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Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
COVID-19 in Austria: Concerns About Transition to 2.5G Rule in Workplace
Due to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Austria is considering transitioning from the 3G rule in the workplace to a 2.5G rule in the coming weeks. Some government officials are expressing concerns about the implementation of this change. Read about the potential requirement change and the concerns that some have about it.
November 3, 2021
Austria Commemorates Victims of Vienna Terror Attack on One Year Anniversary
One year after the deadly terrorist attack in Vienna, Austria commemorated the victims and their families with two memorial services. President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Schallenberg, and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig offered condolences and spoke out against terrorism and hatred.
November 3, 2021
Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"
Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.
November 2, 2021
COVID-19 in Austria: Booster Vaccinations Now Available to Everyone in Vienna After Six Months
Mayor Michael Ludwig has announced that the City of Vienna is now offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations to everyone in Vienna six months after they received their second dose. Read about the specifics of Vienna's booster vaccination campaign and where and when to get a third shot.
November 2, 2021
Austria Deepening Relationship with Gulf States: Foreign Minister Linhart in Qatar
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently met with Foreign Minister Linhart in Doha, Qatar. The leaders discussed various issues, including the strengthening of ties between Qatar and Austria. Linhart also met with Qatari business leaders as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative. Read about Linhart's trip to Qatar.
October 29, 2021
African Union and European Union to Strengthen Cooperation on COVID-19
Representatives of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), including Austrian Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, recently met in Kigali, Rwanda. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially unequal vaccine distribution, was a central topic of discussion. Read more about the meeting and the effort to increase vaccine access around the globe.
October 29, 2021
Strategic Partnership with United Arab Emirates in the Pipeline
On a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka expressed support for a strategic partnership between the two countries. Read about this new partnership that is currently in the works.
October 28, 2021
Economic Diplomacy a la "ReFocus": Connecting Diplomatic Representatives with Austria's Business Community
Diplomatic representatives in Austria met with members of the Austrian business community as part of the "ReFocus Austria" government initiative aimed at promoting Austrian companies abroad and Austria as a business location. The main focus of this event was opportunities in the "green economy." Read more about this event and "ReFocus Austria."
October 27, 2021
The Chancellor on National Day: "No island of the blessed"
Chancellor Schallenberg delivered an address on the Austrian National Day at the Heldenplatz in Vienna. The chancellor reflected on the successes of Austria since 1945 and its response to recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the terrorist attack in Vienna. Read what he said.
October 27, 2021
The Federal President on National Day: "Handing over the planet in order"
President Van der Bellen delivered a televised address to the nation to celebrate Austria's National Day. In his speech, the president addressed various issues, with a particular emphasis on the threat of climate change. Read what Van der Bellen said, and watch his full address.
October 27, 2021
Vienna Hosts "Central 5" Foreign Ministers
The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which make up the informal "Central 5" (C5) forum, recently met at the Albertina in Vienna. Read about the meeting, what Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart said, and watch the full joint press conference.
October 26, 2021
Official State Visit of the King of Jordan to Austria
King Abdullah II of Jordan recently met with President Van der Bellen in Vienna. The two leaders discussed various issues, including climate change. Read more about King Abdullah's official visit to Austria.
October 26, 2021
Smart Borders: Austrian Green Light for Implementation of EU-wide Entry/Exit System
Austria has passed a law to help implement the EU-wide entry/exit system (EES) as stipulated in the EU's "Smart Borders Package." Read more about the new law and what it means for border controls and law enforcement cooperation in the EU.
October 25, 2021
Hedy Lamarr Award 2021 for Outstanding Achievements by Women in Information Technology
The City of Vienna announced the winner of the 2021 Hedy Lamarr Award for outstanding achievements by women in information technology. Find out who won this year for her work on innovative learning methods and immersive experiences.
