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Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
French Ambassador Met Integration Minister: Unity Against Parallel Societies And Extremism
After the murder of a French teacher in Paris, French ambassador Pécout met Austria's Integration Minister Raab to discuss parallel societies and extremism. They both agreed on the importance of integration and the vehement and rigorous fight against extremism.
October 23, 2020
Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets
With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.
October 22, 2020
75 Years of United Nations: UN Flags Illumination on Schwarzenbergplatz
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna will be illuminated with the flags of the UN's member countries. Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly, and Mayor Michael Ludwig will start the illumination.
October 22, 2020
Danger for Winter Tourism: Germany Warns Of Travel to Austria
After Germany had warned against travel to Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg last week, rising Covid-19 infection rates in other parts of Austria have led to an expansion of the travel warnings to almost every federal state of Austria. These warning will be in effect on Saturday with no end in sight.
October 22, 2020
Austrian National Bank: Exports Increase Again
Exports, excluding tourism, were above the comparable figures from 2019 for the first time in Austria since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis. The Austrian National Bank is confident that a second wave can be contained and that no further monetary or fiscal policy measures are needed.
October 21, 2020
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "Little Vienna in Shanghai"
The Jewish Museum Vienna opened the new exhibition "Little Vienna in Shanghai" that is dedicated to the stories of Viennese Jewish families that fled to Shanghai in the hope to live a better life. The exhibition can be seen until April 18, 2021.
October 21, 2020
Foreign Disaster Fund Alleviates Covid-19 Consequences Abroad
In order to fight the impact of Covid-19 in developing countries and for people in fragile situations, the Austrian government has decided to release EUR 12 million of the Foreign Disaster Fund to NGOs that will be distributing the money as needed in the particular areas.
October 21, 2020
First Microsoft Cloud Data Center in Austria
Microsoft has announced the establishment of Austria's first ever data center region. Chancellor Kurz says that this "represents a decisive competitive advantage" and thanks Microsoft for the commitment to Austrian companies and their employees.
October 20, 2020
EU Health Agency Classifies Austria as Red
After rising infection rates in Austria, the EU has issued the highest warning stage and switched the traffic light to red. Although there are no binding regulations or recommendations in connection with the traffic light, a decrease in travel is to be expected.
October 19, 2020
EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions
At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.
October 16, 2020
Agreement Between Israel and Austria on the Joint Use of Archival Materials
The agreement between the Israeli and Austrian governments to a joint use of archival materials is one step closer to be actually implemented. This cooperation would enhance the cooperation of the two countries with regard to the reappraisal of the Holocaust as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism.
October 16, 2020
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Schallenberg Ensures Contribution
On the occasion of World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Foreign Minister Schallenberg ensures that the "reduction of poverty is the most important goal of the Austrian Development Agency". This has been underlined with the doubling of the Foreign Disaster Fund.
October 16, 2020
European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration
At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.
October 15, 2020
Germany Extends Border Controls to Austria
Germany announced that it will extend the border controls on the German-Austrian border for another six months starting November 12 2020. These controls are in place since the end of 2015 and will not include any new or unexpected measures.
October 15, 2020
Canadian Foreign Minister Visits Austria
The Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne visited Austria to conduct meetings with UN Organizations as well as with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. The topics on the agenda were the CETA agreement, the Covid-19 pandemic and current foreign trouble spots.
October 15, 2020
Border Controls with Slovenia and Hungary Will be Extended
The border controls between the Slovenian-Austrian and Hungarian-Austrian border will be extended once again. Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer cited as reasons the "continuing migration pressure, maintenance of internal security and the tense situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic".
October 14, 2020
Winter in Vienna: New Year's Eve Trail Cancelled, Vienna Ice Dream Still On Track
The Covid-19 related cancellations of events were a common theme in the recent months. Now, Vienna's New Year's Eve Trail is the next victim of the pandemic. The popular event will not be held in 2020, while the organizers of the Vienna Ice Dream are still confident to see visitors gliding along the ice tracks.
October 14, 2020
Blümel Presents Budget With EUR 21 Billion Deficit
Austria's Finance Minister Blümel presented the budget draft for 2021 to the National Council. Due to Covid-19, a deficit of over 20% is planned to provide enough aid for the struggling economy and job market in Austria. While the Federal Ministers show signs of relief with regard to the major budget increase, the opposition parties are furious.
October 14, 2020
EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian
The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.
October 13, 2020
EU Introduces Covid-19 Traffic Light System to Clarify Travel Situation
The EU member states have agreed on a common system to coordinate travel restrictions with regard to Covid-19. Similar to the current Austrian system, the colors of a traffic light will indicate the risk of the particular areas within the EU borders.
October 13, 2020
Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements
At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.
October 13, 2020
100 Years Carinthian Referendum: Van der Bellen Apologizes to Carinthian Slovenes
During the 100 years anniversary of the Carinthian Referendum, Federal President Van der Bellen apologized to the Slovene minority in Carinthia for the bad treatment they had received in the past. He emphasized the importance of ethnic groups in Austria and hopes that these minorities will continue to exist.
October 12, 2020
EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Warns of Second Iron Curtain
At this month's EU Foreign Affairs Council, current foreign issues, such as developments in Belarus, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the relations with Russia, were on the agenda. Austria was represented by Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
October 12, 2020
Vienna Election 2020: Social-Democrats Are Clear Winners
The current Mayor of Vienna and the leading candidate for this election, Michael Ludwig from the SPOE, has successfully defended the first place in Vienna. Compared to the last election, the Social-Democratic Party has increased its popularity in Vienna even further and will now start negotiations with the other parties to form the next government.
