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Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
Austrian Army Modernizes its Tank Fleet in Germany
In the presence of the Minister of Defense, Klaudia Tanner the first "Leopard" main battle tank from Wels was handed over to the European armaments company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Defence Systems (KNDS). The aim of this initiative is to modernize the tank so that it meets current technological and military requirements.
September 11, 2023
Green Peak Festival 2023: Austria's Pioneer for Climate Protection and Entrepreneurship
The renowned Green Peak Festival, which has established itself in the heart of Vienna as Austria's flagship event for sustainability and entrepreneurship, impressed once again. For the second year in a row, over 800 participants gathered to network, exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in sustainability. The project was supported this year by the Embassy of Israel.
September 11, 2023
New Regulations in Vienna: Year-round Outdoor Cafés and Green Parklets
In an innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vienna has adopted new regulations for catering establishments and public lounges. Both Schanigärten (Viennese Outdoor Cafés) and the green parklets known as "Grätzloasen" are now allowed to remain in public spaces all year round.
September 10, 2023
Austria's Foreign Cultural Conference 2023: A Look into the Past and the Future
The Austrian Foreign Ministry is celebrating a special anniversary. For 50 years, half a century, it has represented Austria's cultural heritage and current artistic developments abroad. At this year's Foreign Cultural Conference reception, the focus was not only on the past but above all on the future.
September 10, 2023
OSCE Chairman Osmani and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Held a Critical Telephone Call About the OSCE
Since February 24, 2022, stress and depression have increased significantly in the OSCE. This is because the most important political decisions in the OSCE require the consent of all 57 governments. However, this consensus rule is blocked mainly by Russia, which severely limits the organization's ability to act. OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani, who is also the foreign minister of North Macedonia, had a critical telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
September 7, 2023
Austria's Ex-Economy Minister Schramböck in Saudi Arabia: Progress on Women's Rights and Economic Opportunities
The former Austrian Minister of Economy, Margarete Schramböck, has given insights into her new professional activities in Saudi Arabia in an interview with the magazine "trend". She is currently on the board of Aramco Digital, a digital subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, which was founded in spring 2023. Schramböck plays an important role there, which she describes as "between the executive board and the supervisory board."
September 7, 2023
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog Visited Austria
During an official visit to Vienna, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog praised Austria's determined fight against anti-Semitism. Herzog stressed that the Austrian government's "uncompromising fight against anti-Semitism" should serve as an "example" for other countries. He expressed his appreciation for this stance, which is highly appreciated in Israel. During a joint press conference with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Herzog also stressed the importance of remembering the Holocaust, addressing the deep scars of that terrible time.
September 5, 2023
Austria's Ambassadors' Conference 2023 Under the title "Austria's Eyes and Ears in the World"
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg opened this year's Foreign Ministry Ambassadors' Conference, which is taking place this week in Vienna. The week-long conference brings together the heads of Austrian embassies and permanent representations to deepen mutual exchange and intensify cooperation with their colleagues in Vienna.
September 5, 2023
Austria Signs Strategic Partnership for Food Aid
In the midst of global humanitarian challenges and in view of the increasing need for international food aid, Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig signed a landmark three-year Strategic Partnership for Food Aid together with Ute Klamert, Associate Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This significant agreement was sealed on the sidelines of the European Forum Alpbach in Tyrol and is intended to help address the current global food crisis.
September 4, 2023
European Forum Alpbach 2023: A Turning Point for Europe's Future
The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering a new round and is increasingly focusing on topics that will significantly shape Europe's role in the world. Under the motto "Bold Europe", decision-makers from business, politics, science, art, and culture are meeting in Tyrol to work together on solutions to pressing challenges.
August 30, 2023 · Updated: August 31, 2023; 09:37
Bosnia and Herzegovina Strengthens Cooperation with Austria on Security Issues and Asylum Policy
In Vienna, the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nenad Nešić, and the Austrian Minister of Interior, Gerhard Karner, met to discuss future cooperation and joint management of security challenges. Further joint action against illegal migration and strengthening of regional security were discussed.
