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Russians and People of CIS Countries in Vienna | Russia in Austria
Austria and Russia - Latest cross-border activities between Austria and Russia and the 9 members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Gas Pipeline Explodes in Russia

A Russian gas pipeline, which also exports gas to Austria, exploded while repair work was being done there. The explosion occurred in the Chuvashia region and killed three people.
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


Moldovan Christmas Charity Concert in Vienna

Moldovan musicians from Vienna will play a charity concert that will promote Moldovan Christmas traditions while supporting orphan children and children from vulnerable low-income families. The Christmas carols will be related to Areas in Moldova and accompanied by ancient Moldovan folklore.
December 16, 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


OPEC Plus Marks Sixth Anniversary

The Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC member countries and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing countries turned six years old. As the oil cartel engaged in diplomatic celebrations, OPEC reaffirmed its expectations for global oil demand in 2023.
December 14, 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

List of National Days of the Home Countries of All Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria
The Vindobona table below is an updated list of National Days of all nations, which belong to at least one of following categories: Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria; Diplomatic Corps and other representations in Austria; International Organizations in Vienna and Permanent Missions; Missions and Delegations to the OSCE.
February 11, 2015 · Updated: December 14, 2022; 08:12


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


Suspicious Parcel Sent to Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna

The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. The war is taking on additional dimensions as time goes on, and they are not limited to the fronts. Foreign representations of Ukraine have already become the target of suspicious mail in twelve countries, according to the government, with the Ukrainian embassy in Vienna also affected.
December 5, 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


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


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Alibek Bakayev, Kazakhstan's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Alibek Bakayev, the new permanent representative of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna.
December 1, 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


Austria's Chancellor Nehammer on Missile Strike in Poland

According to current knowledge, a misguided Ukrainian missile was the cause of the impact in Poland. Austria's Chancellor Nehammer calls for prudence as the "order of the day,", especially in times of war, and condemns the large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukrainian civilian facilities.
November 16, 2022
Austria at Western Balkans Conference in Berlin

Austrian Federal Minister Susanne Raab represented Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Western Balkans Conference in Berlin, as the Austrian Foreign Minister had to cancel his participation due to a positive Corona test. Minister Raab declared at the Western Balkans Conference "that we as the EU must finally get going when it comes to the integration of the six states of the Western Balkans."
November 4, 2022


OSCE Operations in Ukraine and Russian Opposition in Vienna

Russia represents an increasingly tough opposition in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, while the organization is trying to support Ukraine by all means. Despite a veto from Moscow, the OSCE has resumed its work on a limited basis in support of Ukraine despite the closure of the Special Monitoring Mission.
November 3, 2022


Russian Organization in Austria Criticizes "Anti-Russian" Posters

The Coordination Council of the Organization of Russian Compatriots in Austria (KSORS) has condemned the appearance of "anti-Russian posters with unacceptable content" in Austria. The poster was on a building of the Angewandte in Vienna, the Applied Arts University. Russia is called a "terrorist state" on the poster.
October 23, 2022


Austrian Foreign Minister Criticises Iran at the Foreign Affairs Council

At the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, the Austrian Foreign Minister criticised Iran's behaviour, which has always been "part of the circumvention constructions" surrounding the EU sanctions against Russia. Other topics discussed at the Council were the ongoing missile attacks in Ukraine and the EU enlargement around Bosnia and Herzegovina.
October 18, 2022


Austria Increases Contribution to World Food Program to 60 Million Euros

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the issue of food supply into global focus. Therefore, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry budget will be increased to 20 million euros annually from 2023-2025. A strategic partnership between Austria and the World Food Programme (WFP) is also in the works.
October 16, 2022


Austrian Politicians Condemn Russia's Attacks in Ukraine's Civilian Centres

Following the recent devastating attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, Austrian politicians condemned the Russian leadership and called for an immediate halt to the airstrikes. The OSCE also issued a statement strongly criticising Russia's attacks.
October 12, 2022


