Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community

Austria's Reaction to Putin's Disrespect for the Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Eastern Ukraine

Following President Putin's decision to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk in the Donbas region of Ukraine and to send "peacekeeping troops" to these areas, the Austrian government's Crisis Cabinet met to discuss how to respond. Read what Chancellor Nehammer said about the act of Russian aggression and what Austria will do.

February 22, 2022

Vienna's Mayor Ludwig: "Pandemic has not yet been mastered"

Mayor Ludwig announced that Vienna will keep some of the COVID-19 measures in place despite the federal government lifting many of them. Read which measures still apply in Vienna and what the mayor and health experts said about it.

February 21, 2022

Schallenberg Met Baerbock - Shared Responsibility Against the Aggression of the Kremlin

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin to discuss the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as climate action and the Western Balkans. Read what the two foreign ministers said about these issues.

February 21, 2022

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Austria Dispatches Crisis Team

The Kremlin apparently wants to justify further aggression with provocations in eastern Ukraine. Due to the escalating situation in eastern Ukraine, Austria has sent a crisis team to Ukraine. In addition to specialists from the Cobra task force, the team also includes experts from the foreign and defense ministries.

February 20, 2022

After the African Union Summit: Austria Provides €5 Million in Total to Alleviate Migration Pressure

Following the 6th European Union - African Union Summit, Austria announced that it would provide € 5 million in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Tunisia. Read about Austria's efforts to alleviate some of the migration pressure caused by conflicts in Africa.

February 18, 2022

Russia Sustains Conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in Eastern Ukraine

Russian-backed separatists reportedly began shelling an area near the "contact line" in Eastern Ukraine. Read about the recent incident and why Chancellor Nehammer and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are "very worried."

February 18, 2022

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Neutral Switzerland and Austria Back De-escalation

Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer discussed the Ukraine crisis at a meeting in Zofingen, Switzerland. Read what they said about the ongoing conflict.

February 17, 2022

Austria to Poland: "No compromise on the rule of law"

EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler made Austria's position on the rule of law dispute between the EU and Poland very clear in a meeting with her Polish counterpart. Read what Edtstadler said about Austria's support for the rule of law in the EU.

February 17, 2022

What Are the Minsk Agreements and Can They Help De-escalate the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Some leaders have suggested that the Minsk Agreements could provide a path to a diplomatic solution to the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read more about the Minsk Agreements and if they really do provide a viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

February 16, 2022

EU - African Union Summit as Driver for Strengthened Economic Partnership between African Countries and Austria

Austria plans to use the upcoming European Union - African Union Summit as a means to strengthen the economic partnership between African countries and Austria. Read more about Austria's plans for strengthening cooperation with Africa.

February 15, 2022

FDI in Austria: ABA Location Agency Serves 364 International Companies

The annual results from the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) show that its location agency serves 364 international companies. Read more about the ABA's annual results and how the agency is helping companies settle into Austria.

February 15, 2022

Head of UN Women Discusses Deteriorating Situation Under Oppressive Taliban Rule

UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous discussed the distressing situation for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban with the Austrian Minister for Women Susanne Raab. Read more about their conversation.

February 11, 2022

Combating Violence Against Women: New Silent Emergency Call App Available From March

The Austrian government has introduced a new app to help counter the alarming trend of increased domestic violence against women. Read about the new app and other steps the government is taking to prevent violence against women.

February 10, 2022

Vienna Business Agency Sees Significant Increase in Expat Advice Requests

The Expat Center and the Business Immigration Office of the Vienna Business Agency saw a stark increase in the number of expats seeking advice during the COVID-19 crisis. Read about this increase and how the Vienna Business Agency has assisted expats.

February 9, 2022

Economics Minister Schramböck Calls EU Chips Act "An opportunity for Europe"

The European Commission has unveiled its draft for the European Chips Act. Read about the Chips Act and why Economics Minister Schramböck called it "an opportunity for Europe."

February 8, 2022

IAEA to Assess Safety of Japan Dumping Fukushima's Radioactive Cooling Water into Sea

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will go to Japan to conduct a review of the safety of the Japanese government's decision to dump radioactive cooling water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean. Read about the review and who opposes Japan's decision.

February 7, 2022

President Macron Meets with EU Interior Ministers to Discuss Asylum and Immigration

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Interior Minister Karner and his EU counterparts to discuss asylum and immigration and other priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Read what the French president said and what was agreed upon at the meeting of the EU interior ministers.

February 7, 2022

Austria Promises Legal Action After EU Commission's Nuclear Energy Decision

Austria has vowed to take legal action against the European Commission after it decided to include nuclear energy and natural gas as sustainable investments under the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Read what the Austrian president, chancellor, and climate minister said about this decision.

February 3, 2022

Armenia and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is visiting Armenia in an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties. Read about Austrian-Armenian relations and Schallenberg's trip, which includes meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

February 2, 2022

Sergei Lavrov Expects Clarifications from Individual Western Countries on Russia's Security

The Russian foreign minister's remarks raise hopes for further diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine crisis.

February 2, 2022

German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans

German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.

February 1, 2022

Official State Visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Austria

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were in Austria on an official state visit. The royal couple was received by President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna. Read about their visit and the opening of the new Salvador Dali exhibition at Belvedere.

February 1, 2022

How Close Are We to War Between Russia and the Ukraine?

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain very high, and some have called a Russian invasion imminent. Read what Nina L. Kruscheva, an expert on Russia and international affairs, said about the likelihood of a war between Russia and Ukraine.

