Sponsored Content
Russia in Austria | Russians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Russia - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism
Impact of the Ukraine War: Sobotka Meets Swiss National Council President Irène Kälin
During a visit to Switzerland, the Swiss President of the National Council Irène Kälin received Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss the situation in the Ukraine war and its consequences. Both condemned the Russian actions and promised to help each other through this difficult situation. Read on if you want to learn more about the conversation.
April 26, 2022
Women Refugees From Ukraine Particularly At Risk
The war in Ukraine is already in its ninth week. The Russian invasion caused many people to leave the country, especially women and children. These groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal structures and others with malicious intentions.
April 25, 2022
Russian Proxies Have Detained OSCE Officials in Donetsk and Luhansk
OSCE special monitoring mission members have been arrested and detained in Donetsk and Luhansk. The OSCE calls for the immediate release of detained OSCE officials.
April 25, 2022
Ukraine: IOM and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior Launch Joint Project for War-Displaced Persons
A joint project of the International Organization for Migration and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, aims to help Ukrainian protection seekers with numerous assistance offers. The project will run with 400,000 euros until the end of August and can be extended if necessary.
April 25, 2022
How the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Affects Life in Vienna
The humanitarian crisis created by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine can now be felt in Vienna. Read how the crisis is affecting life in Vienna.
April 25, 2022
IAEA on the Current Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security
The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. A watchful IAEA is monitoring the situation very closely and expressed concern.
April 22, 2022
IAEA Director-General Chief Grossi Will Lead Assistance Mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. The country has many nuclear power plants and Russian troops were entrenched in Chernobyl until a few weeks ago. To maintain nuclear safety efforts at Chernobyl, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, will lead an assistance mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
April 22, 2022
War Crimes in Ukraine: Austria Supports International Criminal Court
In order to help uncover the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine, the state of Austria is providing the International Criminal Court with a sum of 100,000 euros. The sum will be used, among other things, to collect, analyze and process evidence to document the crimes committed.
April 22, 2022
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Urged the Security Council to Stop the War in Ukraine
The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements called on the United Nations Security Council to put aside its differences and find a solution to end the war in Ukraine. There have already been 5 million people who have fled Ukraine, and there are another 7 million internally displaced.
April 21, 2022
1,350 Ukrainian Displaced Persons Could be Accommodated by Private Apartments in Vienna
The residents of the city of Vienna already provided over 1,100 housing donations for Ukrainian aid seekers who had to flee from the war crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Thus, about 94% of Ukrainians could be accommodated in private shelters and facilitate the situation for public quarters.
April 21, 2022
Refugee Crisis in Poland: European Parliament Presidents Visit Refugee Reception Center in Poland
Poland receives nine European Parliament Presidents, among them also Austria's Federal Council President Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. Together they visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Dorohusk and the refugee reception center Lwowska as well as the Humanitarian Aid Centre Ptak near Warsaw.
April 21, 2022
Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe
Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
April 21, 2022
OSCE Media Freedom Representative, Teresa Ribeiro, Condemns Arrests of Media Workers in Russia
The OSCE Media Freedom Representative denounces the latest arrests of journalists in Russia and calls on Russian authorities to repeal restrictive laws.
April 15, 2022
OSCE Publishes Report on Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
The OSCE recently presented a report in Vienna on the documentation of war crimes in Ukraine. A delegation of the OSCE saw "clear signs" of violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian aggressor. Detailed elaborations on individual events had not been possible, but some cases of human rights violations could be proven.
April 13, 2022
OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion
Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.
April 12, 2022
Nehammer's Résumé After Kremlin Visit: "Even the Smallest Success Counts When it Comes to Peace"
Karl Nehammer's controversial visit to Russian President Putin is over. Now the Austrian chancellor commented on the open conversation and explained his motives for the visit. Although the meeting will not have any direct consequences, Nehammer is nevertheless satisfied with his move and takes positive stock of the situation.
April 12, 2022
EU Commissioner For Energy in Vienna
The Russian invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. The EU Energy Commissioner is in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the EU's energy outreach in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
April 11, 2022
Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.
April 11, 2022
Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.
April 10, 2022
IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Safety
The war in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. Nuclear facilities are becoming the sites of battles with Russian forces. Even as Russian forces reorganize, the IAEA continues to express concern.
April 8, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War - EU Adopts Fifth Sanctions Package to Put Pressure on Russia
Recently, new sanctions against the Russian state were published. The EU is trying to put economic pressure on the Kremlin and cut off the sources of financing for the invasion of Ukraine. What new measures are taken, you can read here.
April 8, 2022
How the Kremlin Exploits Its Diplomatic Missions in Vienna to Spread Russian Propaganda
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has used its diplomatic missions in Vienna and around the world to help spread propaganda and disinformation about the war. Read about this propaganda effort and view some blatant examples of Russian propaganda from the diplomatic missions.
