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

Russian Cultural Diplomacy: 130 Years of Moscow in Vienna

Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitrij Ljubinskij recently held an event to present a new book on the Russian Embassy in Vienna entitled "Moscow in Vienna: The Palais Nassau - Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Austria." Read about the event and the new book.

January 11, 2022

Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action

"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.

January 10, 2022

Austria's List of Pro-Kremlin Lobbyists Has One Cooperation Partner Less

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has announced that it will not extend a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Russia (Единая Россия) party, a nationalist-conservative rallying party. It is the party with the largest membership in the Russian Federation under party leader Dmitry Medvedev, who supports Vladimir Putin's course. However, Russia can still rely on other former Austrian politicians. Read on to see who the most prominent supporters are.

December 16, 2021 · Updated: January 4, 2022; 14:50

Omicron Coming: New Entry Rules for Austria since December 20.

With immediate effect and thus before Christmas, new stricter entry rules apply for travel to Austria. This applies to both foreigners and locals. Please find the details as follows.

December 19, 2021

Nehammer on First Trip to Brussels as Chancellor: "I'm an Ardent European"

Chancellor Nehammer made his first trip to Brussels for the European Council and the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. There he met with the other heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read what Nehammer discussed on the trip.

December 16, 2021

Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022

The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.

December 15, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 28 Senior Diplomatic Posts Worldwide

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) has decided in its last meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (28) Austrian diplomats - as follows.

December 15, 2021

Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.

December 14, 2021

Russian Trade Representation in Austria Celebrated 100th Anniversary

The Russian Trade Mission in Austria celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 7, 2021. On this day, exactly 100 years ago, the agreement between Russia and Austria was signed, after which the Trade Representation of Soviet Russia in Austria was established.

December 8, 2021 · Updated: December 8, 2021; 18:20

Towards a Powerful European Security and Defense Policy to Counter Authoritarian Regimes

"We are in a systemic rivalry with authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China and must make every effort to defend the international rules-based order. It is a matter of protecting the principles of international law, human rights and the international peace order." Against the backdrop of events in Afghanistan, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argues for the expansion of Europe's military competencies.

December 8, 2021

Wirecard Scandal: Europol Manhunt for Europe's Most Wanted "Marsalek"

Former COO of Wirecard Jan Marsalek, one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, is still the target of an international manhunt for his suspected role in a multi-billion euro fraud scheme. Read about the ongoing search for Marsalek and Europol's 2021 "EU's Most Wanted" campaign.

December 7, 2021

OSCE Summit in Stockholm: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Meets Austria's Linhart

Amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is meeting with Foreign Minister Linhart at the annual Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Stockholm, Sweden. Read about their meeting as well as Linhart's agenda for the summit.

December 2, 2021

Meet Leslie Hayden the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna

The Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna is currently Leslie Hayden. Ms. Hayden has had a distinguished career as a member of the foreign service. Learn more about her and her impressive accomplishments.

November 25, 2021

Iran Nuclear Talks to Resume November 29 in Vienna

The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks between China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Tehran on reviving the Iran nuclear deal will convene in a physical format on 29 November 2021 in Vienna, the EU says.

November 5, 2021

Alexander Maculan Receives Russian Order of Friendship

Alexander Maculan, CEO of TAMAK Holding AG, was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij at a recent meeting of the Austro-Russian Business Council at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Read about Maculan and why he was given this honor.

November 4, 2021

Vienna Hosts "Central 5" Foreign Ministers

The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which make up the informal "Central 5" (C5) forum, recently met at the Albertina in Vienna. Read about the meeting, what Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart said, and watch the full joint press conference.

October 26, 2021

Embassy Building “Palais Nassau” in Russian Possession for 130 Years

To mark the 130th anniversary of the Russian acquisition of the "Palais Nassau" in Vienna for embassy purposes, Russian Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij presented a special postage stamp and stamp block and ceremoniously stamped them. The ambassador also gave a brief speech on the occasion. Read more about the event and the embassy.

October 7, 2021

Forum Österreich-Russland: New Austrian-Russian Friendship Society Founded

Recently the constituent general assembly of a new Russian-Austrian friendship society, the FÖR - Forum Österreich-Russland (Forum Austria-Russia) took place. The association, registered as a non-governmental organization, is headed by Dr. Richard Schenz and Dr. Christoph Matznetter, both former members of the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society (ORFG - Österreichisch-Russische Freundschaftsgesellschaft). The patronage has been taken over by the Ambassador of Russia in Vienna, H.E. Dmitrij Ljubinskij.

