Vienna International Community - Top Politicians - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key politicians in Vienna's international community
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Calls for Non-Exaggeration Regarding Russia
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has said that we should not punish 144 million Russians regarding their visas for entering the EU. He said that we should unequivocally support Ukraine, but also keep the diplomatic path open with Russia.
January 16, 2023
Ceremonial Reopening of the Parliament in Vienna
On the occasion of the opening of the renovated parliament building, a grand ceremony was held in the Federal Assembly Hall, which was attended not only by top domestic politicians but also by numerous guests of honor from Austria and abroad. The historic house on the Ring, which took five years to renovate and modernize, now shines again in its new splendor.
January 12, 2023
Austria's Karl von Habsburg Calls for an End to Vladimir Putin's Regime
The last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, Karl von Habsburg, has strongly condemned the Russian regime and its President Vladimir Putin since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. In his "Speech on the Future of Europe," the president of the Pan-European Movement Austria advocates greater military support for Ukraine.
January 11, 2023
Vienna Establishes "External Reporting Office for EU Infringements"
An External Reporting Office for EU Legal Violations, which was set up in Vienna at the beginning of 2023 following the requirements of the EU Whistleblowing Directive, is to make it possible to report violations of EU law. Marion Winkler took over the management of the External Reporting Office with an appointment decree.
January 10, 2023
OSCE Secretary General Does Not See Russia’s Expulsion as a Solution
The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) was originally founded to promote dialogue between Eastern and Western Europe. In a recent interview, Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid explains why the exclusion of Russia despite the war is unthinkable.
January 9, 2023
Ukrainians Want Raiffeisen Bankers Sanctioned
Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International is coming under pressure in Ukraine. RBI CEO Johann Strobl and another manager are on a list drawn up by Ukrainian authorities, according to which sanctions are recommended.
January 8, 2023
Czech Foreign Minister States That Austria's Schengen-No Was Unexpected
Czech Presidency Europe was briefly troubled by Austria's No to Schengen enlargement regarding Bulgaria and Romania. For Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Austria's "no" vote regarding Romania's and Bulgaria's Schengen accession came "suddenly".
January 4, 2023
India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Visits Vienna
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Vienna. It was the first visit of an Indian Foreign Minister to Austria in 27 years and the fifth meeting with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in the past twelve months.
January 3, 2023
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer Will Represent Austria at Former Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral
Several Kings and Queens, Nobles, Heads of State, and Clergy are expected to attend the former pope Benedict XVI’s funeral. Former president Heinz Fischer will represent the Austrian state.
January 3, 2023
Mask Obligation in Vienna's Public Transport Remains
While the Corona measures have been softened further at the Austrian federal level, Vienna is sticking to its stricter rules. The mask requirement on public transport in Vienna will be maintained into the year to come.
December 29, 2022
Russia Bans Oil Export on Countries with Gas Price Cap
Russia has responded to the west’s decision to cap gas prices as a measure to brake the rising energy prices. This was an expected move as Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized this cap numerous times.
December 27, 2022
Austrian Government Reviews the Year 2022
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler made a review and concluded the year 2022 with a positive and determined outlook for the following year. The subjects of the past year were the recovery from the pandemic, the energy crisis, inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
December 25, 2022
Russian Permanent Representative to UN in Vienna Says Soon Agreement with IAEA on Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
At Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, there have again been several powerful explosions, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. An agreement on a protection zone is being fiercely discussed but has yet to be reached. The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and Moscow expect significant progress in this direction.
December 22, 2022
Austria's Nobel Anton Zeilinger Laureate Receives Honor from President
Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger was awarded the "Grand Decoration of Honor in Silver with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria" by Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen.
December 21, 2022
First Austrian State Prize for Women Awarded
Austria's Minister for Women Susanne Raab ceremoniously presented the first Austrian State Award for Women in Vienna. Among others, the Austrian women's soccer team received the Austrian State Prize for Women, which is endowed by the Ministry of Women's Affairs.
December 20, 2022
Minister Edtstadler Pushes for Registration of Migrants in Hungary
Austrian Minister of Europe Karoline Edtstadler pushes for the initial registration of migrants in Hungary before they enter Austria. This is seen as a preemptive measure against the rising numbers of illegal migrants in Austria.
December 20, 2022
Espionage in Vienna: Russian Spy Exposed
A Greek citizen of Russian descent allegedly spied on state secrets for Russia in Vienna. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution unmasked the 39-year-old son of a former diplomat as a Russian spy. During the house search, the police also found listening devices, as well as other compromising materials.
December 19, 2022
IAEA Arrives in Iran Capital for New Nuclear Negotiations
A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Tehran. On the agenda of the IAEA team are new negotiations with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) as well as representatives of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear program appear to be dragging on and on.
