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Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
EU eGovernment Benchmark 2020: Austria in Top 3
New services on oesterreich.gv.at and the "Digitales Amt" app are having an effect - Austria is one of the top nations in the Europe-wide comparison. Only Malta and Estonia received better results in this year's EU eGovernment Benchmark.
September 24, 2020
Austrian Armed Forces Will Control Embassies
The Austrian Armed Forces will once again assist the Vienna State Police with the protection and surveillance of embassies. This will allow the executive forces to intensify their operations against Covid-19, while the Armed Forces will take over embassy protection.
September 23, 2020
Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion
The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.
September 23, 2020
Cancellation of Vienna Opera Ball 2021
Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Austria, it was decided that the Vienna Opera Ball 2021 planned for February 11, 2021 will be cancelled. Although the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of the participants could not have been guaranteed.
September 23, 2020
Video Message by Kurz on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations
Federal Chancellor Kurz has submitted a video message to the United Nations in which he emphasized Austria's commitment to international cooperation. He also praised UN's achievements, such as the human rights system and the Agenda 2030.
September 22, 2020
European Commission Approves Further EUR 4 Billion for Austrian Companies
Further EUR 4 billion intended to help Austrian companies sustain the Covid-19 crisis were approved by the European Commission. Grants and guarantees of up to EUR 800,000 per company can be given out in cases of hardship and danger of bankruptcy.
September 22, 2020
Schallenberg at Council of EU Foreign Ministers
The EU Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to discuss current issues such as developments in Belarus and Libya. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg demands a "strong signal" from the EU towards the Belarusian government.
September 22, 2020
European Capital of Democracy Coming Soon
The newly formed initiative "European Capital of Democracy" will try to give civilization more access to democracy by supporting activities and events that aim to improve and strengthen democracy. The first capital will be selected next year.
September 21, 2020
Swiss President Welcomes Kurz
Swiss President Sommaruga and Austria's Chancellor Kurz met near Bern to discuss current topics related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cooperation between the two countries. Kurz also met with CEOs of leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies to discuss the current vaccine developments.
September 21, 2020
Environmental Support Act: 1 Billion for Climate Protection Support until 2022
The National Council is in favor of a budget increase dedicated to climate protection. In detail, the Environment Committee wants to raise the amount of funding to EUR 1 billion by 2022 which will be invested in biogenic heating networks, renovation of buildings and other measures.
September 17, 2020
Ukrainian Foreign Minister in Vienna
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba visited his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg in Vienna to discuss the countries' cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 and economic relations. The conflict in eastern Ukraine and the developments in Belarus were also talked about.
September 17, 2020
Austrian World Summit 2020 Was a Success
The Austrian World Summit 2020 was held in a mixture of analog and digital setting due to Covid-19, yet starred international personalities that all highlighted the importance of sustainability and the fight against climate change.
September 17, 2020
Zelensky Visits Austria
Ukrainian President Zelensky came to Austria to visit President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and President of the National Council Sobotka. The topics comprised the successful bilateral economic relations and regional conflicts in the Ukraine.
September 16, 2020
Anniversary Exhibition "Vienna International Center"
The City of Vienna dedicates an entire exhibition in the Vienna City Hall to the over 40th anniversary of the Vienna International Center. The exhibition can be seen until October 30.
September 16, 2020
Foreign Ministers of Central Five Meet in Slovenia
The heads of diplomacy of Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria conducted a working meeting with the topics being the fight against a possible second wave of rising Covid-19 cases and other foreign affairs issues.
September 16, 2020
International Day of Democracy: Collection of Initiatives for Promoting Democracy
The IPU in cooperation with the Austrian parliament has issued a report that comprises best-practice examples of how countries promote democracy among the population, especially among the youth and young adults.
September 15, 2020
Warning of Economic Consequences Due to Rising Infection Rates
Austria's Minister for Tourism Köstinger and Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck emphasize the importance of low Covid-19 infection numbers for the tourism and trade sector. They fear that a rise in numbers endangers Austria's important autumn and Christmas business.
September 15, 2020
Suspension of Restrictions Between Hungary and Austria
Hungary has lifted the 30-kilometer and 24-hour restrictions for commuters from Austria. This makes cross-border life and business significantly easier and allows the trading relationship between the two countries to flourish again.
September 14, 2020
Panel Discussion: The Legacy of Solidarność and Current Challenges in Europe
A panel discussion about "The legacy of of Solidarność and the current challenges facing Europe during Poland's chairmanship of the Visegrád Group" was held in Vienna. Diplomats, politicians, and journalists shared experiences.
September 10, 2020
Japan's Abe Thanked Kurz for Cooperation
In a telephone summit, Japan's Prime Minister Abe and Austria's Chancellor Kurz wished each other farewell since Abe will step down as Japan's leading politician due to health issues.
September 10, 2020
Slovak-3 Summit with Matovič, Babiš, and Kurz
The Slovak-3 Summit with the highest officials from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria took place in Vienna. The topics comprised cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and the overall relations between the three neighboring countries.
September 10, 2020
Eurogroup President Donohoe Met Blümel
New Eurogroup President Donohoe and Austrian Finance Minister Blümel met at a round table discussion on "Europe's Comeback". Topics were the strength of a common currency union and strategies on how to achieve the economic comeback.
September 9, 2020
EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies
The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.
September 9, 2020
Joint Statement by Greece and Austria
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz have issued a joint statement that deals with European refugee policy and the ongoing dispute with Turkey over the natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean.
September 9, 2020
Meeting Between Janša and Kurz
Slovenia's Prime Minister Janša and President Pahor welcomed Chancellor Kurz for a working visit. All three politicians highlighted the important bilateral economic and political relations.