September 28, 2021

Opening of the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting 2021 in Vienna

The IAEA Board of Governors met physically this week under the chairmanship of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the Plenary Hall of the M-Building at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), and discussed the topics listed below.

September 17, 2021

President of Kazakhstan Receives CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd

At a press conference organized by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry in Nur-Sultan, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Robert Floyd, said on August 27 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site that the dismantling of the nuclear arsenal inherited by Kazakhstan after the collapse of the Soviet Union has proved to be a visionary, wise and noble decision.

August 27, 2021

Lavrov in Vienna: Tensions Following the Establishment of the Crimea Platform

In the first official bilateral visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to Vienna since 2009, Sergey Lavrov met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The working talks included tense issues like the annexation of Crimea, human rights in Russia, Afghanistan, and the refugees on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. However, they all expressed interest in continued dialogue and finding areas for cooperation between Austria, the EU, and Russia.

August 26, 2021

Founding Event of the Crimea Platform: "Destabilization of Ukraine weakens the security of us all"

Amid talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shymal on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said International law is and remains a red line that must not be crossed.

August 24, 2021

Ukrainian-Austrian Solidarity: Schallenberg Attends Inaugural Summit of Crimea Platform and Delivers Vaccines

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hosted Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Kiev for working talks. Schallenberg also attended the founding event of the Crimea Platform, which aims to reverse the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, and he delivered a shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines to aid Ukraine in the COVID-19 pandemic fight.

August 23, 2021 · Updated: August 23, 2021; 16:48

Many US Diplomats in Vienna Affected by Havana Syndrome

Since President Joe Biden took office, more than 20 US diplomatic officials in Vienna have already reported symptoms resembling the mysterious brain disease Havana syndrome. According to the State Department, the number of cases of the disease is greater in Vienna than in any other city except Havana. But what's behind it?

July 21, 2021 · Updated: July 21, 2021; 16:20

Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules

Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.

July 20, 2021

Russian-Austrian Relations: What is the Sochi Dialogue?

The establishment of the Russian-Austrian civil society forum "Sochi Dialogue" dates back to an initiative by Vladimir Putin and Sebastian Kurz in February 2018. The forum's mission is to promote the exchange of views and ideas. What is the status quo?

July 20, 2021

Putin in Exchange with Austrian News Agency: "I Want to Present Myself as a Hospitable Host"

Russian President Vladimir Putin answered APA CEO, Dr. Clemens Pig's questions about Austria-Russia relations, Belarus, freedom of movement, and freedom of information at the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

June 29, 2021

Russia Denied Austrian Airlines Flight to Moscow: Now Approved After All

Russia has denied permission for a scheduled Austrian Airlines (AUA) flight to Moscow. Due to the recommendation of EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency to avoid the airspace over Belarus, the flight plan should be changed and Belarus should be avoided. Today, word from the Federal Ministry for Climate Action is that AUA has received approval for today's flight to Moscow. How does it continue?

May 28, 2021

Liberation of Concentration Camp: International Diplomatic Delegation Commemorates Anniversary

Due to COVID-19 restriction a limited delegation of political and diplomatic representatives gathered on Sunday in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp for the traditional commemoration of the 76th anniversary of its liberation while honoring the memory of the dead.

May 17, 2021 · Updated: May 17, 2021; 19:44

Embassies in Vienna Celebrate End of World War II

76 years ago on May 8, World War II ended in Europe. Despite Covid restrictions, selected Viennese embassies held commemorative events.

May 9, 2021

Youth, Peace, and Security: Preventive Diplomacy Ambassadors Practice Conflict Prevention Strategy

Preventive Diplomacy Academy graduates from UNRCCA (UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia), Young Turkmen SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Ambassadors and CTBTO Youth Group representatives had a great opportunity to express their views and ideas.

April 29, 2021

Schallenberg Offers Austrian Expertise for Conflicts Around Nile

At the virtual Council of the EU Foreign Ministers, Austria's Alexander Schallenberg and his colleagues discussed the current situations in Belarus and Ukraine as well as the conflicts in Myanmar and Ethiopia. With regard to the ongoing tensions in Tigray around the Nile, Schallenberg offered Austria's expertise with regard to joint management of rivers.