October 25, 2021
Austria Opposes Further Expansion of Hungarian Nuclear Power Plant Paks II
All five Austrian parliamentary parties are opposed to the expansion of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary due to serious safety concerns. The Environment Committee in parliament has unanimously called on the government to take all possible actions to oppose its construction. Read why Austria considers the power plant's expansion dangerous.
October 25, 2021
Jean-Claude Juncker Honored with the Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold in Vienna
Jean-Claude Juncker, the former European Commission President and head of government of Luxembourg, was presented with an award for services to the City of Vienna by Mayor Ludwig. Read what Mr. Juncker, Mayor Ludwig, and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer said at the ceremony.
October 22, 2021
President of the Republic of Moldova on State Visit to Austria
The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, made her first official visit to Austria and met with President Van der Bellen. Read about the meeting between the two heads of state and what they discussed.
October 22, 2021
Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting
Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.
October 22, 2021
The Virtual Open Day at the Austrian Parliament
The Austrian Parliament Open Day will take place virtually on the upcoming Austrian National Day. Read about the event, how to participate in it, and what National Council President Sobotka said about it.
October 21, 2021
Call for Solidarity for China Sanctioned States Including Taiwan
A motion for a resolution was filed in the Austrian Parliament calling for the Austrian government to support countries, such as Taiwan, sanctioned by China for supporting democracy, human rights, and other global values. Read about the motion and the reasoning behind it.
October 21, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: 3-G Rule at Work as of Nov. 1 - In-Company Tests Remain Free of Charge
Both employers and employees in Austria will only be allowed to enter their workplace after Nov. 1, 2021, if they have been vaccinated, have recovered in the past six months or have recently been tested.
October 20, 2021 · Updated: October 21, 2021; 07:10
Colonial Legacy: Restitution of Cultural Assets as Part of Austria's New Africa Strategy
The Austrian Foreign Ministry under Michael Linhart is developing a new Africa strategy for Austria. A motion for a resolution has been filed in parliament that requests that the foreign ministry includes restitution of cultural artifacts and assets as part of this strategy. Read more about the motion.
October 20, 2021
Infineon Opened €1.6 Billion High-tech Chip Factory in Villach
After three years of planning and construction and a € 1.6 billion price tag, Infineon Technologies AG finally opened its new high-tech chip factory in Villach, Austria. Read more about the new factory, the chips produced there, and what Infineon does.
October 20, 2021
Opening of the Memorial Exhibition "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga"
Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig recently opened a new memorial exhibition entitled "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga" at Vienna's central train station. The exhibition is intended to remind the public about the horrors of the Shoah and to commemorate the victims. Learn more about the new exhibition.
October 19, 2021
Conference on Migration Partnerships in Vienna
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is hosting the sixth Vienna Migration Conference (VMC). The conference will allow various stakeholders and high-level officials to discuss partnerships and reassess their strategies for dealing with new migration challenges. Read more about the event.
October 19, 2021
Foreign Minister Linhart's Inaugural Visit to the EU Foreign Affairs Council
Foreign Minister Linhart recently traveled to Luxembourg for his first meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. In a meeting with the other foreign ministers from the EU, they discussed various issues, including the EU's Eastern Partnership and the war in Ethiopia. Linhart also met with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush during his visit. Read about Linhart's trip and what was discussed in the meetings, and watch Linhart's interview outside the event.
October 19, 2021
Asylum Seekers and Migrants Should Get Vaccinated
The Austrian Minister for Integration Susanne Raab recently visited a mobile vaccination station at the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) Vienna to highlight the importance of making vaccines easily available to those with migration backgrounds. The ÖIF Integration Center Vienna has hosted the station multiple times and will do so again. Read more about the initiative and find out when the vaccination station will be at the ÖIF next.
October 18, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Launches Vaccination Booster Offensive
Vienna is continuing its campaign to get people vaccinated against COVID-19 and has launched its offensive to administer the booster vaccination. Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig and other officials recently held a press conference to discuss Vienna's progress on vaccinations and announce the plan for the booster shots. Read more about where Vienna stands in the pandemic fight and the roadmap for boosters.
