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Edtstadler in Madrid and Lisbon: Talks About "Green Passport"

Austria's Federal Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has travelled to Spain and Portugal in order to discuss the fight against Covid-19, coordination in reconstruction and the "Green Passport". She demands an economic comeback that is characterized by green and digital transformation.

April 28, 2021

Romanian Parliament Speaker Met Sobotka

Romanian Parliament Speaker Ludovic Orban met with Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss matters concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, interparliamentary relations and bilateral relations between the two countries. Furthermore, both politicians found great agreement on the need to fight anti-Semitism and antiziganism.

April 27, 2021

Austria Joins Global Renewable Energy Network

Austria has become a member of the REN21 Renewable Energy Network, an international community with actors from academia, governments, NGOs and industry. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler hopes for a closer collaboration between international stakeholders with regard to the energy transition around the world.

April 27, 2021

Austria Welcomes EU's Artificial Intelligence Framework

Austria's Minister for Digital Affairs, Margarete Schramböck, welcomes the new EU proposition of rules for artificial intelligence. Schramböck stresses the need for an EU-lead process and advocates for secure and innovative solutions that would "promote innovation while ensuring a high level of protection and security."

April 26, 2021

International Day of Multilateralism: Schallenberg Demands Multilateral Cooperation

On the occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg advocates for increased cooperation and implementation of disarmament commitments. He emphasizes that "multilateralism is the basis for sustainable peace."

April 26, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Openings Start May 19

The Austrian government headed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has announced the opening plans for the near future. On May 19, previously closed sectors such as the tourism, events and sports sector will re-open, while restaurants and schools will also return to "normal" business. Entry requirements will be put in place in order to keep the risk of infection relatively low.

April 26, 2021

International Startup Event "ViennaUP21" Starts April 27

The startup event "ViennaUP21" will take place from April 27 to May 12 in a purely digital format. Within the umbrella of ViennaUP21, 40 program partners will be hosting 100 events for interested people, institutions and organization from more than 45 countries. Registration is free.

April 23, 2021

OSCE Counter-Terrorism Conference: Schallenberg Demands Fight Against Different Virus

At the virtual OSCE Counter-Terrorism Conference, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg demands to fight against "the virus of hatred, intolerance and contempt for humanity." He wants to remove breeding ground for radicalization and fight counter terrorism with all means of the rule of law.

April 23, 2021

Edtstadler: "Raise Your Voice for the Future of Europe"

In preparation for the first ever Conference on the Future of Europe, the European Commission has launched a digital platform, on which European citizens can share their ideas on the future of Europe, organize events, participate in events, and network with other individuals and organizations. Austria will contribute by hosting a number of events and additionally provide information on a separate platform.

April 23, 2021

Van der Bellen Addresses U.S. President Biden with Climate Concern

On the occasion of International Earth Day, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen appeals to the international community and wishes U.S. President Joe Biden's climate summit a complete success. Van der Bellen demands a quick and significant reduction of emissions in order to not miss "the window of opportunity for effective countermeasures."

April 22, 2021

Schallenberg Offers Austrian Expertise for Conflicts Around Nile

At the virtual Council of the EU Foreign Ministers, Austria's Alexander Schallenberg and his colleagues discussed the current situations in Belarus and Ukraine as well as the conflicts in Myanmar and Ethiopia. With regard to the ongoing tensions in Tigray around the Nile, Schallenberg offered Austria's expertise with regard to joint management of rivers.

April 22, 2021

Austrian EU Commissioner Hahn Presents Funding for NextGenerationEU

The Austrian EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn has presented the "engine" of the NextGenerationEU economic recovery plan. NextGenerationEU will offer grants and loans to the member states with a total volume of EUR 800 billion by 2026. Austria will receive around EUR 3.5 billion.

April 21, 2021

EU and Austria Provide 650,000 Covid-19 Vaccines for Western Balkans

In a joint project, the European Commission and Austria more than half a million Covid-19 vaccines are provided to Western Balkan states, starting in May 2021. Both Commission President Von der Leyen and Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg stress the importance of having no "white spots on the vaccination map, wherever they may be."

April 21, 2021

Eurochambres President Leitl: Focus on Digital Skills, Education and Qualification

At a meeting with EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, the Austrian Eurochambres head, Christoph Leitl, and Austrian Chairwoman of the Eurochambres Women Network, Martha Schultz, demanded focus on digital skills, education and qualification of the EU education program Erasmus+ for European reconstruction.

April 21, 2021

Batet Lamaña and Sobotka Discuss Spanish-Austrian Relations

The President of the Spanish Chamber of Deputies Meritxell Batet Lamaña and her Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka held a virtual exchange on Covid-19, the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism as well as numerous foreign policy issues.

April 20, 2021

Extension of Austria's Internationalization Program "go-international" Announced

Austrian Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck and President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) Harald Mahrer extend the joint internationalization offensive "go-international" and provide EUR 25.6 million for the next two years. The funding will focus on the areas of innovation and technology, value chains and digitalization.