Austria Calls for Common European Gas Price Cap at EU Summit in Prague

At the first meeting of the "European Political Community", the informal summit of EU heads of state and government in Prague, Austria attracted particular attention by wanting to define a common EU gas price cap. For Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer it was clear in Prague that there would be "no embargo via the back door" when it comes to Russian gas.
October 11, 2022


Sanctions: 200 Russian Bank Accounts Frozen in Austria

In the course of the sanctions against Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine, about 200 accounts in Austria have already been frozen. This means that assets of one billion euros are affected.
October 5, 2022


Illegal Annexation: Russian Ambassador in Vienna Summoned

Like several other European countries, Austria summoned Russian Ambassador Dmitry Lyubinsky yesterday to tell him that Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory was an unacceptable violation of international law. The ambassador defended himself and spoke of referendums with free expression of will in full accordance with the norms and principles of international law.
October 4, 2022


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Moldova to the United Nations in Vienna

Mihaela Mocanu, Moldova's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. As the new Resident Representative of Moldova to the IAEA, Ms. Mocanu presented her credentials as well to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Meet Ambassador Mihaela Mocanu, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Moldova to the International Organizations in Vienna.
October 3, 2022


Referendum in Ukraine: Austria Will Not Recognise Result

After the publication of the results of the illegal sham referenda in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, the Austrian government made it clear that it would not recognise them. The inconclusive election results show a clear approval of the Russian annexation.
September 28, 2022


Meet the New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Hemra Amannazarov, Turkmenistan's new Ambassador in Austria and permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna presented her credentials to the Austrian Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen. Meet Ambassador Hemra Amannazarov, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 23, 2022


OSCE Criticises Russian Media Isolation and "Climate of Fear"

Since 2012, the Russian government has been suppressing freedom of expression step by step. With a new law that will only allow information from official Russian channels, a new low has been reached to which the OSCE would like to draw attention once again.
September 22, 2022


Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?

The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.
September 20, 2022


IAEA Warns of Nuclear Accident at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

The IAEA is highly alarmed by conditions at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, where staff overload and central warning and alarm systems threaten human error that could trigger a nuclear accident. To secure Europe's largest nuclear power plant, immediate measures, including a safety zone around the plant, are to be introduced to prevent a disaster.
September 6, 2022


Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Explains Reasons for Move to Lebanon

Austria's former Foreign Minister and ex-FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl explained at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok why she moved to Lebanon instead of Russia. The ex-politician will take part in a discussion tomorrow on a Russian export route in the Arctic Ocean.
September 5, 2022


IWM’s Strategic Partnership Initiative with the ERSTE Foundation

With Europe's Futures - Ideas for Action, Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) and the ERSTE Foundation aim to understand and address challenges to democracy, rule of law and migratory pressures that threaten Europe and the European Union.
September 4, 2022


IAEA Will Maintain a Continued Presence at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began inspecting Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power. As IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Twitter, some of his colleagues will stay at the power plant site for several days and establish a continued IAEA presence.
September 1, 2022


OSCE's Dilemma over Bulgaria's Parliamentary Elections

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened its election observation mission on the 2 October early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, following an official invitation from the national authorities. The OSCE mission will face political turmoil in a country fighting corruption, threatened to be overshadowed by Russian influence and the war in Ukraine
August 31, 2022


Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Prague

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Prague. The talks once again focused on the Russian war against Ukraine and its global repercussions. Among other things, a general ban on Russian citizens entering the European Union was discussed, which Austria is critical of.
August 31, 2022


CTBTO's Executive Secretary and Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Reaffirm Commitment to Nuclear Weapons Free World

In a joint statement, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd reaffirmed their commitment to a nuclear weapons-free world. In a joint statement released on Aug. 29 to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the two reiterated their determination to enact the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
August 30, 2022


Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Bled Strategic Forum

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the 17th Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, which this year was held under the motto "The rule of power or the power of rules? At the forum, the Foreign Minister spoke about the geopolitical consequences for Europe triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and held several bilateral talks focusing on the Western Balkans.
August 30, 2022



IAEA Finally Sends Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power


After months of negotiations and back and forth, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine is finally setting off from Vienna. The mission itself is headed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Agency is proud of the diplomatic success.
August 29, 2022