April 6, 2022 · Updated: April 8, 2022; 15:46
UN Excludes Russia from Human Rights Council over Inhumane Crimes in Ukraine
After more and more details about crimes committed by the Russian Army against the Ukrainian population become public, the UN General Assembly is taking action. With a necessary two-thirds majority, the deputies voted for an exclusion from the Human Rights Council. This is not the first time something like this has happened.
April 8, 2022
Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe
Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.
April 7, 2022
G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.
April 7, 2022
„Murdering Civilians is a War Crime”: NATO Foreign Ministers to Condemn President Putin's War
The foreign ministers of NATO member states condemned the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine. The meeting discussed more intensive support for Ukraine, as well as the development of the NATO's next Strategic Concept.
April 7, 2022
Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"
Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.
April 7, 2022
State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria
The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.
April 6, 2022
Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression
Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.
April 6, 2022
Russian Ambassador in Vienna Denies Massacre and Reaffirms Kremlin Propaganda
The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky (57), has attracted attention in connection with allegations and statements regarding war crimes in Ukraine that are in abrupt contradiction to the realities as currently captured by the "Western" side. Among other things, His Excellency claimed that "Ukrainians are blowing up their own hospitals." Following the, within a few weeks, fourth summons to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador only let it be known that "for my part, I have categorically rejected all unfounded accusations against the actions of the Russian armed forces and especially against the Russian government."
April 5, 2022
Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers
Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.
April 5, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.
April 4, 2022
Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy
Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.
April 4, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Met Scholz and Habeck in Berlin: "Russian Energy Embargo Not an Issue"
Olaf Scholz and Karl Nehammer recently met in Berlin to discuss the tense political situation. The Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine triggered a chain reaction of economic sanctions. Germany and Austria stand side by side as partners and want to respond to the difficulties together.
April 4, 2022
Economic Outlook for Austria: The Kremlin's Aggression against Ukraine is a Game Changer
After a few tough years in which the Covid-19 virus shaped the Austrian economy, a new enormously important factor is coming into play - the war in Ukraine. The Russian aggression led to more pessimistic economic outlook and will still play an enormous factor in the Austrian market in the future.
April 4, 2022
Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression
North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.
April 1, 2022
Melitopol Mayor Previously Kidnapped by Russians in Vienna
The mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, accepted an invitation to the Vienna City Hall. The topic of conversation was aid for the Ukrainian civilian population.
April 1, 2022
Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.
March 31, 2022
Israel and Austria Move Closer Together: Strategic Partnership Agreement in Preparation
The strengthening of bilateral relations and common economic interests prompted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck to visit Israel. The invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine as well as talks on the normalization process between Israel and several Arab states were on the agenda.
March 31, 2022
IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety
Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.
March 31, 2022
Space Diplomacy: The Annual Session of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee
Space is an important future avenue for exploration, research, and commerce. This makes it all the more important for the nations of the world to negotiate these unlimited possibilities and to work out cooperation through diplomatic channels. One of them is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The COPUOS organizes a Legal Subcommittee which is held this week.
March 30, 2022
NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans
A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.
March 29, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Charity Concert in Vienna with Message from Zelenskyy
More than 100,000 people came together to show solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine. In addition to performances by well-known Austrian bands, a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shown, in which he addressed all the people who stand by Ukraine in such difficult times. At the benefit concert with free admission, donations were collected under the motto "YesWeCare".
March 28, 2022 · Updated: March 29, 2022; 12:32
Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support
The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.
March 28, 2022
Ukraine Refugees in Austria: ID Card and IT Infrastructure for Registration and Data Collection Now Ready
Currently, thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge are coming to Austria to escape the horrors of the war. In order to stay and work here, they need to register at the police, which recently received new registration modules. These are intended to contribute to the quick and easy registration of persons arriving in Austria who are looking for help.
March 28, 2022
IAEA and the Nuclear Safety in Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises issues about nuclear safety. After several wildfires around the Chernobyl nuclear ruins, possible shelling by Russian forces in the vicinity is now leading to new concerns about the safety of the infamous nuclear power plant. The IAEA expressed its concerns and demands for an agreed framework to provide assistance.
March 25, 2022
Ukraine's Displaced Children: 70,000 Have Already Crossed into Austria
The war in Ukraine is causing inhuman suffering and despair - especially among children. More than half of the Ukrainian children are considered displaced and many of them also found their way to Austria. If you want to learn more details about the current challenges, please read on.
March 25, 2022
Austria Kicks Off Detachment Process from 80 Percent Dependence on Russian Gas
In order to no longer be dependent on Russian gas imports, the Austrian federal government decided on a new stockpiling of natural gas. This is to provide for the case of an import stop from Russia. Despite the high level of approval, the proposal has nevertheless come in for criticism.
March 25, 2022
U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Urges Kremlin to "end it now, save the lives of your own soldiers"
The U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter urges the Kremlin to end the senseless war in Ukraine and condemned the aggressive tactics of Russia's armed forces in Ukraine.
March 24, 2022
Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas
The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.
March 24, 2022