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Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
Austrian Parliament Prepares for World Conference
At the physical conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the Austria Center Vienna in September, dozens of international Speakers of Parliament will discuss the creation of effective multilateralism. A conference website was now launched.
June 1, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Will the Chancellor's Promise be Broken?
As of today, not all of Austria's nine provinces can imagine that all those who want to get vaccinated will in fact receive their first vaccination by June. Read about the recent developments below.
June 1, 2021
China and Austria: Extension of Climate Neutrality Research Agreement
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang and Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler extend the agreement for cooperation in research and technology in the field of climate neutrality.
June 1, 2021
EU Foreign Ministers Condemn Belarusian "Air Piracy"
At the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Portugal, Austria's Alexander Schallenberg and his European counterparts condemned the actions took by the Belarusian regime to arrest an anti-government blogger.
May 31, 2021
Liechtenstein's and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister in Vienna
The discussions between the two respective Foreign Ministers from Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan with Austria's Alexander Schallenberg focused on the bilateral relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
May 28, 2021
Estonian President and Van der Bellen: "This was State Kidnapping"
The Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen condemn the recent developments in Belarus and demand immediate action from the European Union.
May 28, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Austrian Green Passport Soon Reality
The long awaited "Green Passport" is coming closer and closer. Austria's parliament has passed the necessary legal basis for the future proof of whether someone has been vaccinated, tested or has recovered.
May 27, 2021
Chinese Ambassador to Austria Receives Grand Decoration of Honor
Ambassador Li Xiaosi from the People's Republic of China has been awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for his Servicer to the State of Vienna by Mayor Michael Ludwig.
May 27, 2021
Vienna and Israel Deepen Friendship
The City of Vienna proofs once again that it cherishes its Jewish Community and its good relations with Israel. For this sake, Mayor Michael Ludwig and Ambassador Mordechal Rodgold came together to set an example for fa deepening friendship.
May 26, 2021
Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia Want EU Accession of North Macedonia and Albania
During their visits to North Macedonia and Albania, the Czech, Slovenian and Austrian Foreign Ministers once again spoke out in favor of a rapid EU accession process for the two Wester Balkan states.
May 25, 2021
Germany and Austria: "Current Incidents Demand Actions Against Anti-Semitism"
Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has met with German Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble in Berlin to exchange views on the fight against anti-Semitism. Recent incidents had worried the German and Austrian politicians.
May 21, 2021
EU Countries Agree on Green Passport by July, Austria Plans it for June
The EU countries and EU Parliament have agreed on an Europe-wide "Green Passport" by July 1, while Austria intends to have its Green Entry Pass ready by the beginning of June. Can the Austrian solution be implemented in the EU-wide certificate? Find out below!
May 21, 2021
Vienna Declaration Sets Stage for Climate-Friendly Mobility
The adoption of the Vienna Declaration at the THE PEP Conference with more than 850 participants from 41 countries, including 46 ministers and state secretaries, has set the stage for environmentally conscious and healthy mobility. Read all about the event below!
May 20, 2021
Israeli Flag Over Austrian Federal Chancellery Causes Diplomatic Tensions with Iran
The display of solidarity with Israel on top of the Federal Chancelry over the recent tensions in the Gaza Strip sparked a small diplomatic crisis between Austria and Iran.
May 18, 2021 · Updated: May 19, 2021; 13:01
Berlin - Prague - Vienna: Plan of 4 Hour Rail Connection
Berlin to Prague to Vienna in four hours? A travel time that is now only possible via plane will become reality via a rail connection. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.
May 19, 2021
Vienna Embassies Show Solidarity on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Several Vienna Embassies marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT 2021) by expressing solidarity in a common statement. The French Embassy in Vienna released a video drawing particular attention to sexual discrimination in sports.
May 18, 2021 · Updated: May 18, 2021; 22:55
Italy Opens Border for Austria
Italy has opened its border for Austria and many other EU countries. Only a few days before Austria eases its entry regulations, the Italian government has decided to set the stage for inner-European travel.
May 18, 2021
UK and Austria Work on Post-Brexit Agreements
During his visit to London, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his British counterpart Dominic Raab and with Brexit Minister David Frost. Both the United Kingdom and Austria have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation.
