Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
EU Commissioner For Energy in Vienna
The Russian invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. The EU Energy Commissioner is in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the EU's energy outreach in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
April 11, 2022
Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.
April 11, 2022
Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Council on Foreign Relations: "Clarify to Putin how reality looks like"
In the course of the Foreign Affairs Council, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg praised the visit of Karl Nehammer to Moscow and expressed concerns about a coming intensification of violence in Ukraine. Also on the meeting's agenda was stabilization in the Western Balkans and the EU's Global Gateway Strategy. Read on if you want to learn more!
April 11, 2022
Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.
April 10, 2022
International Romani Day: Raising Awareness Against a Special Form of Racism
Today is the International Roma Day. This population group has been persecuted for centuries. Today's day is intended in particular to draw attention to the discrimination and persecution of Roma and at the same time to celebrate the culture of this ethnic minority. The European Union debated yesterday as a sign of today's day of action about the marginalization of Romani people.
April 8, 2022
UN Excludes Russia from Human Rights Council over Inhumane Crimes in Ukraine
After more and more details about crimes committed by the Russian Army against the Ukrainian population become public, the UN General Assembly is taking action. With a necessary two-thirds majority, the deputies voted for an exclusion from the Human Rights Council. This is not the first time something like this has happened.
April 8, 2022
Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe
Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.
April 7, 2022
G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.
April 7, 2022
„Murdering Civilians is a War Crime”: NATO Foreign Ministers to Condemn President Putin's War
The foreign ministers of NATO member states condemned the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine. The meeting discussed more intensive support for Ukraine, as well as the development of the NATO's next Strategic Concept.
April 7, 2022
Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"
Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.
April 7, 2022
State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria
The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.
April 6, 2022
Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression
Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.
April 6, 2022
Donor Conference in Berlin: Austria Pledges €10 Million to Moldova to Assist with Ukraine Refugees
The effects of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine are becoming increasingly evident in Ukraine's neighboring states. Moldova has already taken in over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and is reaching its limits. To help in the humanitarian crisis, an international conference with Austrian participation has now been held and financial resources have been made available. From Austria's side, a sum of 10 million euros was provided.
April 6, 2022
Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers
Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.
April 5, 2022
Iran Blames U.S. for Stalemate in Vienna Nuclear Talks
The Islamic Republic of Iran blames the U.S. for a stalemate in the renewed JCPOA talks in Vienna. Iran accuses the demands of the U.S. as extravagant and exaggerated.
April 5, 2022
European Forum Alpbach Gets Ready for Its 2022 Event
The date for the European Forum Alpbach was recently set by the organizers and will take place between August 21 and September 2. The event, which is a great networking opportunity, is focusing on a new program design this year. If you are interested in what is on the program and which days are best to visit, then read on now.
April 5, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.
April 4, 2022
Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy
Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.
April 4, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Met Scholz and Habeck in Berlin: "Russian Energy Embargo Not an Issue"
Olaf Scholz and Karl Nehammer recently met in Berlin to discuss the tense political situation. The Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine triggered a chain reaction of economic sanctions. Germany and Austria stand side by side as partners and want to respond to the difficulties together.
April 4, 2022
Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression
North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.
April 1, 2022
Melitopol Mayor Previously Kidnapped by Russians in Vienna
The mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, accepted an invitation to the Vienna City Hall. The topic of conversation was aid for the Ukrainian civilian population.
April 1, 2022
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile-Related Activities
The U.S. imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran, accusing them of supporting Iran's ballistic missile program after suspected Iranian-backed proxies carried out missile attacks on Arab targets in the region.
March 31, 2022
Trip to Israel: Market Exploratory Mission to Promote Austrian-Israeli Economic Relations
The Israeli-Austrian economic partnership is becoming increasingly important. Now Foreign Minister Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck visited the Israeli state to intensify economic relations and to attend the opening of a major infrastructure project with Austrian participation.
March 31, 2022
Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.
March 31, 2022
Israel and Austria Move Closer Together: Strategic Partnership Agreement in Preparation
The strengthening of bilateral relations and common economic interests prompted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck to visit Israel. The invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine as well as talks on the normalization process between Israel and several Arab states were on the agenda.
March 31, 2022
IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety
Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.
March 31, 2022
Vienna International Airport Hub With Newly Designed Terminal 2
The long-awaited Terminal 2 has finally reopened. After 2 years of renovation, it is finally available for passengers again. This is urgently necessary, because after the many years of the Corona pandemic, the airport management expects a significant increase in tourist numbers and accordingly more traffic at the airport Vienna-Schwechat.
March 30, 2022
NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans
A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.
March 29, 2022
Access to Austrian Citizenship for Descendants of Nazi Victims Expanded
A new amendment to the law will now make it easier to obtain Austrian citizenship as a descendant of a victim of National Socialism. This has now been passed in parliament and is an important step towards the recognition of history.