April 22, 2021

Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement

High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.

April 12, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 30 Senior Diplomatic Positions Worldwide

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) under the guidance of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has decided in today's meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (30) Austrian representative authorities - as follows.

February 24, 2021

Österreichisches Außenministerium: Neubesetzung von 30 Diplomatischen Leitungsfunktionen Weltweit

Das Österreichische Außenministerium (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) unter der Leitung von Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg hat in der heutigen Sitzung des Ministerrates die Neubesetzung von mehreren (30) österreichischen Vertretungsbehörden - wie folgt - beschlossen.

February 24, 2021

IIASA: Science Diplomacy Made in Vienna

Since the days of the Cold War, Vienna has also played host to "science diplomacy," and it is conducted at Schloss Laxenburg (near Vienna, to be exact). There resides the IIASA international research institute, which was founded in 1972 and today plays a leading role in promoting this concept as a key tool for building trust between nations and supporting foreign policy.

February 1, 2021

New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps

Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.

January 29, 2021

Schallenberg Welcomes Extension of New START

The last minute extension of the New START agreement between the Russian Federation and the USA is welcomed by Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. After the entering into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TNPW) about a week prior, this is the second step in the direction of nuclear disarmament in 2021.

January 29, 2021

Eurochambres President Demands Repositioning of EU

After the post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and the United Kingdom has finally been set up, Eurochambres President Christoph Leitl demands repositioning of the European Union and does not only see negative impacts of the UK leaving the single market and the customs union.

January 11, 2021

Russia's and Austria's Health Minister Discuss Covid-19 Situation

Michail Muraschko, Russia's Minister for Health, and his Austrian counterpart, Rudolf Anschober, met virtually to discuss the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has had far-reaching effects on both countries. As a result of the meeting, the ministers agreed on the establishment of Covid-19 related working groups.

December 4, 2020

Lavrov and Schallenberg: Support for Nagorno-Karabakh

In a telephone call, Lavrov and Schallenberg, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and Austria, respectively, have assured their countries' support for the people in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Austrian government has, furthermore, decided to make funds from the Foreign Disaster Fund available.

November 18, 2020

Ukrainian Foreign Minister in Vienna

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba visited his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg in Vienna to discuss the countries' cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 and economic relations. The conflict in eastern Ukraine and the developments in Belarus were also talked about.

September 17, 2020

Hatice Gruber-Tschida Appointed New Managing Director of Österreich Institut

Hatice Gruber-Tschida, former Head of the Integration Centers Division of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), will be the new Managing Director of the Österreich Institut, which is responsible for language teaching in the area of international culture at 10 locations in Belgrade, Brno, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow, Rome, Sarajevo, Moscow, Warsaw, and Wroclaw.

August 28, 2020

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Berlin

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg has come together with the other EU Foreign Minister to discuss current foreign affairs. The main topics were the conflict between Greece and Turkey, the current situation in Belarus, relations between the EU and Russia, and the peace process in the Middle East.

August 28, 2020

Austria Expels Russian Diplomat, Russia Reacts and Expels Austrian Diplomat

After the Austrian Foreign Ministry had declared a Russian diplomat an undesirable person in connection with accusations of espionage, Russia has now reacted by deporting an Austrian diplomat.

August 24, 2020

IPU World Conference: National Council President Sobotka Highlights Importance of International Cooperation

The 5th IPU World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, originally planned on being conducted in Vienna, was held virtually from August 19 to August 20. Austrian National Council President Sobotka as well as the majority of the representatives underlined the importance of international cooperation.

August 21, 2020

Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus

Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.

August 20, 2020

US Ambassador Trevor Traina: Relations with Austria Stronger Than Ever

US Ambassador in Vienna Trevor Traina praises the improvement of US-Austrian relations in the recent year. A visit of President Donald Trump to Vienna is likely to happen once the travel restrictions fall.

August 20, 2020

75th Anniversary of the Opening of the Liberation Monument at Schwarzenbergplatz: Austrian and CIS Officials Hold Ceremony

75 years after the unveiling of the Liberation Monument, Austrian President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and Ambassadors of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries commemorated once again the Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

August 19, 2020

Austrian Officials Open 13th IPU Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament

The 13th IPU Summit is held virtually and will cover important topics dealing with countless inequalities women face today. The organization of the event is a common effort between the Austrian Parliament and the United Nations.

August 18, 2020