January 31, 2022

Interpol Secretary General in Vienna: "Dangers to internal security in Europe originating on other continents"

The Secretary General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, was in Vienna to meet with Interior Minister Karner to discuss security issues and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Interpol. Read about their meeting and the upcoming General Assembly in Vienna.

January 28, 2022

Inflation in Austria: Government Approves Relief Package to Deal with Rising Energy Prices

Chancellor Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Kogler held a summit with energy suppliers and assembled a relief package to help combat inflation. Learn what's in the relief package and who will benefit from it.

January 28, 2022

City of Vienna to Provide 120,000 Euros to Migrant Organizations in 2022

The City of Vienna has decided to provide 120,000 euros in funding for migrant organizations and associations to help offset the financial stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the funding for projects in 2022 and examples of important integration projects from 2021.

January 28, 2022

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Schallenberg Visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Site

On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2022, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial together with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Governor Thomas Stelzer.

January 27, 2022

Vienna Nuclear Talks: Direct Contacts between Tehran and Washington Possible

Iranian leadership has suggested that Iran may be open to meeting directly with U.S. officials for negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read about this significant stance change and what it means for the JCPOA.

January 27, 2022

EU Council President in Vienna: "Situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border worrisome"

European Council President Charles Michel was in Vienna to discuss the tense situation at Ukraine's border and other pressing issues with Chancellor Nehammer. Read about their discussion.

January 27, 2022

Expo 2020 Dubai: Austria's Youth Showcase Their Innovation

The four teams that won Austria's "Innovative Youth" competition will get to showcase their projects at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Read about the competition and what the winning projects were.

January 27, 2022

Covid in Austria: Lockdown for the Unvaccinated Ends Monday

As COVID-19 infections reached a new high in Austria due to Omicron, Chancellor Nehammer and Health Minister Mückstein announced an end to the lockdown for the unvaccinated. Read why they decided to end the lockdown and which measures still apply.

January 26, 2022

#WeRemember: Heads of Austrian, German, and Israeli Parliaments Meet Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day

German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Israeli Knesset President Mickey Levy recently met with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Berlin to discuss the fight against anti-Semitism and the #WeRemember campaign. Read about their meeting and this important campaign ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

January 26, 2022

Brussels: Schallenberg Attends Ukraine Crisis Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Foreign Minister Schallenberg attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The meeting, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended virtually, focused on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Read about the meeting and watch an interview with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

January 26, 2022

Meet the New Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi and Djibouti to Austria

The new Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi, and Djibouti to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.

January 25, 2022

Risk of Disastrous Nuclear Conflict Higher Than Ever Before

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists kept the "doomsday clock" set at "100 seconds to midnight" yet again this year, arguing that current geopolitical tensions have put the risk of nuclear conflict higher than ever before. Read what has the scientists so worried and what Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about the threat.

January 25, 2022

European Leaders Take Unified Position Against Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Several heads of state - including Ursula von der Leyen, Jens Stoltenberg, Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Mario Draghi, Charles Michel and Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE - took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden, on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.

January 24, 2022

Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.

January 24, 2022

Austria's Position on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high as Russia still has thousands of troops stationed on the Ukrainian border. Read Austria's position on the issue.

January 22, 2022

Schallenberg on Russia's Aggression Toward Ukraine: "Dialogue where possible. Clear lines where necessary."

Foreign Minister Schallenberg gave a speech in the Austrian National Council in which he addressed the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read what the foreign minister warned about the situation.

January 21, 2022

Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna Promises Investigation into the Unrest

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Muchtar Tileuberdi met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna, and the pair discussed the recent protests and violence in Kazakhstan. Read more about their discussion, and watch their joint press conference.

January 20, 2022

Austria's Initiatives to Strengthen EU External Border Management

Austria is co-organizing a conference in Lithuania to discuss EU external border protection. Interior Minister Karner, who will represent Austria at the meeting, first stopped in Hungary to talk about the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Sándor Pintér. Read more about Austria's efforts to strengthen EU external border management.

January 20, 2022

Vienna - Perhaps the Best Place to Go in 2022

Vienna was ranked one of the top travel destinations for 2022 by multiple international media outlets. Read more about this positive development for Vienna's tourism industry.

January 19, 2022

Meet the New Mongolian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj

The new Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Ambassador Mijiddorj.

January 18, 2022

Israel and Austria Step Up Cooperation on Security Issues

Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner met for working talks to discuss further cooperation on security issues. Read more about their meeting and what they said about the fight against anti-Semitism.

January 18, 2022

Meet the New Italian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame

The new Ambassador of Italy to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame, presented his credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about the new ambassador.

January 17, 2022

Schallenberg Cautions "Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable Under Any Circumstances"

Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently discussed the current tensions between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting with his counterparts from the EU in Brest, France. Read more about Schallenberg's stance on Ukraine and dealing with Russia in the context of Russia's troop buildup and a recent cyberattack on Ukraine.

January 17, 2022

U.S. and EU Establish "Transatlantic Coordination" Against Russia

Europe and the U.S. are closing ranks in the face of feared Russian aggression against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are determined to "form a strong, clear and united transatlantic front," European Union External Action announced after a phone call between the two. According to the statement, they expressed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

January 16, 2022

President of Switzerland on Official State Visit to Austria

On his first official visit to Austria as president, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about the meeting between the two presidents.

January 14, 2022

Meet the New Canadian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk

The new Ambassador of Canada to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Mr. Lulashnyk.

January 14, 2022

Meet the New Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets

The new Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

January 13, 2022