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Austria International Political News | International | EU | Domestic
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian politics with reference to the international interest
Central European Foreign Ministers of the "Central 5" Discuss OSCE, Ukraine, and Migration
The foreign ministers of the "Central 5" (C5) - Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia - met in Vienna to discuss current security policy and neighborhood issues. Host Alexander Schallenberg stressed the importance of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) as a pan-European platform for dialogue, especially in light of the challenges posed by Russia's attack on Ukraine and the need to keep the OSCE alive. During the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijártó repeatedly irritated the participants.
October 1, 2023
Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal: The New World Special Representative of the Austrian Chancellor
Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, former Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, was recently appointed World Special Representative by Chancellor Karl Nehammer. His main task in this new function will be to intensify relations between Austria and the global South, especially Africa.
October 1, 2023
Austria Strengthens its Economic and Diplomatic Relations with Africa
Austria has increased its focus on its economic and diplomatic relations with Africa. The country's trade with sub-Saharan Africa amounted to 2.28 billion euros in 2022, or about 0.56 percent of Austria's total trade volume. Austrian exports to the region increased by 15.7 percent year-on-year to 1.33 billion euros. South Africa, Mali, and Nigeria were the main export markets. Read more about why Africa is important for Austria!
September 28, 2023
OSCE in Deep Crisis: Russia's Veto Paralyses Europe's Largest Security Body
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is facing its most profound crisis as Russian vetoes block critical decisions, endangering the stability and functionality of the world's most extensive security body. This stalemate emerges from Moscow's continued aggression towards Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between OSCE member states.
September 28, 2023
Austria Advocates Accelerated EU Integration of the Western Balkans
Austria's Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg show a profound commitment to the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union (EU). They recently sent concrete proposals in a letter and a "non-paper" to EU External Relations Commissioner Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. The central theme of these proposals is to accelerate the enlargement process and clarify the agenda for 2024 and beyond.
September 27, 2023
Possible Spy Ring: Ex-Wirecard Manager and Suspected Russian Spies on Trial
British investigators suspect that former Wirecard manager and Austrian Jan Marsalek was involved in a spy network acting for Russia. This information became known through a communication from the British public prosecutor's office and was later reported by BBC and "Spiegel".
September 26, 2023
Vienna Wins the "EU Organic Award": "Wiener Gusto" Named Best Organic Brand
The city of Vienna once again has a reason to celebrate. At this year's European Union Organic Awards, the city's food brand "Wiener Gusto" was named "Best Organic City". This important "EU Organic Award" was presented by the European Commission in a festive ceremony in Brussels. As a representative of the City of Vienna, Climate City Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky proudly accepted the award.
September 26, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna
Carl Hallergard, the EU's new diplomat in Vienna has the challenging task of coordinating the EU's interests within complex multilateral organizations that aim to ensure peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. Meet Ambassador, Carl Hallergard, the new permanent observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 25, 2023
FPÖ-Delegation Visits Taliban in Afghanistan
Several members of the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) traveled to Afghanistan and met, among others, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting became known through a press release from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, which also published a photo of the delegation.
September 25, 2023
Tensions Escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh: The International Community Calls for Immediate Action
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the contested territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is once again on a knife's edge. Recent developments have escalated tensions, threatening regional stability and raising urgent humanitarian concerns. International organizations like the OSCE and UN are deeply concerned and have convened special meetings to address the issue.
September 21, 2023
Austria Provides 2 Million Euros for Disaster Relief in North Africa
The suffering caused by natural disasters in Morocco and Libya has caused consternation around the world. To respond to this humanitarian crisis, the Austrian Federal Government has decided to provide two million euros from the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Disaster Fund.
September 21, 2023
Three Seas Initiative Summit Concludes with Resounding Commitments and Strong Support for Ukraine
During the 8th edition of the Three Seas Initiative Summit, the prestigious halls of the Cotroceni Palace welcomed Central and Eastern European leaders. This gathering was a demonstration of unity and determination against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension. On this same occasion, the President of Austria stressed support for Ukraine and the common fight against global warming.
September 20, 2023
Austria's Air Future: Embraer's C-390 Set to Replace the Stalwart C-130
In a landmark decision, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, flanked by National Armaments Director Major General Harald Vodosek, announced the intended replacement for the Austrian Armed Forces' reliable yet aging C-130 "Hercules": the Embraer C-390.
September 20, 2023
EU-Mercosur Pact: Austria's Balancing Act between Trade Opportunities and Sustainability
The discussion about the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries - Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay - is entering a new round. While some see the treaty as an opportunity to intensify trade between the two economic areas, others raise serious concerns about its impact on the environment and social standards.