August 29, 2023
International Day Against Nuclear Tests: Pressure on Key States Grows
The International Day Against Nuclear Testing is a global action established by the UN General Assembly in 2009. This day aims to draw attention to the "devastating and harmful effects" that nuclear testing has on people and the environment. The UN, represented by the Secretary-General, and international actors such as Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg are increasing pressure on so-called key states to finally ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
August 29, 2023
Conference in Zagreb: Austria and Croatia Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
The annual conference of Croatian ambassadors, consuls general, consuls, and military plenipotentiaries was held in Zagreb. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was invited as a guest speaker, who was welcomed by his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić-Radman.
August 28, 2023
Interpol and UNODC Strengthen Global Fight Against Forestry Crime with Norway's Support
In a bid to combat forestry crime on a global scale, an international coalition spearheaded by Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supported by Norway has inaugurated the second stage of a revolutionary initiative, LEAP II.
August 27, 2023
Austria's Ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Visited Orbán in Hungary
In recent days, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's visit to Budapest caused a stir and drew criticism. Kurz, who officially works as an entrepreneur, was photographed in front of Austrian and Hungarian national flags during his meeting with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
August 27, 2023
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at Crimea Platform
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg virtually participated in the Crimea Platform Summit - an initiative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs working to restore Ukraine's full sovereignty over Crimea in accordance with international law. The meeting took place on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day.
August 23, 2023
Vietnam and UN Strengthen Collaboration on Commercial Law Reforms
In a move to enhance cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations, a significant memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and the secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
August 21, 2023
Austria's Consumer Protection Ministry Mandates Action Against Banks for Low Interest Rates
According to the Consumer Protection Ministry, the practice of Austrian banks of charging high-interest rates on overdrafts while granting no interest at all on credit balances is meeting with growing resentment among consumers.
August 16, 2023
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani Visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
During his recent diplomatic tour, Bujar Osmani, the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, concluded his official visits to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The purpose of his trip was to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance the OSCE's involvement in addressing the diverse security challenges prevalent in the region.
August 16, 2023
Renaturation of the Wien River: Green Vision of the Wien River Oasis
The Vienna Greens presented their plans for the renaturation of the Vienna River at a press conference. Non-executive City Councilor Peter Kraus and City Councilor Kilian Stark presented the "Green Vision of the Vienna River Oasis".
August 7, 2023
Austria Against Faith in Nuclear Deterrence
On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stresses the urgency of nuclear disarmament. The terrible effects and the immeasurable human suffering caused by nuclear weapons must continue to be raised awareness.
August 6, 2023
Space Diplomacy: NASA Welcomes Argentina's Signing of the Artemis Accords
Argentina has officially become the 28th signatory to the Artemis Accords. At a ceremony at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, Daniel Filmus, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, signed the document on behalf of Argentina. The U.S. space agency was represented at the signing by Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator. Argentine President Alberto Fernández and U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley were also in attendance.
August 1, 2023
Ukraine Secures Grain Export through Croatian Adriatic Ports
Ukraine has reached an agreement with Croatia to export grain through ports on the Adriatic Sea. The agricultural goods are to be shipped to Croatia via the Danube and from there they will be transported further to the Adriatic coast.
August 1, 2023
Austrian and Korean Foreign Ministers Celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties at Salzburg Festival
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Republic of Korea, Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin visited the Salzburg Festival at the invitation of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The high-ranking politicians took the opportunity to discuss the good diplomatic and economic relations between their countries and to explore further opportunities for cooperation.
July 30, 2023
Austria's Successful Green Budgeting and Emission Reduction Efforts
The Climate Team, newly established in the Austrian Ministry of Finance, has presented essential results and analyses in recent months to bring Austria closer to the goal of a cost-effective and socially acceptable transformation in climate protection. In fact, the European Commission, OECD, and World Bank have all recognized Austrian green budgeting as a best practice.
