Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
Covid-19: Austria Offers Admission of Portuguese Patients
To alleviate the current health crisis in Portugal, Austria accepted to admit ten patients that will be treated in Vienna and other provinces. Due to the slightly improved situation in Austrian intensive care units, the Portuguese Covid-19 patients and other patients with serious illnesses will be transfered to hospital in Austria.
February 5, 2021
Austrian "Stopp Corona" App Connected to Other EU Countries
The "Stopp Corona" app by the Austrian Red Cross goes international. The app has been connected to EU-wide data matching and will thus communicate with currently 11 other warning apps. This allows for an interconnected warning system that is important for travel abroad within the European Union.
February 5, 2021
New Entry Regulations for Austria
Austria's government announced a new version of entry regulations, which aim to prevent the spreading of Covid-19 mutations in the country. The new measures include weekly tests and pre-registration for commuters. The new regulation will be valid from February 10, 2021.
February 4, 2021
WKO Heads: Easing of Lockdown Was Necessary
Both, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce's (WKO) President, Harald Mahrer, and Secretary General, Karlheinz Kopf, are pleased by the government's decision to open the retail sector and body-related service providers again. They furthermore demand a clear perspective for industries that are yet to be opened.
February 4, 2021
Guterres and Van der Bellen Demand Vaccines for Poor Countries
In a telephone conference UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen discussed the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the importance of multilateralism in combating global challenges. Van der Bellen also mentioned Austria's support for the efforts of the United Nations.
February 3, 2021
Vienna Hopes for Revival as Congress Metropolis
The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced numerous different industries. Conventions, congresses and large-scale corporate events have not been possible, although they were important drivers for Vienna's tourism and international standing as congress metropolis. For 2021 and the upcoming years, the city hopes to experience a revival of this particular industry.
February 3, 2021
Austria's National Budget: EUR 22.5 Billion Deficit
The Covid-19 crisis has severely impacted Austria's economy and national budget. The Ministry of Finance has issued its financial results for the year 2020, which shows a deficit of EUR 22.5 billion. Higher expenditures for measures in connection with Covid-19 and a decrease in public levies are the main reasons for the bad results.
February 3, 2021
Edtstadler in Paris: Meetings with Secretaries of State and Chief Rabbi
In order to discuss Covid-19 coordination and the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has traveled to Paris, France and met with, among others, Secretary of State for Europe Clément Beaune and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.
February 2, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: New Rules Apply From February 8
Austria's federal government has announced a slight relaxation of the current lockdown. Shops and schools will reopen under certain requirements, but penalties for disregarding measures and and entry into Austria will be tightened. The aim of the government is to contain the current virus mutations from the UK and South Africa.
February 2, 2021
Pahor and Van der Bellen Demand European Cooperation
The Slovenian President Borut Pahor and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen met virtually to discuss current issues, especially the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against the climate crisis. Both heads of state stressed the importance of European and, in fact, global cooperation in both matters.
February 2, 2021
President of European Parliament and Sobotka Exchanged Views
David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, and Wolfgang Sobotka, Austria's National Council President, met virtually to discuss the current situation regarding the Covid-19 vaccines. The agenda of the meeting also comprised discussions about an EU-wide Holocaust commemoration and the future of the EU.
February 1, 2021
Third Covid-19 Vaccine: Only Approval for 18 to 64 Years Olds in Austria
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a third Covid-19 vaccine - produced by Astra Zeneca. However, Austria's National Immunization Panel has recommended the use of the newest of the three vaccines only for the age groups below 65 due to a lack of sufficient data for older generations.
February 1, 2021
British in Vienna: First Residence Permit Handed Out
The first British citizen living in Vienna has received her approved residence permit. After the UK has left the EU on December 31, 2020, about 12,000 Britons living in Austria will need to apply for a residence title by the end of 2021. British Ambassador to Austria Leigh Turner is pleased by the processing of the Austrian officials so far.
February 1, 2021
New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps
Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.
January 29, 2021
Anschober Provides Update on Covid-19 Mutations
As of January 28, 2021, Austria has confirmed 149 cases of the Covid-19 mutation from the UK and three cases of the South African mutant. Through sampling of wastewater treatment plants, the mutations of the virus have also been observed in the wastewater of the Austrian population.
January 29, 2021
Blümel: EU's Raise of State Aid is Necessary Step
The European Commission has extended its framework for state aid to support companies that are affected by Covid-19. In addition to the extension, the current thresholds have been raised, which was a highly necessary decision according to Austria's Finance Minister Gernot Blümel.
January 29, 2021
Schallenberg Welcomes Extension of New START
The last minute extension of the New START agreement between the Russian Federation and the USA is welcomed by Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. After the entering into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TNPW) about a week prior, this is the second step in the direction of nuclear disarmament in 2021.