September 8, 2020
Climate Protection Minister Presents Measures Against Plastic Flood
Climate Protection Minister Gewessler announces a three-point plan to tackle Austria's plastic waste. These measures include a deposit system, a producer's levy and a reusable quota.
September 7, 2020
WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge
The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.
September 7, 2020
"Massive New Debt" in 2021
Federal Minister Blümel announces massive new government borrowing for next year in order to tackle the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. He hopes to return to meeting the Maastricht criteria again in the next years.
September 7, 2020
Nehammer: Do Everything To Protect Jewish Life
Minister of the Interior Nehammer visited the synagogue on David-Herzog-Platz in Graz together and highlighted the importance of the protection and promotion of Jewish life in Austria.
September 4, 2020
Berlin Will Welcome Delegation of the Austrian National Council
The German capital will be host to a meeting between several German politicians and a delegation from the Austrian National Council. The main topics comprise measures to cope with the Covid-19 crisis and EU issues.
September 4, 2020
Climate and Energy Goals: Additional Measures Will Be Needed for Austria
Austria's Ministry for Climate Protection recognizes the need for additional protective measures in order to meet the climate targets established by the European Union. An increases of investments in sustainable ideas is demanded.
September 3, 2020
Hungary Recognizes Sobotka for Development of Bilateral Relations
The Hungarian government has awarded Austria's President of the National Council Sobotka the Commander's Cross for his efforts to further bilateral relations between the two countries and to promote the perception of Hungary's position in the EU.
September 3, 2020
Dombrovskis in Alpbach: Economy Must Serve All People
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Dombrovskis highlights the importance of the young generation in rebuilding the economy after Covid-19. Unemployment needs to be tackled and sustainability and digital innovation will be supported.
September 2, 2020
Investigations About Turkish Espionage in Austria
Following the riots of Turkish activists in Vienna, Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer set up a task force that investigates the alleged influence of the Turkish secret service. These allegations have materialized to some extent and were presented at a press conference.
September 1, 2020
Edtstadler: Six New EU Member Countries in the Next Decade
Hungarian Minister Varga and Austria's Minister for the EU Edtstadler took part in a discussion at the European Forum Alpbach that dealt with the presence and future of the European Union. Edtstadler is optimistic that the EU will grow by six member states in the next 10 years.
September 1, 2020
National Council President Sobotka Met Slovak and Czech Counterparts, Kollár and Vondráček
Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka invited his Slovak and Czech counterparts, Boris Kollár and Radek Vondráček, to discuss the cooperation between the three neighboring countries and other political issues.
August 31, 2020
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Berlin
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg has come together with the other EU Foreign Minister to discuss current foreign affairs. The main topics were the conflict between Greece and Turkey, the current situation in Belarus, relations between the EU and Russia, and the peace process in the Middle East.
August 28, 2020
Federal Minister Nehammer: Joining Forces with Bavaria in the Fight Against Organized Crime and Trafficking
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann and Austria's Karl Nehammer intensify cooperation in the fight against human trafficking and organized crime. The two politicians have come together for a working meeting in Vienna.
August 28, 2020
German-Speaking Finance Ministers Met in Vienna
Vienna hosted the tenth informal meeting of the German-speaking finance ministers. Representatives of Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria took part in discussions about Covid-19 and the future of taxes.
August 28, 2020
Iran Allows Vienna-based IAEA Access to Controversial Nuclear Facilities
Vienna-based IAEA is allowed to inspect two nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. After an ongoing dispute between the IAEA and the Iran, a joint statement settles the dispute.
August 27, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler Promises Action Plan Against Anti-Semitism
Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister of Austria for the EU and Constitution, introduced an action plan that will be implemented in the fall. This plan will comprise about 30 measures to fight ongoing anti-Semitism.
August 26, 2020
Van der Bellen Promoted a Common, Greener European Future at the 75th European Forum Alpbach
Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen opened the 75th European Forum Alpbach with his speech that focused on international cooperation and an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
August 26, 2020
Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig Met German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz
Mayor Michael Ludwig and German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz met for a working meeting in Vienna. Discussions were held about economic relations and municipal topics such as affordable housing.
August 25, 2020
Criticism of SPÖ Officials Concerning Belarus
TV appearances in the Belarus state TV of two Austrians with close boundaries to the SPÖ led to an immense wave of criticism. One claims that the news coverage in Belarus is too European friendly. The other repeats a main propaganda message from Lukashenko's party.
August 25, 2020
Austria Expels Russian Diplomat, Russia Reacts and Expels Austrian Diplomat
After the Austrian Foreign Ministry had declared a Russian diplomat an undesirable person in connection with accusations of espionage, Russia has now reacted by deporting an Austrian diplomat.
August 24, 2020
Kaiser Apologizes for the Chaos at the Border
Governor Peter Kaiser apologized today to all people who got stuck at the borders to Austria on Saturday evening. He says that this situation should never happen again and claims that communication problems between the federal and the state government led to the chaos.
August 24, 2020
75th Anniversary of the Opening of the Liberation Monument at Schwarzenbergplatz: Austrian and CIS Officials Hold Ceremony
75 years after the unveiling of the Liberation Monument, Austrian President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and Ambassadors of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries commemorated once again the Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.
August 19, 2020
European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23
The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.
August 18, 2020
Subsidies for New Investments in Austrian Economy
The Austrian government has put in place an investment subsidy in order to support the Austrian economy during the Covid-19 crisis. Business investments will be subsidized with up to 14% of the eligible costs.
August 17, 2020
Meeting Between Čaputová and Van der Bellen
The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met his Slovak counterpart Zuzana Čaputová to talk mainly about climate change.
July 24, 2020
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