July 30, 2023
Austria and Vietnam Deepen Partnership in Economy and Politics
A significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and Vietnam was achieved with the visit of Vietnam's President Võ Văn Thưởng and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn to Vienna.
July 26, 2023
Austrian Minister of Social Affairs Travels to Moldova for Working Visit
In an official trip, the Austrian Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Johannes Rauch, visits the Republic of Moldova to negotiate bilaterally with Moldovan ministerial counterparts and representatives of WHO, EU, and NGOs.
July 26, 2023
"Wiener Gusto" in the Final for the EU Organic Awards 2023
Vienna is a proud finalist in this year's EU Organic Awards in the category "Best Organic City" thanks to its city-owned food brand "Wiener Gusto".
July 25, 2023
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: Outcomes of Austrian-Armenian Meeting in Vienna
The meeting between the Austrian and Armenian Foreign Ministers addressed crucial regional and global issues, including migration, security, and humanitarian challenges. The signing of the Readmission Agreement Protocol and discussions on various topics laid a foundation for further cooperation and diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
July 25, 2023
OSCE Asian Partners Conference: Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Common Challenges
The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference held in Vienna has brought together participants to discuss synergies and opportunities for cooperation with a particular emphasis on strengthening dialogue between the OSCE and Asia.
July 23, 2023
Salzburg Summit: International Conference Brings Together Top Politicians, Scientists and Business Leaders
July 26, 2023, marks the start of the 4th Salzburg Summit, a high-profile international business and future conference that will take place on the fringes of the renowned Salzburg Festival. The event will be formally opened by EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn and the President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), Georg Knill. In light of recent global challenges, including a war on European soil and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the summit is dedicated to the goal of a sustainable future for Europe amid uncertainty.
July 23, 2023
State Secretary Tursky Emphasizes Goal of European Chip Sovereignty at Austrian Company AT&S
During his visit to Leoben, Florian Tursky, the State Secretary for Digitization and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Finance, was given an insight into the new research and production center of the global high-tech group AT&S, which is currently being realized at the company's headquarters.
July 19, 2023
OMV's Polyolefins Business Cooperation: Concerns Raised as Greens Question Borealis' Future
Austrian energy company OMV has decided to pursue negotiations with ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, on potential cooperation of their polyolefins business. This reinforces certain concerns of the critical voices on the OMV-ADNOC deal.
July 16, 2023
Foreign Ministers of Slavkov Format Countries Hold Talks with Key Political Actors in North Macedonia
Foreign Ministers Jan Lipavský, Miroslav Wlachovský, and Alexander Schallenberg held talks with representatives of the government, parliament, and parliamentary opposition in Northern Macedonia. The aim of the ministers' visit within the framework of the Slavkov format countries was to support North Macedonia on its way to the European Union and to listen to the views of key political actors.
July 16, 2023
Austria on the Way to Innovation Leader in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2023
Austria has improved to sixth place in this year's European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and is thus on the right track to becoming an innovation leader.
July 13, 2023
OMV Secures Additional European Gas Transmission and Pipeline Capacities until 2028
The listed oil and gas group OMV has successfully secured additional European gas transport capacities and gas pipeline capacities. This measure serves to secure Austria's gas supply and enables OMV to meet its delivery obligations in the medium term.
July 12, 2023
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting at the invitation of his Italian counterpart. The meeting was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Antonio Tajani, Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, and Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. The talks focused on important issues such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the rapprochement of the Western Balkans with the EU, and the fight against illegal migration.
July 11, 2023
OSCE High-Level Climate Conference Highlights Cross-Border Cooperation
Addressing climate-related challenges and security risks through enhanced cross-border cooperation took center stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, held at the Hofburg in Vienna. Among those attending the conference were high-level representatives of the OSCE participating states and partners for cooperation, climate security experts and practitioners, and representatives of international organizations.