May 18, 2021
Liberation of Concentration Camp: International Diplomatic Delegation Commemorates Anniversary
Due to COVID-19 restriction a limited delegation of political and diplomatic representatives gathered on Sunday in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp for the traditional commemoration of the 76th anniversary of its liberation while honoring the memory of the dead.
May 17, 2021 · Updated: May 17, 2021; 19:44
Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections
It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.
May 17, 2021
European Commission Forecasts GDP Growth for Austria
In its spring forecast, the European Commission has issued GDP growth rates for all its member countries as well as for the EU as a whole and the euro area. Read more to find out the exact rates.
May 17, 2021
Viennese Start-Up Event Reaches 10 Million People
The Viennese startup event ViennaUP'21, which took place from April 27 to May 12 in a virtual format, can be viewed as a success. The reasons behind its success, the highlights of the event as well as what remains can be found out here!
May 14, 2021
Schallenberg and Central 5: "Restore Cross-Border Travel as soon as Possible"
At the Central 5 meeting in Bratislava, with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine as a special guest, the Slovak, Czech, Slovenian, Hungarian and Austrian head of diplomacies discussed foreign relation issues, in particular cooperation in the progress for the European "Green Passport".
May 14, 2021
New NATO Liaison Office in Vienna
The NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg have signed the headquarters agreement for the NATO Liaison Office in Vienna.
May 12, 2021
U.S. Special Envoy Kerry Discusses Climate Change with Schallenberg and European Foreign Ministers
John Kerry, U.S. President's Special Envoy for Climate, and the European Foreign Ministers, among them Austria's Alexander Schallenberg, met virtually to discuss international cooperation with regard to climate change. What they agreed on and what other topics the Foreign Affairs Council addressed? Read below!
May 12, 2021
Austria Wants to Include Western Balkans for Green Passport
At working meetings in Albania and North Macedonia, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Edtstadler has spoken out in favor of including Western Balkan states in the EU's "Green Passport". Why and how? Read more!
May 11, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: More Than One Third Vaccinated
The Austrian Covid-19 vaccination progress is picking up pace. More than one third of the vaccine-eligible population has received its first immunization. For more information about the exact progress, read below.
May 11, 2021
EU-Wide Minimum Wages: Kurz and Kocher Reluctant
Austria's Chancellor Kurz and Labor Minister Kocher took part at the EU social summit, which dealt with social injustice in all its facets. Among the possible measures to fight injustices, EU-wide minimum wages could be implemented, which would have an enormous impact on the economy.
May 11, 2021
Austria Sees Potential Global Economic Leadership
Only recently, the Austrian government has announced a comprehensive location strategy, which should enable Austria to position itself among global economic leaders in some particular segments.
May 10, 2021
Czech Republic and Austria Ready for Bilateral "Green Passport"
The newly appointed Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg met in Prague. Both politicians agreed on the need of a timely solution for inner-European travel and took the first steps towards a bilateral "Green Passport".
May 7, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Equal Treatment of Vaccinated, Tested and Recovered
The Austrian parliament has approved the equal treatment of Covid-19 vaccinated, tested and recovered. Find out what exactly this means for the opening steps on May 19 and what other measures were approved by the parliament.
May 7, 2021
Vienna Faces New Parking Regulations
No parking spaces and a city full of cars could be a story of the past. Vienna aims to introduce a city-wide parking permit, which would result in more commuters using public transportation and in more parking spaces for Vienna's population.
May 7, 2021
Vienna Also Opens on May 19.
Finally, Vienna has also officially confirmed that the long-awaited opening will take place on May 19. The planned relaxations also bring further steps towards normality in the retail sector. You can find out exactly what this means below.
May 6, 2021
Slovakian Prime Minister Meets Kurz and Van der Bellen
The newly appointed Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger has travelled to Vienna to meet with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and President Van der Bellen. On the agenda of the working meetings were the Covid-19 pandemic, border management and nuclear energy. Read below to find out more about possible bilateral agreements with regard to the "Green Passport".
May 6, 2021
10 Europe Direct Centers Bring the EU Closer to Austria
Just in time for the Conference on the Future of Europe, Austria opens up a new generation of Europe Direct centers across the country to bring the European Union closer to the Austrian people and vice versa. What information these centers provide and where they are, can be found below.