April 20, 2021

Austria Implements Funding for Ethnic Group Media

After the increase of funding for ethnic groups in Austria in general about half a year ago, Susanne Raab, the Minister of the Chancellery responsible for ethnic group affairs, has now announced a separate budget for ethnic group media, which can be applied for in the near future.

April 20, 2021

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Parliament Presidium Meets Austrian Counterpart

The Presidium of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina met virtually with Austria's President of the National Council to discuss the accession process of Western Balkan states to the EU, current developments in the Covid-19 pandemic and other issues. Sobotka made clear that Bosnia and Herzegovina has Austria's full support during the accession process.

April 19, 2021

Schallenberg Meets German-Speaking Foreign Ministers

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria met in Lugano, Switzerland, to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against the ongoing pandemic. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg pointed out that "sustainable, trusting and friendly cooperation" had been absolutely paramount during the crisis.

April 19, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Additional Doses Speed Up Vaccination Campaign

Due to the additional Covid-19 vaccine doses from BionTech/Pfizer for the European Union, Austria is able to speed up its vaccination program. According to Austria's Chancellor Kurz, 6 million people in Austria can get their first vaccination by mid-July.

April 16, 2021

Austria Increases Turnover Loss Bonus

Companies, which are experiencing significant revenue shortfall due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, can now submit their applications for the Austrian turnover loss bonus for the months of March and April. The total amount available for companies has been increased to EUR 80,000 per month.

April 16, 2021

North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister Visits Edtstadler in Vienna

Nikola Dimitrov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs from North Macedonia, has visited the Austrian Minister for European Affairs, Karoline Edtstadler, in Vienna. On the agenda of the talk between the two politicians were the EU accession process of North Macedonia and the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

April 16, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry Celebrates Girls' Day with Live Talk

On April 22, 2021, interested girls in 5th grade and above will have the opportunity to learn more about the different tasks and careers within the Austrian Foreign Ministry and in Foreign Service. Registration is possible until April 20, 2021, and the live talk will take place between 11 am and 12 pm on April 22.

April 15, 2021

Electromobility: Europe Lacks Progress, Austria Better Off

The European Court of Auditors gives Austria a good report on electromobility, while at the same time demanding more progress for the whole European continent. The lack of uniform Europe-wide minimum standards with regard to charging methods, as well as a non-existent overall roadmap for charging stations were the main points of the critic.

April 15, 2021

Austria Receives Additional 500,000 Covid-19 Vaccines in Q2

After successful negotiations between the European Commission and BionTech, the vaccine producer has agreed to deliver 50 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in the second quarter of 2021, instead of in the fourth quarter. This means an additional 1 million doses for Austria which will be administered from April to June.

April 15, 2021

Mückstein Becomes New Austrian Health Minister

After the resignation of former Austrian Health Minister Rudolf Anschober, Wolfgang Mückstein has been presented as the successor. The general practitioner and head of the primary care center in Vienna will be sworn in on Monday, April 19, by President Alexander Van der Bellen.

April 14, 2021

Potential Closure of MAN Plant in Austria

After the majority of the workforce in the MAN plant in Steyr voted against a takeover concept of a potential investor, Austria's federal and state governments are highly invested in supporting a solution that would save more than 1,000 jobs in Steyr, Upper Austria. No solution would mean a closure of the plant by 2023.

April 14, 2021

Austria's Health Minister Resigns

Austria's Health Minister Rudolf Anschober resigns. After health issues in recent weeks, Anschober steps back knowing that "he would not be able to give 100 percent." Until the announcement of a successor, Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler will take over Anschober's duties. Successor Wolfgang Mückstein already named.

April 13, 2021 · Updated: April 13, 2021; 13:03

Austria Works on Comeback Plan for Life After Covid-19

Although the Covid-19 crisis might still be very present currently, the Austrian government already tries to prepare for economic reconstruction. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler have presented a plan, which comprises the primary goals of increasing employment, digitally and ecologically transforming the economy and improving Austria as a business location.

April 13, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna and Lower Austria Extend Lockdown

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig and the Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner have decided to extend the current lockdown until May 2. The ongoing shutdown in the two provinces would have lasted until April 18, but is now extended due to "the current situation being one that is too serious", according to Ludwig.

April 13, 2021

Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement

High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.

April 12, 2021

Covid-19: Austria Ranks Second for Aid Measures in EU

According to recent calculations published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Austria ranks second for Covid-19 aid measures among all EU Member States. Only Greece has spent a higher portion of its GDP (13.7%) for aid instruments, while Austria invested 11.7 percent to relieve its businesses and people.

April 12, 2021

International Romani Day: Austria Raises Awareness

On the occasion of the 50-year anniversary of the first meeting of the Romani Union, Austria's Parliament under the lead of National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka held a virtual event, which commemorated antiziganist acts in the past and highlighted the importance of inclusion and safeguarding the Romani population.

April 12, 2021

Rail Connection Vienna - Salzburg Maintains Regular Intervals

The Austrian Climate Protection Ministry has once again ensured regular intervals for the rail connection between Vienna and Salzburg. The important connection, which is offered by the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn, is one of the most important rail connection in Austria and will thus be offered in regular intervals until July 4 due to an emergency award.

