Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
EU Commission Takes Legal Action Against Austria
The European Commission has taken legal action against Austria and other Member States that fail to comply with EU law. In the case of Austria, several allegations have been put forward. Read more about them below.
June 11, 2021
Zeman and Van der Bellen Urge Better Relations with Russia
At a bilateral meeting in Vienna, Czech President Miloš Zeman and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen have agreed on the necessity to include Russia in Europe and demand negotiations with the Kreml. Read more below.
June 11, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: What Applies Now?
As of today, June 10, Austria faces fewer restrictions. While the curfew for restaurants is being extended to 12 a.m. now, even fewer restrictions will be in place in July. Read more about what applies now below.
June 10, 2021
Austria's Demand for EU Accession of Western Balkans Finds EU Support
At a virtual conference with Foreign Ministers of Western Balkan countries and numerous EU Foreign Ministers, the latter ones vehemently supported the EU accession process of Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Read more below.
June 9, 2021
Van der Bellen in Italy: "The Pandemic Can be Considered Overcome"
On his visit to Rome and the Vatican, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella are optimistic that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, can be considered overcome.
June 8, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Half of the Population is Vaccinated
Half of the vaccine-eligible Austrian population has received its first Covid-19 vaccination. This number corresponds to about 4 million people, while close to 2 million people have already received full immunization.
June 8, 2021
IAEA Urges Iran to Resolve Issues Related to Four Undeclared Locations
Technical discussions between the IAEA and Iran have not yielded the expected results, and the lack of progress in clarifying the Agency’s questions concerning the correctness and completeness of Iran’s safeguards declarations seriously affects the ability of the IAEA to provide assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, according to Rafael Mariano Grossi.
June 8, 2021
EU Accession: "Without Stability in the Western Balkans, There can be no Stability in Europe"
During his visit to Hungary, Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans for the European Union. He tried to convince the Hungarian meeting partners to support the EU accession process of Albania and North Macedonia.
June 7, 2021
Steinmeier and Van der Bellen Demand European Cohesion
At a working meeting in Germany, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier discuss European unity and bilateral cooperation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more below.
June 7, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Possible Easing of Measures in Schools
With a high vaccination rate among the 12- to 15-year-olds and a low incidence rate, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Education Minister Hein Faßmann can imagine relaxations of Covid-19 measures in schools. Read more below.
June 4, 2021
Innovation is Key for Austria's Climate Neutrality by 2040
At the Mission Innovation Ministerial Summit in Chile, Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and her international counterparts stressed the importance of innovation for achieving the Paris Agreement.
June 4, 2021
Tikhanovskaya and Kurz: Targeted Sanctions for Belarus Needed
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Belarusian opposition leader, and Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz held a video conference to discuss the current developments in Belarus. Read more about possible sanctions below.
June 2, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Delay in Vaccination Progress
As assumed by the provinces, the Austrian government's plan to offer a Covid-19 vaccine to every willing Austrian or person that is living in Austria does not hold. Due to an increased demand, some will get their first vaccine in July.
June 2, 2021
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