October 12, 2020
Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided
The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.
October 9, 2020
Minister President of Bavaria Meets Kurz: "Borders Need To Stay Open"
Both, the Minister President of Bavaria Markus Söder as well as Austrian Chancellor Kurz, agreed on the fact that the borders between Germany and Austria need to stay open despite an increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in both countries.
October 9, 2020
Increase in Funding for Austria's Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups in Austria will be receiving more funding due to a recent decision made by the Austrian government. The last increase dates back 25 years ago, which is why high-ranking politicians were in favor of supporting the ethnic groups even more.
October 9, 2020
Belarusian Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya Met Schallenberg
The famous Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently trying to win the EU and European politicians over to help her and her supporters fight against the recent fraudulent election result, met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna.
October 8, 2020
Edtstadler Welcomes Progress in Accession Process of Western Balkan States
The European Commission has agreed on a financial package for economic integration of the Western Balkan states. The good developments in North Macedonia and Albania are not only welcomed by the European Union but also by Federal Minister Edtstadler.
October 8, 2020
Slovenian President will join Van der Bellen for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum"
For the first time ever, a Slovenian President will take part in the ceremony for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum". Slovenian Head of State Pahor will be joining his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen for the celebrations.
October 7, 2020
Swiss Twannberg Meteorite at Natural History Museum Vienna
On the occasion of the official visit of the Swiss President of the Council of States Hans Stöckli to Austria, a piece of the Twannberg meteorite was handed over to the Natural History Museum Vienna. The piece that is estimated to be more than 150,000 years old can now be viewed in the Meteorite Hall of the museum.
October 7, 2020
Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Met Austrian Counterpart
The Swedish and Austrian Minister for EU Affairs have come together to discuss current EU topics which included migration policy, the joint fight against Covid-19 and recent developments between Great Britain and the EU regarding Brexit.
October 7, 2020
Schramböck: "Every New Infection Is a Potential Danger for the Business Location"
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck empasizes the importance of low infection rates for the business location. She demands more rigid measures for Vienna, which is currently the Covid-19 hotspot in Austria.
October 5, 2020
European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus
The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.
October 5, 2020
Digital Days 2020 Reached Over 1,100 Registered Users
The Digital Days 2020 hosted by the City of Vienna as a hybrid event have welcomed over 1,100 users with more than 4,000 views in total. Digitalization in every business sector was discussed among politicians and experts from the business world.
October 5, 2020
75th UN General Assembly: Schallenberg Denounces Nuclear Weapons
Foreign Minister Schallenberg emphasizes at the 75th UN General Assembly that nuclear weapons pose a constant threat, while there are no advantages on the other side of the coin. He also advertises for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TNPW), which has already been signed by 84 countries.
October 2, 2020
Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020
A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.
October 2, 2020
UNIDO Partners Up With Women Leadership Forum to Hold Special Event
UNIDO and the European Brand Institute have organized the 8th Women Leadership Forum, which was held as a hybrid event in Vienna. International successful women as well as other supportive public figures have gathered together to empower women.
October 1, 2020
EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues
The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.
October 1, 2020
European Commission Publishes First Report on Rule of Law
The European Commission has published its first report on the rule of law among member countries. Although the European Union requires high standards, there are still some procedures that need revision in order to assure independency and proper democratic systems. Even Austria has some catching up to do.
October 1, 2020
UNESCO Honors Vienna with "Smart City" Award
The city of Vienna was recognized by UNESCO fo its "innovative, intelligent, networked and explicitly sustainable" housing policy. Besides Vienna, other cities, such as Shenzhen (China), Dakar (Senegal) and Singarpore, have received other awards.
September 30, 2020
Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites
Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.
September 29, 2020
International Discussion About Europe's Fundamental Values in Salzburg
Politicians from Hungary, Srpska, Albania, Slovakia and Austria came together in Salzburg to discuss the fundamental values of Europe. Democracy, inner-European cooperation and the fight against Covid-19 were only some of the main topics.
September 29, 2020
Absentee Voting Week for U.S. Elections
The U.S. Consulate in Vienna has issued a guideline for absentee voting in the upcoming U.S. elections. The elections will take place November 3rd, yet voter registration and ballot requests need to be completed as soon as possible due to different deadlines across states.
September 29, 2020
International Day for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons: Kurz and Schallenberg Issue Statement
On the international day for the complete abolition of nuclear weapons, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg stated that nuclear weapons bring death and suffering rather than security and peace.
September 28, 2020
75th Anniversary of the UN: Schallenberg Addresses Member Countries
The 75th anniversary of the United Nations is used as a year of reflection for the UN member countries. Nevertheless, current topics and outlooks into the future are dominating the General Assembly at which Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg also delivered his virtual speech.
September 28, 2020
European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Recognized as Runner-up
The Belgium city of Leuven was awarded the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. Vienna, which was still in the race up until the final round, was recognized as runner-up city together with Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Espoo (Finland), Helsingborg (Sweden), and Valencia (Spain).
September 25, 2020
EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage
The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.
September 25, 2020
Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days
US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.
September 24, 2020
Chief Rabbi of Vienna Meets Van der Bellen
Vienna's newly appointed Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer made his inaugural visit to President Van der Bellen to discuss current topics of the religious community and the Covid-19 situation.
September 24, 2020
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