September 19, 2023
Austrian Representatives at the UN General Assembly in New York
The UN General Assembly, which is taking place in New York this year, will see strong representation from Austria. With Federal President Alexander van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the forefront, Austria wants to convey its messages clearly.
September 19, 2023
Austrian Armed Forces Continue to Provide Protection for Embassies in Vienna
To support the police and secure embassies and other critical objects in Vienna, the Austrian Armed Forces have extended the duration of their assistance mission until March 31, 2024.
September 17, 2023
Discrimination on the Housing Market: A Growing Problem in Austria
A recent SORA study conducted on behalf of the Ombud for Equal Treatment highlights a serious problem in Austria's real estate market: racism and discrimination. People with foreign-sounding names or accents have significantly fewer chances of being invited to view an apartment compared to people with typical Austrian names.
September 14, 2023
Austria EU Representative Selmayr at Dispute Because Of "Blood Money" Statement
EU representative Martin Selmayr has called Austrian gas payments to Russia "blood money". Now reprimanded by Vienna and Brussels, EU Commission representative Martin Selmayr does not want to give up his job in Austria.
September 14, 2023
Historic Center of Vienna Remains on the UNESCO Red List
The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's red list of endangered World Heritage Sites despite recent changes to the Heumarkt project. This was decided by UNESCO. Now it is being examined whether the project is compatible with World Heritage in this way.
September 13, 2023
Austria's Former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl: From Lebanon to St. Petersburg - with Ponies in her Luggage
Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian foreign minister, has become a major figure on the international stage in recent years. Her latest move has now seen her relocate to Russia, more precisely to St. Petersburg.
September 12, 2023
19th Salzburg Europe Summit 2023: "Europe: Setting out for New Horizons"
From September 24 to 26, 2023, the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) invites you to the 19th Salzburg Europe Summit at the Salzburg Congress. More than 700 participants from all over Europe are expected to discuss together the current challenges and opportunities of the continent.
September 12, 2023
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
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
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 Ambassador Received Federal Association Medal for Services to the Jewish Community in Austria
In a moving ceremony, Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold was awarded the "Great Golden Medal of Honor" by the Federal Association of Jewish Communities in Austria. This honor not only marked a remarkable recognition of his work but was also the first time that an Israeli ambassador was awarded this medal. In the presence of leading community representatives and dignitaries, the award ceremony became both an emotional farewell and a celebration of the close ties between Ambassador Rodgold and the communities in Vienna and throughout Austria.
September 6, 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
House of History Austria Sets an Example with Special Guided Tours to the "Hitler Balcony"
The House of Austrian History (hdgö) is adding two special tours at short notice to its program, which will take a look at the so-called "Hitler Balcony". The tours will take place on September 7 and 14, 2023, and will be led by Director Monika Sommer under the title "(K)ein Hitler-Balkon" (No Hitler Balcony).
September 4, 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
Danube Ports in Ukraine in Focus of Russian Attacks
International tensions over Ukraine are having an increasing impact on Danube ports in the region. The Vienna-based International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) expressed concern about repeated Russian aggression against Ukrainian ports along the river, particularly in Reni and Izmail.
September 3, 2023
Austria's Positive Path Towards Citizenship for Descendants of National Socialism Victims
Austria took an important step in October 2019 to live up to its historical responsibility. Parliament made it possible for the descendants of persecutees of National Socialism to obtain citizenship through a "notification". This significant amendment to the Citizenship Law came into force on September 1, 2020. In view of the third anniversary of this change, Foreign Minister Schallenberg draws a positive conclusion.
September 3, 2023
Ceremonial Reception for the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Türkiye
Given the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Ozan Ceyhun, and Military Attaché Colonel Serdar Mercan invited to a reception. The event took place at the Turkish Embassy in Vienna and also marked the first diplomatic meeting after the summer break.
August 31, 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
Timetable Chaos for Rail Travel in Europe: A Step Backwards
The idea of cross-border rail travel across Europe sounds tempting, but the reality is often different. Despite the expansion of night trains, the situation for rail travelers in 2023 has not improved as hoped.
August 22, 2023
Mowing Sheep Enrich Flora and Fauna of Vienna's Danube Island
As part of a pioneering EU project, the Danube Island's new and gentle inhabitants have proven to be surprisingly efficient lawnmowers. Around 70 sheep find a temporary home on the Danube Island during the summer months. As natural lawnmowers, they help to revitalize the island's flora and fauna and promote biodiversity.
August 21, 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
Austrian Journalists Club Demands Release of Julian Assange
The Austrian Journalists Club (ÖJC) joins the call of German sections of some international organizations and German NGOs for the immediate release of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
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
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