December 18, 2022
EU Delegation in Vienna Organized Charity Gala "#EU4UKRAINE
The EU Delegation to the International Organizations in Vienna organized for the third time the EU Multilateral Christmas Charity Gala. The Kalush Orchestra, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) winner from Ukraine, also came to MuTh for the EU Multilateral Christmas Charity Gala in favor of Ukraine and performed together with the Janoska Ensemble, the Chorus Juventus of the Vienna Boys Choir.
December 18, 2022
Austrian Government Will Expand Subsidies on Housing and Heating
The Austrian government wants to challenge the rising energy prices and help low-income persons by subsidizing their home and their heating. People who are eligible for those subsidies can get up to 330 Euros.
December 15, 2022
Austrian Parliament Passes Resolutions Regarding Iran and Ukraine
The Austrian Parliament has passed several resolutions concerning worldwide human rights issues such as hunger in Ukraine and women’s rights in Iran.
December 15, 2022
Project "Christmas together with Ukraine" in Vienna
Children from different regions of Ukraine visited Vienna for a Christmas concert. The project "Christmas with Ukraine" is held on the route Uzhhorod-Budapest-Vienna-Bratislava-Prague-Warsaw-Uzhhorod. Despite air raids and the bombing of cities, the children prepared and currently present a bright Christmas performance.
December 15, 2022
Minister Schallenberg at the European Foreign Affairs Council
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Brussels for the European Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) to meet with his counterparts from the other EU-member states. The main focus of the agenda was Iran.
December 14, 2022
Austrian President Van der Bellen Visited Slovenia
Re-elected Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen traveled to Slovenia for an official visit with his counterpart Borut Pahor. Besides discussions around the common issues in Slovenian, Austrian and European politics, this visit was also a farewell meeting between "personal friends", as Pahor is leaving office.
December 14, 2022
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Visits Vienna
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani came to Vienna for a meeting with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit of Tajani asked for the opportunity to consolidate cooperation and talks with Vienna on the main bilateral issues (especially in the fields of economy, energy and infrastructure), European and international, starting with the migration issue.
December 13, 2022
Austrian Parliamentarians Report on Visit to Ukraine
During a press conference representatives of the Bilateral Parliamentary Group Austria-Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine reported on their visit to war-torn Ukraine. Members of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the Green Party and the NEOS took part in the trip.
December 12, 2022
Romanian Interior Minister Lucian Bode Accuses Austria of Lying
Romanian Interior Minister Lucian Bode wrote a letter to Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, strongly criticizing him for Austria's rejection of his country's Schengen accession.
December 12, 2022
Annual Meeting for Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party in Vienna
The annual meeting of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party (EPP) parliamentary group in the European Parliament took place this weekend in Vienna. Without religions and their contribution to the formation of values, a future for Europe is unimaginable, according to the EPP.
December 11, 2022
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis Visits Vienna
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis came to Vienna for a visit, meeting his counterpart in Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. In addition, Landsbergis met with IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid. The exchanges focused on the Russian war in Ukraine, in particular European support efforts against the backdrop of the approaching winter, as well as the prosecution of war crimes. In addition, the two foreign ministers discussed current developments in Iran and increasing migration pressure.
December 11, 2022
First Indications Because of Morbid Parcels to Ukrainian Embassies
The suspicious and morbid parcels sent to Ukrainian embassies and consulates in various countries all have a Tesla dealer in Germany as the sender. As recently reported, Ukrainian missions abroad received "Bloody" packages with animal eyes, also in Austria.
December 7, 2022
Sweden Received Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler
Austria's Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler traveled to the Swedish capital Stockholm on a working visit and met with her Swedish counterpart Jessika Roswall for talks on the country's EU presidency next year. The Austrian minister also met with Nobel Prize winner in physics Anton Zeilinger to kick off "Nobel Week".
December 6, 2022
Schallenberg Travels to Slovakia for “Slavkov 3” Meeting
The Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Slovakia to meet with his Slovak and Czech counterparts to discuss the important topics currently challenging the region.
December 5, 2022
UN Internet Governance Forum in Ethiopia: Austria's Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler Appointed to Governing Body
To increase the content and importance of the Internet Governance Forum, a ten-member Leadership Panel chaired by U.S. information scientist Vinton Gray Cerf was established. Austria's Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler was appointed to this leadership panel by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
December 4, 2022
OPEC Plus Sticks to Production Strategy
The OPEC+ oil alliance is sticking to its current production strategy for the time being. EU sanctions against Russia's oil revenues will apply from tomorrow. The OPEC+ countries have nevertheless confirmed their previous oil production targets. However, an expert committee wants to review the production strategy every two months.
December 4, 2022
Defense Ministers of Western Balkans Meet in Austrian Wachau
The Defense Ministers of the Western Balkan States met today with the Austrian minister of Defense Klaudia Tanner. The meeting was about the global security challenges which include the Westbalkan states.