May 5, 2021
Italian Interior Minister and Nehammer Agree on Cooporation Against Terrorism
The Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese visited her Austrian counterpart Karl Nehammer in Vienna to talk about migration and bilateral cooperation with regard to fighting terrorism and extremism.
May 5, 2021
How Austria Plans its Economic Recovery
The Austrian government has submitted its final plan for the European Reconstruction fund, in which projects for economic recovery are listed. These planned measures will receive funding of over EUR 3.5 billion by the EU. Find out what the areas of focus for the investments are.
May 5, 2021
Unemployment Decreases: Austria's Economy Trends Upwards
Austria's economy and employment show signs of recovery. The recent unemployment figures show a decline of about 8.7 percent in April compared to the previous month. Compared to last April, which was one of Austria's first months in the midst of the pandemic, this is a decrease of 32 percent.
May 4, 2021
Schallenberg, Kulhánek and Korčok Condemn Violence Against Journalists
The three Foreign Ministers from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of free journalism. The commentary was published in newspapers from the respective countries, a summary of the statement can be read below.
May 4, 2021
Portugal and Austria Mutually Interested in "Green Passport"
Portugal's high-ranking politicians, including President Rebelo de Sousa and Foreign Minister Santos Silva, and Austria's National Council President Sobotka have held discussions about the European "Green Passport". What they had to say about the IPU Conference in Vienna and the Conference on the Future of Europe, can be read below.
May 4, 2021
Austria's Museums Welcome Guests with Special Offer
Austria's Federal Museums are going strong into the summer. After various lockdowns in the recent months, the museums have announced to once again issue a Federal Museums Card campaign. More information about how it works and the prices can be found below.
May 3, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: 3 Million Vaccines Administered
Austria has administered 1 million Covid-19 vaccines in 19 days. The 3 million mark was exceeded on April 29, only 19 days after Austria has cracked the 2 million mark. In May and June, the new Austrian Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein expects further increases of the vaccination progress.
May 3, 2021
Austrian Multinational Company Loses Current CEO
The Austrian multinational corporation OMV has announced that its current CEO, Rainer Seele, will end his term in June 2022. Only recently, criticism against OMV and Seele have increased. Find out more about how his end at OMV and the criticism relate.
May 3, 2021
Schallenberg and Ambassador to the U.S. Weiss Talk with Austrians in the United States
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Ambassador to the United States in Washington, Martin Weiss, have held a virtual live talk with around 600 Austrians living in the United States. The topics discussed included dual citizenship, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Austria as well as the "Green Passport".
April 30, 2021
Liechtenstein's Prime Minister Met Kurz and Blümel in Vienna
The new Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, Daniel Risch, came to Vienna for a working meeting with Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Finance Minister Gernot Blümel. On the agenda of the talks was the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular the border management, and digital taxes.
April 30, 2021
Belarusian Opposition Leader Meets Van der Bellen, Kurz and Schallenberg
During her working visit to Vienna, the Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya met with Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in order to discuss the continued support from Austria for the efforts of the Belarusian opposition and civil society.
April 30, 2021
Kosovo's Parliament Speaker and Sobotka Agree on Continued Cooperation
Kosovo's Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca and Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka agreed on continuing the bilateral cooperation with the Western Balkans Scholarship Program during a virtual meeting. The fight against the ongoing pandemic, EU accession and other bilateral topics were also on the agenda of the meeting.
April 29, 2021
Business Location: Austria Invests in Broadband Internet
The Austrian government has announced plans of investing EUR 1.4 billion into broadband expansion. The aim of the investment is to strengthen Austria as a business location and to enhance economic development in rural areas. By 2030, a quick and stable Internet connection will be provided nationwide.
April 29, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Ends Lockdown
Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig announced the end of the lockdown in Vienna for May 2. Starting next Monday, the retail sector as well as body-related services will reopen, while the FFP2-mask requirement in selected outdoor areas will also be suspended. Ludwig, however, wants to be cautious with regard to the Austrian-wide opening steps starting May 19.
April 28, 2021
Austria Provides Covid-19 Aid for India
India will receive antiviral drugs worth EUR 2 million from Austria for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Only recently, India has recorded a massive increase of infection numbers, which is why Austria and other countries have assured their help by providing various drugs and medical supplies.
April 28, 2021