July 9, 2023
Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Sabotage at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Kyiv and Moscow have voiced accusations against each other regarding possible acts of sabotage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Kremlin described the situation as tense, while Ukraine again accused Russia of planting explosive devices at the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency also continues to express concern.
July 5, 2023
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Strengthens Economic Ties with Austria During First Europe Trip
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met for working talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. The visit of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister to Vienna underlines the interest of both countries in further strengthening economic relations and intensifying cooperation at the geopolitical level.
July 4, 2023
Austria and Portugal Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his Portuguese counterpart João Gomes Cravinho for a meeting in Vienna. The talks focused on intensifying political and economic cooperation and strengthening foreign policy cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, they emphasized the unity of the EU member states in the face of the Russian war of aggression and exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans.
July 2, 2023
Austria Stresses Need in Fight Against Illegal Migration Despite Rejection of Higher EU Budget
Dealing with irregular migration, increasing the EU budget as well as foreign and economic policy considerations were the focus of the Parliament's EU Main Committee today. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer reiterated his opposition to a higher EU budget, but at the same time stressed the great need for funding in the fight against illegal migration.
June 28, 2023
Salzburg Europe Summit 2023 Taking Place this Year for the 19th Time
The annual Salzburg Europe Summit, Europe's leading event, will once again address the many challenges facing Europe in September in Salzburg. Among others, topics from war and the climate crisis to energy supply and social coexistence will be discussed.
June 28, 2023
European Movement Austria Presents Reform Ideas for the EU Single Market
Europe has achieved a level of prosperity that no previous generation has experienced. The EU Single Market, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is the key to this success. The future of the Single Market was the focus of a panel discussion of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ) at THE LEO GRAND in Vienna.
June 27, 2023
Austria's Interior Minister Karner Refers to EU Entry Ban on Question of Asylum for Prigozhin
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has stated that the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has no prospect of asylum in Austria. Initially, Karner spoke of a case-by-case examination to answer a related question but later specified via a spokesman that Prigozhin was on the EU sanctions list and therefore not allowed to enter the country.
June 26, 2023
European Local Councils Initiative Brings the EU to Austrian Innsbruck
More than 100 European local councilors take part in the initiative's annual conference as part of the 69th Austrian Municipal Day in Innsbruck. The event, which is integrated into the Austrian Municipal Day for the first time, emphasizes the close connection between the European and municipal levels.
June 25, 2023
European Forum Wachau: Building a Resilient, Green, and Competitive Europe
The event under the general theme "Building a Resilient, Green and Competitive Europe" takes place for the 27th time. This year, the Europa Forum Wachau invited top-class guests to discuss the most important European issues. Among others also the topic of illegal migration, the war in Ukraine, and the Euro-integration of the Western Balkan states.
June 25, 2023
Austria and Somalia Intensify Cooperation on Migration and Security in the Horn of Africa
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse arrived in Vienna for working talks with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. This visit marked an intensified effort by Austria to develop relations with African states. The talks focused on bilateral relations, particularly concerning illegal migration, the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, and the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
June 22, 2023
Mansion in Austrian Kitzbühel Bought by Sanctioned Russian Oligarch
Russian oligarch and confidant of President Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, is said to have financed a house in Kitzbühel, where Putin's daughter is also said to have spent time, according to media reports.
June 21, 2023
U.S. Embassy and Austrian Armed Forces Celebrate Anniversary of State Partnership Program
The one-year anniversary of the "State Partnership Program" between the "Vermont Air National Guard" and the Austrian Armed Forces under the leadership of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner was celebrated in Zeltweg. High-ranking guests such as the Ambassador of the United States in Austria, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, as well as Brigadier General Henry Harder, Commander of the "Vermont Air National Guard", were present at a festive ceremony. Within the framework of this partnership, the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard and the Austrian Air Force are conducting joint flight exercises for the first time.
June 18, 2023