December 2, 2022
Russian Foreign Minister Gets Excluded from OSCE Security Meeting
The annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Security Council took place between the 1st and 2nd of December in Lodz, Poland, where the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Countries met. However, the meeting was overshadowed by the back-and-forth situation between the Ministers of some OSCE countries – mainly Poland - and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
December 2, 2022
German Literature Archive Receives Estate of Austrian Poet Rainer Maria Rilke
The transfer of writings and materials of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) to the German Literature Archive Marbach is the largest transfer to the Literature Archive in Baden-Württemberg with the estate, which had been in private hands for almost 100 years.
December 1, 2022
Austria Gives 8 Million Euros to Syria and Jordan
The Syrian conflict, which has been going on for more than 10 years, has led to one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises. The precarious situation on the ground and in neighboring Jordan, where many Syrian refugees are, is worsening and a political solution to the conflict is not in sight. Austria's humanitarian aid on the ground is helping to prevent illegal migration to Europe, the government said.
November 30, 2022
Beginning for Electricity Price Brake in Austria
Without further application, the electricity price brake comes into effect for every household with an existing electricity contract. The electricity cost brake is intended to counteract the current price increases for electricity. This will be visible on the electricity bill. According to the government, households can save an average of 500 euros per year.
November 30, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Iranian Officials Say Talks Are "Dead End"
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the nuclear negotiations have reached a "dead end", adding that Europe has not fulfilled its obligations. Even so, Iran's foreign ministry said it is committed to finding a diplomatic solution to its nuclear dispute with the U.S. and Europe, but it is not optimistic the negotiations with Washington will succeed.
November 29, 2022
Austria Condemns Hunger as a Weapon
Austria condemns Russia's tactic of using world hunger as a weapon. Austria pledges € 3.8 million to the initiative "Grain from Ukraine" for the delivery of Ukrainian grain to needy people in Ethiopia and Sudan.
November 28, 2022
Pre-Christmas Period in Vienna: Christmas Market at the Vienna City Hall
The pre-Christmas season in Vienna has officially begun. The festive illumination of the Christmas tree on Rathausplatz already illuminates the entire square. The "Wiener Weihnachtstraum" invites this year with an adapted concept for more sustainability, less standel and more offers for families.
November 27, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Kennedy Visits Carinthia
The Ambassador of the United States of America, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, was a guest in Carinthia. After a visit to the Carinthian provincial government and a meeting with Governor Peter Kaiser, she also examined the "American shelves" in the AK Library in Villach.
November 27, 2022
First Austrian Democracy Congress Organized
Democracy is experiencing a crisis of confidence globally and is under threat, also in Austria the last years showed the breach of trust between people and democracy. The Central European University, SORA and the Wiener Zeitung are jointly organizing the first Austrian Democracy Congress on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Experts from science and practice will discuss how to promote trust and strengthen democracy.
November 27, 2022
Austria Supports Expansion of Croatian LNG Terminal Krk
Croatia wants to expand its terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the Adriatic island of Krk far beyond its own needs and develop it into a hub for gas supply in the region - gas is also to flow from there to Austria and Germany in the future. At a meeting on Krk, Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder agreed to support each other in strengthening energy security, diversifying energy sources and ensuring the security of supply with natural gas and hydrogen.
November 24, 2022
Orange the World: Austria Combating Violence Against Women
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violations. Especially in Austria, the worst violence against women recently occurred, namely femicides. In 2022, Austria will also participate in the UN campaign "Orange the World - 16 Days against Violence", which takes place annually between November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls, and December 10, the International Human Rights Day.
November 24, 2022
European Erasmus Program Promotes Mass Sports in Austria
Grassroots sport will be the sport priority in the EU's Erasmus+ program in 2023 and will be allocated budget funds accordingly. The focus will be on European knowledge transfer to strengthen fairness, values and cohesion in sports.
November 23, 2022
Austria Gives 5.5 Million Euros for Burkina Faso and Mali
The Sahel is facing a multitude of crises. In addition to widespread poverty and the worst drought in decades, armed conflicts and terrorist violence are affecting the people of the region. With a total of 5.5 million euros from the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Disaster Fund, the Austrian federal government aims to alleviate the existing suffering in Burkina Faso and Mali.
November 23, 2022
EU Criticizes Austria's Energy Measures as "Not Goal-Oriented"
In the opinion of the EU Commission, Austria's aid measures against high energy prices are "not goal-oriented" enough. The EU authority said today that the federal government had quickly adopted energy policy measures.
November 22, 2022
Austrian Parliament Calls for More Support for Protests in Iran
The Austrian Parliament, the National Council, unanimously condemned the violent suppression of the current protests in Iran. The deputies demanded that actions on the part of Iranian institutions in Austria be monitored more closely and punished.
November 22, 2022
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