April 9, 2021

Raab Criticizes Turkey's Withdrawal from Istanbul Convention

Austria's Women's Affairs Minister Raab sharply criticized Turkey's withdrawal from Istanbul Convention at a high-level EU conference with other EU Ministers for Women's Affairs. According to Raab, "Turkey's decision disregards and endangers the lives of millions of women and girls."

April 8, 2021

Vienna Celebrates 25 Years of EU Funding

One year after Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, the first projects with the help of the European Union were established in Vienna. 25 years later, in 2021, Vienna looks back at the hundreds of projects, which improved various aspects of the city and were only possible due to the funding provided from the European Union.

April 8, 2021

Austrian Unemployment Decreases in March

The number of unemployed Austrians has decreased significantly in March compared to the previous month. About 56,000 fewer people have been reported unemployed, while the number of people in training at the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) has increased. This is likely due to the recent measure, which provides training priorities in areas where there is a particular demand for qualified workers.

April 7, 2021

New Train Connection Between Prague and Vienna

The former, so-called "Vindobona" train connection between Vienna and Prague could be soon reinstated again. Talks between Austrian and Czech politicians have been positive for a connection between the two countries' capital cities, which would especially benefit Austrians from the Waldviertel, a region in the northwest of Lower Austria.

April 7, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Eastern Austria Extends Lockdown

Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland have decided to extended the current lockdown until April 18. After discussions with experts and Austria's government, an extension of initially planned "Easter rest" was announced, because of the critical situation in the intensive care units in eastern Austria.

April 7, 2021

Van der Bellen "International Cooperation More Important Than Ever"

A year of Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns, travel restrictions and similar life-changing measures has also impacted the international cooperation for Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen. Despite the circumstances, Van der Bellen tried to "maintain foreign policy contacts" and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation during a pandemic.

April 2, 2021

Austria Celebrates 40-Year Anniversary of Membership with European Space Agency

Austria has been part of the European Space Agency (ESA) for 40 years. Since 1981, Austria's domestic businesses, which are specialized in the field of space industry, have benefited from the membership, while "with the help of space research, Austria can take better and more effective action against the climate crisis", according to Austria's Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler.

April 2, 2021

Statistics Austria: Highest Public Deficit Since Records Began

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Austria has recorded its highest public deficit since the start of the record in 1954. The deficit in 2020 amounted to 8.9 percent of the GDP (EUR 33.2 billion), which was caused by a sharp increases in government spending and a decrease in government revenue.

April 1, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Lower Austria and Burgenland Extend Easter Lockdown

The "Easter rest" has now also been extended in the provinces Lower Austria and Burgenland until April 11. After Vienna, the two provinces have decided to prolong the lockdown until a week after Easter. The applicable rules for the eastern region of Austria include a 24 hour curfew, closure of the retail sector as well as closure of body-related services and cultural institutions.

April 1, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Adds Outdoor FFP2 Mask Obligation

In order to further break the ongoing Covid-19 wave in Vienna, the City Mayor Michael Ludwig has announced a outdoor FFP2 mask obligation for certain, usually frequently visited areas in the city center. These areas include the Donaukanal, Stephensplatz, Schwedenplatz, Karlsplatz and Maria-Theresien Platz.

April 1, 2021

WKO Heads: "We Cannot Afford a Pause in Vaccination"

The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) are delighted about the possible acquisition of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine "Sputnik V" by the Austrian government. Furthermore, they hold on to their idea of using companies for vaccination programs, similar to the implementation with in-company testing.

March 31, 2021

Extension of Re-Employment Promise in Austria Gives Planning Security

In order to alleviate the hard-hit tourism industry, Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher and Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger have announced to further extend the re-employment promise until the end of official closures. This gives the respective businesses more planning security, since they will not have to worry about their well-trained employees.

March 31, 2021

Austria Continues Support for Syria

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has agreed on providing aid of more than EUR 18 million for Syria and Syrian refugees. On the occasion of the ten year anniversary of the crisis and the fifth Brussels Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region", Schallenberg demands an end for the wait for peace in Syria.

March 31, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Anschober Demands Responsibility from Austrians

Austria's Health Minister Rudolf Anschober demands from the Austrian population to refrain from traveling, avoid physical encounters and comply with protective measures around Easter. Since many people want to spend Easter with their loved ones, the already critical situation in many hospitals could worsen by irresponsible behavior during the holidays.

March 30, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Will Extend Easter Lockdown

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig has announced an extension of the so-called "Easter rest" until April 11. Following the advice of many health experts and due to the critical situation on Vienna's intensive care units, the measures originally planned for April 1 to April 6 are now extended until April 11, with further extensions possible.

March 30, 2021

European Year of Rail: Austria's Gewessler Attends Kick-Off Event

The Portuguese Council of the EU Presidency has a strong focus on railroads with the European Year of Rail. At the kick-off event, which was attended by the EU Transport Ministers, Austria's Leonore Gewessler looked forward to the investments into the railway system and hoped for promotion of the mobility revolution.

March 30, 2021