October 18, 2021
Western Balkans: First Foreign Trip of the New Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart
Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart went on his first trip abroad since becoming the foreign minister. Linhart traveled to the Western Balkan state of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet with members of the international presence, business leaders, and various politicians, including his Bosnian counterpart Bisera Turković. Read more about his trip.
October 15, 2021
Schallenberg's First Foreign Trip as Austrian Chancellor
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel recently met for talks in Brussels with Chancellor Schallenberg on his first foreign trip since being appointed chancellor. Read about the chancellor's trip, his talks with the two leaders, and a Twitter error involving former Chancellor Kurz.
October 15, 2021
Fundraising Soirée for Descendants of the Author of the 1920 Austrian Constitution
The Jewish Museum Vienna held a fundraiser for the descendants of the author of the 1920 Austrian Constitution, Hans Kelsen. Prominent guests attended and spoke at the event, including a former chancellor and Kelsen's granddaughter. Read about the event and the exhibition being displayed to honor Mr. Kelsen's legacy.
October 15, 2021
Vienna's Praterstern to Be Transformed into a Greened and Cooled Lounge Oasis
Vienna's Praterstern is beginning its transformation into a greened and cooled lounge oasis and should be finished by the summer of 2022. Read about the specifics of the revitalization of Praterstern and view some projections of what the area will look like once it is complete.
October 14, 2021
Austria Presents Financial Budget for 2022
Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel presented Austria's draft financial budget for 2022 to the Austrian Parliament in the form of the annual budget speech. The plan includes tax reforms, budget increases for various ministries, estimates regarding the COViD-19 crisis, and more. Read some of the specific provisions in the budget outlined by the finance minister.
October 14, 2021
Vienna's "Traincademy" Uses Modern Simulators and VR for Driver and Rail Jobs Training
The new Traincademy in Vienna offers training courses for train drivers and other rail jobs using modern simulators and VR technology. With some estimating that thousands of rail employees will be needed in the coming years in Austria alone, the Traincademy wants to offer high-quality training to those looking for careers in the industry. Read more about the new Traincademy and the future of the rail industry.
October 13, 2021
Messe Wien Celebrates 100 Years
Messe Wien, the largest trade fair in Vienna, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this fall. To celebrate the occasion, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig attended a presentation of a new book that details the one-hundred-year history of the Messe Wien. Read about the new book and the significance of Messe Wien.
October 13, 2021
President of Georgia, Salomé Zourabichvili, in Austria
The President of Georgia, Salomé Zourabichvili, recently visited Austria and was hosted by President Van der Bellen at the Vienna Hofburg. The two heads of state discussed various issues, including the current political crises in Georgia and Austria. Read about the visit and what the presidents said at their joint press conference.
October 13, 2021
Gartenbaukino: Reopening of the Iconic Viennese Cinema
The Gartenbaukino in Vienna is finally reopening after being closed for nearly a year and undergoing roughly seven months of renovation. Read about the renovation of this iconic Viennese cinema and look at some of the upcoming events from its program for 2021/2022.
October 12, 2021
EU Justice Commissioner Reynders and Justice Minister Zadić Share Concerns Over Rule of Law in Poland
The EU Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynders, was hosted by Austrian Minister of Justice Alma Zadić for a working meeting in Vienna. The two discussed various issues, including their shared concern regarding the rule of law following the Polish Constitutional Court's ruling on the primacy of national law over EU law. Read about their meeting and the increased tensions surrounding the Polish court's decision.
October 12, 2021
Schallenberg and Linhart Inaugurated, Schallenberg to "Work Very Closely With Kurz"
The new Chancellor of Austria Alexander Schallenberg and new Foreign Minister Michael Linhart were sworn in by President Van der Bellen. In his first statement as Chancellor, Schallenberg said that he believes the allegations against his predecessor are false and that he would continue working closely with him. Read about the inauguration, what former Chancellor Kurz and Vice-Chancellor Kogler said about Schallenberg's appointment, and the entirety of Schallenberg's first statement as chancellor.
