance of a common effort by the European Union to tackle future problems.
October 28, 2020
Italian Interior Minister Met Nehammer
Italian Interior Minister Lamorgese welcomed her Austrian counterpart Nehammer for a working meeting in Rome. The main discussion topics were the fight against organized crime and illegal trafficking as well as strengthening repatriation agreements with third countries.
October 27, 2020
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Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Schallenberg and Kurz Delighted
The 50th ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty means that the treaty can enter into force. Both, Austrian Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg, are delighted about the progress made with regard to the nuclear disarmament, which Austria has been supporting vehemently.
October 27, 2020
Austrian Post Invests More Than EUR 100 Million in Turkish Subsidiary
Despite the critical tensions between the European Union and Turkey, the Austrian Post will be investing more than EUR 100 million in a Turkish subsidiary in the next five years. CEO Pölzl is confident that the separation of politics and the business aspect will be also possible in the future.
October 23, 2020
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Van der Bellen at Viennale 2020: "We Need the Film"
The 58th Viennale is currently taking place despite Covid-19 and all the regulations that are in place. Federal President Van der Bellen and director of the festival, Eva Sangiorgi, both emphasize the importance of film even though the pandemic has impacted the industry dramatically.
October 23, 2020
French Ambassador Met Integration Minister: Unity Against Parallel Societies And Extremism
After the murder of a French teacher in Paris, French ambassador Pécout met Austria's Integration Minister Raab to discuss parallel societies and extremism. They both agreed on the importance of integration and the vehement and rigorous fight against extremism.
October 23, 2020
Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets
With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.
October 22, 2020
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75 Years of United Nations: UN Flags Illumination on Schwarzenbergplatz
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna will be illuminated with the flags of the UN's member countries. Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly, and Mayor Michael Ludwig will start the illumination.
October 22, 2020
Danger for Winter Tourism: Germany Warns Of Travel to Austria
After Germany had warned against travel to Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg last week, rising Covid-19 infection rates in other parts of Austria have led to an expansion of the travel warnings to almost every federal state of Austria. These warning will be in effect on Saturday with no end in sight.
October 22, 2020
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Austrian National Bank: Exports Increase Again
Exports, excluding tourism, were above the comparable figures from 2019 for the first time in Austria since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis. The Austrian National Bank is confident that a second wave can be contained and that no further monetary or fiscal policy measures are needed.
October 21, 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
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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
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
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EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions
At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.
October 16, 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
European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration
At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.
October 15, 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
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Canadian Foreign Minister Visits Austria
The Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne visited Austria to conduct meetings with UN Organizations as well as with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. The topics on the agenda were the CETA agreement, the Covid-19 pandemic and current foreign trouble spots.
October 15, 2020
Border Controls with Slovenia and Hungary Will be Extended
The border controls between the Slovenian-Austrian and Hungarian-Austrian border will be extended once again. Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer cited as reasons the "continuing migration pressure, maintenance of internal security and the tense situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic".
October 14, 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
Blümel Presents Budget With EUR 21 Billion Deficit
Austria's Finance Minister Blümel presented the budget draft for 2021 to the National Council. Due to Covid-19, a deficit of over 20% is planned to provide enough aid for the struggling economy and job market in Austria. While the Federal Ministers show signs of relief with regard to the major budget increase, the opposition parties are furious.
October 14, 2020
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