High Representative Josep Borrell at European Forum Alpbach

The theme of "The New Europe" is the focus of this year's European Forum Alpbach. One of the most prominent guests is Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During his appearance, he spoke about the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine and the future challenges for the European Union.
August 28, 2022


Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Causes a Stir with a Tweet About Russia and Putin

Former Foreign Minister and FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl, who danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018, caused a stir with a tweet about the Ukraine war. Kneissl, who was considered to have good connections to Russia, was even on the supervisory board of the Russian oil company Rosneft until May.
August 25, 2022


Rosatom and IAEA Negotiate over Inspection for Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Russia's atomic energy agency Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have discussed details of a possible IAEA inspection at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian troops. IAEA Chairman Rafael Grossi and Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev exchanged "detailed views on all issues related to the planned IAEA mission," according to a Rosatom statement.
August 24, 2022



Ukraine Hosts Crimean Platform While Russian Invasion


The format, which was launched in 2021 to counter diplomatically the Russian annexation of Crimea, takes place this year virtually in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This year's Crimea Platform summit was attended online by many international guests, including OSCE's Helga Maria Schmid and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
August 24, 2022


Opening of the European Forum Alpbach 2022

The 77th Forum was officially opened by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also gave a speech in the course of the opening. After more than two Corona years, the Forum is held again in full capacity and is marked by the war in Ukraine.
August 22, 2022


Czech Republic and Slovakia Remember Prague Spring

The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic commemorated the Warsaw Pact invasion of the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (CSSR) on August 21, 1968. Especially with the background of Russia's current attack on Ukraine, this day is of special significance.
August 21, 2022



Russian Permanent Representative is Cited to the Austrian Foreign Ministry


Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, reportedly commented in response to a tweet by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the U.S. for arms deliveries, saying "No mercy for the Ukrainian people!" The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now summoning Ulyanov to "resolutely stand up against such inflammatory statements."
August 21, 2022


University of Vienna Hosts 13th International Finnougrist Congress

From August 21 to 26, 2022, the 13th International Finnougrist Congress, or CIFU (Congressus Internationalis Fenno-Ugristarum), will be held at the University of Vienna. It is the most important international event of Finno-Ugristics. More than 300 scholars from 19 countries will exchange ideas on current topics from linguistics to literature and cultural studies.
August 17, 2022


Austria's Gas Storage Facilities Almost 60 Percent Full

As a result of the war in Ukraine, contingency plans are being put in place in Europe, as well as in Austria, to secure gas supplies. Gas storage facilities in Austria are 59.83 percent full. This means that a total of 57.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas is stored in domestic storage facilities.
August 17, 2022


What Happens to Russian Refugees Coming to Austria?

The war in Ukraine did not only trigger a flight movement in the country under attack. A flight of smaller proportions is also noticeable from Russia. Read here at Vindobona how many Russians have applied for asylum in Austria and what their reasons for fleeing are.
August 17, 2022


Media Freedom in Russia: OSCE Condemns Continued Persecution of Russian Journalists

Recently, critical journalists were persecuted and imprisoned in Russia as a common practice. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, strongly condemns the continued practice of judicial persecution, which is hampering access to information and media freedom in the Russian Federation. After the recent criminal and administrative charges against journalists and media workers, Ribeiro emphasized that judicial persecution should not be tolerated.
August 17, 2022


Space Diplomacy: Moldova Deploys First Satellite from International Space Station

The Republic of Moldova successfully deployed its first satellite, TUMnanoSAT, from the International Space Station (ISS). Under the KiboCUBE program, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) contributed to this achievement.
August 15, 2022


Vienna's Luxury Shops Struggle with the Loss of Russian Tourists

During the past two decades, Russian tourists with purchasing power have enriched the city centre's luxury shops, but since the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, hardly anyone visits the Austrian capital. According to the latest statistics, fewer than one percent of tourists staying overnight in Vienna are Russians. Due to the loss of purchasing power, the tourism industry in Vienna suffers greatly.
August 15, 2022