January 29, 2021
European Battery Initiative Launches With Austrian Participation
The European Commission has approved a EUR 11.9 billion large-scale battery project. Austria will play a decisive role in this initiative having involved six companies. The aim of the project is to create a competitive, innovative and sustainable value chain for batteries and thus working towards achieving the European Green Deal.
January 28, 2021
Speaker of Serbian Parliament Meets Sobotka
Serbia's Speaker of Parliament, Ivica Dačić, and Austria's National Council President, Wolfgang Sobotka, met virtually to discuss current issues. The agenda of the meeting comprised the counties' approaches with regard to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the work of parliaments in times of the pandemic and the migration movements in the Western Balkans.
January 28, 2021
Construction Works for Vienna's New Metro Line Have Begun
The construction works for Vienna's public transport extension has begun. The U2xU5 project, which will result in a whole new metro, the U5, and an extension of the current U2 line is set to be completed by 2026 and 2028, respectively. Austria's Federal Ministers for Finance and Climate Protection as well as Vienna's City Councillor for Public Transport took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
January 28, 2021
Schallenberg Delighted About Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is delighted about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons entering into force. 90 days after ratification by the 50th signatory country, the Treaty entered into force on January 22, 2021. Schallenberg emphasizes the importance of destroying nuclear weapons "before they destroy us."
January 27, 2021
Austria Underwent Human Right's Review
Austria underwent the "Universal Periodic Review" (UPR), an UN initiative to review human right records in each of its Member States. Austria's Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler looks forward to the results of the review process, which will be published as a public report.
January 27, 2021
Austria Joins International Renewable Energy Agency
Since January 1, 2021, Austria is member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). During the Agency's General Assembly, Austria's Climate Protection Minister demands a transformation of the world's energy system towards 100 percent renewables and is pleased that Austria will make a contribution to this change.
January 26, 2021
Travel Austria-USA: Negative Covid-19 Test Required
The new President of the United States and the responsible departments have renewed the entry ban for European citizens. Thus, effective January 26, 2021, Austrians, Europeans and even U.S. citizens traveling to the USA need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result in order to be allowed to travel to the United States.
January 26, 2021
US Ambassador Traina Leaves Austria
The U.S. Ambassador to Austria Trevor Traina has concluded his mission and returns to his home country. Austria's Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg thank Traina for his commitment to better the bilateral relations between the two countries, while Traina himself bids farewell in a video starring highlights of his term.
January 26, 2021
Investment Subsidy Program Gets Extended
The Austrian government has announced an extension of the investment period for which subsidies will be granted. The high demand for the subsidy shows that many companies are hoping for a quick recovery from the current pandemic, which secures important jobs and strengthens Austria as a business location.
January 25, 2021
Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Awaits Approval for AstraZeneca
The European Union's third Covid-19 vaccine might be approved very soon. A decision by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected by January 25, 2021. Austria's vaccination plan relies heavily on this third vaccine, although delivery shortages in the first months after approval have already been announced.
January 25, 2021
EU Future Conference: Edtstadler Demands Action
At an an informal video conference of the EU's Ministers for European Affairs, Austria's responsible Minister, Karoline Edtstadler, once again demanded an early start of the EU Future Conference. Although the Covid-19 pandemic might have shown some strengths and weaknesses of the current EU, Edtstadler demands a clear path into the future of the Union.
January 25, 2021
Speaker of Israeli Parliament Met Sobotka
Israel's Speaker of Parliament, Yariv Levin, and Austria's National Council President, Wolfgang Sobotka, met virtually to discuss current issues. The agenda of the meeting comprised the fight against Covid-19 in all its facets, the work of parliaments in times of the pandemic and security issues in the parliamentary operations.
January 22, 2021
Austria Extends Lockdown Until February 7
The Austrian government has announced an extension of the current lockdown until at least February 7, 2021. Due to only a very slow decline in Covid-19 cases and the virus mutations from Great Britain and South Africa, which are more contagious and spread actively through the EU, the lockdown was extended and wearing a FFP2 mask in public transport and stores will be mandatory.
January 22, 2021
New US Presidency: Austria and EU Welcome New Chapter
Joe Biden, as new President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, as new Vice President, were inaugurated on January 20, 2021. The reactions from politicians throughout the European Union and Austria to the inauguration and the President's first acts were filled with hope and positivity.
January 22, 2021
Vienna Opens First Covid-19 Vaccination Line
By Monday, January 18, 2021, about 11,000 physicians, paramedics and other people working in the medical sector, will be the first ones to receive the vaccines in the so-called vaccination lines set up by the City of Vienna. All Viennese residents can pre-register for a Covid-19 vaccination starting January 18, 2021.
January 15, 2021
Brexit: Austria to Receive EUR 16.8 Million to Cushion Impact
To alleviate the likely negative effects of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the European Commission has set up a reserve, from which EU member states will receive funding. Austria is entitled to EUR 16.8 million, while other member states, which have closer trade links to the leaving party, will receive more.