March 29, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Charity Concert in Vienna with Message from Zelenskyy
More than 100,000 people came together to show solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine. In addition to performances by well-known Austrian bands, a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shown, in which he addressed all the people who stand by Ukraine in such difficult times. At the benefit concert with free admission, donations were collected under the motto "YesWeCare".
March 28, 2022 · Updated: March 29, 2022; 12:32
Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support
The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.
March 28, 2022
Ukraine Refugees in Austria: ID Card and IT Infrastructure for Registration and Data Collection Now Ready
Currently, thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge are coming to Austria to escape the horrors of the war. In order to stay and work here, they need to register at the police, which recently received new registration modules. These are intended to contribute to the quick and easy registration of persons arriving in Austria who are looking for help.
March 28, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna
Eglantina Gjermeni, Albania's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Gjermeni is an experienced politician and has already served as a minister in her country. Meet Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, the new permanent Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 25, 2022
Austria Kicks Off Detachment Process from 80 Percent Dependence on Russian Gas
In order to no longer be dependent on Russian gas imports, the Austrian federal government decided on a new stockpiling of natural gas. This is to provide for the case of an import stop from Russia. Despite the high level of approval, the proposal has nevertheless come in for criticism.
March 25, 2022
Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas
The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.
March 24, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Vicki Kennedy Received at AmCham Austria Welcome Gala Dinner
New U.S. Ambassador Victoria R. Kennedy recently attended an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham Austria), where she spoke about transatlantic trade relations and the Ukraine conflict. Read on to learn more about the event and its participants.
March 24, 2022
Austrian President Tells Brussels: EU Force and Zelenskyy Speech Conform with Neutrality
At meetings between the EU leaders and Alexander Van der Bellen, the President spoke about Austria's role as a neutral state in military and political matters. He saw no difficulties in inviting the Ukrainian president to Austria or in participating in the EU armed forces. The need for new energy suppliers and the current refugee problem were also discussed.
March 24, 2022
The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna
In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.
March 24, 2022
OSCE Condemns Russian Aggression on Mariupol and Ukraine
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid condemned the ongoing violence that Russian forces committed in Ukraine and the city of Mariupol. Meanwhile Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has denied that Russia was involved in the attack on a theatre in besieged Mariupol.
March 23, 2022
Neutrality: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy May Now Be Able to Address the Austrian National Council After All
The ongoing debate on Austrian neutrality will maybe allow Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to speak to Austrian parliamentarians.
March 23, 2022
Canada and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations
Relations between Canada and Austria continue to develop. A brief analysis of economic, academic and political relations.
March 23, 2022
Austria Enhances Bilateral Economic Relations with Conflicting Neighbors India and Pakistan
The initiative ReFocus Austria, accompanied by Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, visited the emerging republics of Pakistan and India in recent days. The aim of the trip was to establish economic relations and promote mutual investments. Read on if you want to know which sectors are in particular demand.
March 23, 2022
Putin's Aggression Against Ukraine as a Trigger for the Flare-up of the Austrian Neutrality Debate
Russia's fabricated pretext for war, Russian use of disinformation to distract and deflect responsibility and eventually Russia's invasion of Ukraine could become the turning point for Austria's security policy. Parliamentary groups discussed Austria's position in the field of tension between neutrality, NATO accession and the EU army.
March 23, 2022
Belgian Heads of State Welcomed Austrian President and First Lady
Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Belgium. Besides a reception with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde the program included talks on the war in Ukraine and high energy prices with senior Belgian politicians and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
March 23, 2022
Austrian Federal President: "We stand with Ukraine"
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen, as a special guest of honor, visited a charity event on the weekend and gave a speech about the current situation in Ukraine.
March 21, 2022
The Ukraine Invasion and India: Schallenberg in New Delhi
Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited India to hold talks in the capital New Delhi. In addition to other regional and international security policy topics of discussion, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine will be the main topic.
March 21, 2022
Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China
The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.
March 18, 2022
Imran Khan Meets With Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan. In addition to talks about Afghanistan, which is controlled by the Taliban, the war in Ukraine was also on the agenda. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that have so far not voiced criticism of Russia's crimes in Ukraine.
March 18, 2022
Cultural Diplomacy: Year of Literature to Improve International Networking of Austrian Authors
Cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation and does play an important role. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is launching the International Year of Literature to promote dialogue projects with Austrian authors abroad and thus position them more internationally.
March 18, 2022
Austrian Parliamentary Delegation Visits India, which Maintains a Special Strategic Partnership with Russia
India received an Austrian delegation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Among other things, the delegation discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the hesitant attitude of the Indian government, which has so far not openly opposed the Kremlin.
March 17, 2022
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