October 11, 2021
Michael Linhart Named New Austrian Foreign Minister
The current Austrian ambassador in Paris, Michael Linhart (63), will succeed Alexander Schallenberg as Austria's new foreign minister. Linhart was Secretary General at the Foreign Ministry from 2013 to 2018. Learn more about his background.
October 11, 2021
Schallenberg to Succeed as Chancellor Following the Resignation of Kurz
Following the resignation of Sebastian Kurz as Chancellor in the wake of the corruption scandal involving not only Sebastian Kurz but also his inner circle of about 10 associates, Alexander Schallenberg, the current Foreign Minister, will be inaugurated as the new Chancellor. Read also who could become Austria's new foreign minister.
October 10, 2021
Wiener Linien: 3,000 New WienMobil Bikes in Vienna in 2022
Wiener Linien has announced that its new bike-sharing service "WienMobil Rad" will be replacing "Citybike Wien" in 2022. They also announced there will be more bikes available in more locations. Read about the new bikes, how much they will cost, and where they can be found in Vienna.
October 8, 2021
Austrian Government Promises to Provide More Money for Childcare
Austrian Minister for Women and Integration Susanne Raab announced that the federal government will be providing more money for childcare. Read more about what Raab said about this expansion of childcare in Austria.
October 7, 2021
Antisemitic Vandalism at Auschwitz-Birkenau Highlights Alarming Trend
One day after an Austrian delegation, including President Van der Bellen, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and EU Minister Edtstadler spoke at the opening of the new Austrian exhibition at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the museum reported antisemitic vandalism at the camp. The shocking incident underscores a larger trend of antisemitism in Europe and around the world. Read more about the incident, the trend of antisemitism, and what is being done to combat it.
October 7, 2021
Embassy Building “Palais Nassau” in Russian Possession for 130 Years
To mark the 130th anniversary of the Russian acquisition of the "Palais Nassau" in Vienna for embassy purposes, Russian Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij presented a special postage stamp and stamp block and ceremoniously stamped them. The ambassador also gave a brief speech on the occasion. Read more about the event and the embassy.
October 7, 2021
Polish-Austrian Relations: Official Visit and Business Forum in Warsaw
Polish President Andrzej Duda hosted Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Warsaw for the first official visit of an Austrian President in Poland since 2009. The two had a meeting and held a joint press conference in which they discussed various issues, including Poland's current issues with the EU. Van der Bellen also attended an economic forum and met with other Polish leaders. Read more about the details of the President's visit to Poland.
October 6, 2021
EU Support to Western Balkans as Repulsion against China and Turkey
European heads of state and government that make up the European Council, including Chancellor Kurz, met in Slovenia for informal talks and the Western Balkans Summit. In addition to other issues, the leaders discussed the accession of Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Kosovo to the EU. Read more about what Kurz and the EU said about the enlargement process.
October 6, 2021
Military Surveillance of 50 Embassies in Vienna Still Required
The Austrian Council of Ministers has extended the cooperation between the military and the police for protecting the embassies in Vienna to help relieve the police during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the cooperation and what Austrian Interior Minister Nehammer and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner said about its extension.
October 4, 2021
Auschwitz-Birkenau: Austrian Delegation to Visit Largest Mass Murder Site in Human History
At the invitation of the Director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Piotr M.A. Cywiński and Austrian National Council President Sobotka, an Austrian delegation including President Van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Schallenberg will attend the opening of the new Austrian national exhibition "Distance - Austria and Auschwitz" in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum at the former Nazi concentration camp. Read more about the important new exhibition, who will be attending the opening, and the schedule for the rest of the president's trip to Poland.
October 4, 2021
U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Latest Austrian Approaches
In furtherance of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Austria has created the SDG Dialogue Forum Austria. This new annual event is intended to promote partnerships as described in SDG 17 of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Read about this new event and what Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler said at its first meeting at the Natural History Museum Vienna.
September 30, 2021
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