January 15, 2021
Brexit Agreement: Austria's Economy Significantly Better Off
The Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) has issued a study in which the effects of the post-Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union was compared to a no-deal scenario. The results of the study show that the Austrian economy be happy with the negotiated agreement.
January 14, 2021
Schallenberg Visits Troubled Ethiopia
Due to the recent conflict in Tigray, the Covid-19 pandemic, and natural disasters, Ethiopia faces enormous challenges. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has travelled to the country in order to hold talks with the Ethiopian President and Foreign Minister and assures monetary aid from the Foreign Disaster Relief Fund.
January 14, 2021
Brexit Has Lasting Impact on Erasmus
The Brexit has a huge impact on the European economy and its people. One of the most discussed effects among the younger population is the end of the United Kingdom's participation in the Erasmus+ program. Thousands of European and British students are affected and will now need to seek other opportunities to further their studies abroad.
January 13, 2021
Britons in Vienna: 10% Have Already Applied for Residence Permit
About 10 percent of the British citizens in Vienna have already applied for a residence permit. Due to Brexit, the British population residing in EU countries needs to take certain measures in order to stay eligible for residence in the future. In Austria, the deadline for applications is December 31, 2021.
January 13, 2021
WKO: Vaccination in Austrian Businesses Possible
Austria's companies could be used as part of the vaccination strategy. This is what many major companies and Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce suggest. The readily available infrastructure could provide testing and vaccination facilities for up to 500,000 employees in the various industries.
January 12, 2021
Speaker of Swedish Parliament Met Sobotka
The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlén met virtually with his Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka. The main topics of the meeting comprised the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, parliamentary security and foreign relation issues.
January 12, 2021
Mandatory Registration for Travel to Austria
Starting on Friday, January 15, 2021, travellers entering Austria will need to be registered in order to pass the border. The quarantine obligation after entry remains in effect. The required form is available on the page of the Foreign Ministry and needs to be presented in the event of an inspection.
January 12, 2021
Austria Has New Federal Minister for Labor
After the resignation of Susanne Aschbacher as Federal Minister for Labor, Chancellor Kurz has presented her successor. Martin Kocher, Professor of Behavioral Economics and Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) will take over the Federal Minister position as an independent expert.
January 11, 2021
Austria Provides Medical Treatment for Kosovar Patients
An impactful gas explosion in Kosovo left more than 40 people injured, several of them needing urgent intensive medical treatment. After the Kosovar government approached the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg reacted immediately and promised to help.
January 11, 2021
Additional 6 Million Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine for Austria
Due to the recent order activity of the European Union at BioNTech/Pfizer, Austria will receive an additional 6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine - 1.5 million already in the second quarter of 2021. In total, the EU has secured itself the right for additional 300 million doses from BioNTech/Pfizer.
January 8, 2021
Member of Expelled Ephrussi Family Receives Austrian Citizenship
Since September 1, 2020, about 950 persons from all over the world have obtained Austrian citizenship through a new regulative that allows descendants of victims of the Nazi regime to regain Austrian citizenship. Victor de Waal, a member of the famous and widespread Ephrussi family has now been informed by Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig about his successful application.
January 8, 2021
Austria Introduces Border Controls with Czech Republic and Slovakia
Due to high numbers of Covid-19 infection rates in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Austria's Ministry of Interior has introduced more strict border controls with both countries as of January 9, 2020. Small border crossings will be closed and at all others, every vehicle will be checked when entering Austria.
January 8, 2021
Vienna Prepares for Second Mass Testing
Vienna's residents can have themselves tested once again during the period from January 8 to January 17. The tests will be conducted at the same three locations like during the first mass testing. Although the city prepares capacities for up to 900,000 people, registration for an appointment is required.
January 7, 2021
Austro-American Society Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The Austro-American Society (ÖAG) celebrated it 75th anniversary on January 6, 2021. The Austrian Ambassador to the USA, Martin Weiss, the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, and the heads of the ÖAG used this occasion to underline the goals of the society's. These comprise the strengthening of the Austro-American relations in the aspects of social, economic, cultural and public life.
January 7, 2021
EMA Approves Second Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Receives 890,000 Doses
The European Medical Agency (EMA) and the European Commission have approved the second Covid-19 vaccine for EU member states. The vaccine from the producer Moderna will provide Austria with another 890,000 doses in the first half of 2021. Austria's Health Minister expects approval for the vaccine from AstraZeneca by February.
January 7, 2021
WKO: Lockdown Extension a "Blow For Domestic Trade"
Once again the Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) does not entirely support the federal government in its decision to extend the lockdown and cancel the opportunity to escape the lockdown with a negative Covid-19 test. The WKO demands plans for the affected companies and aid for the suppliers indirectly affected by the crisis.
January 5, 2021
Austrian Lockdown Continues Until January 24
The initially planned "free-testing" to escape the lockdown will not be possible. The opposition parties have resisted this intention by the government, which now means an extension of the current lockdown until January 24. Whether or not schools will return to their normal operations on January 18 has not been decided yet.
January 4, 2021
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