Serbia in Austria | Serbs in Vienna | Bilateral Relations - Vindobona.org

OSCE Summit in St. Gallen Call for Action, Not Words, Against Anti-Semitism

At a time when religious intolerance and attacks on Jewish institutions are increasing dramatically worldwide, the eastern Swiss city of St. Gallen became the center of international diplomacy for two days. Under the chairmanship of Switzerland, high-ranking representatives of the 57 OSCE participating states met to counter the “spiral of hatred” with concrete political measures.

February 18, 2026

Skepticism in Austria: Majority Rejects EU Enlargement

A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals clear opposition to EU enlargement in Austria. While a majority of EU citizens are positive about further accession candidates, there is remarkable skepticism in Austria. With only 45 percent in favor, Austrians are among the lowest in Europe.

September 3, 2025

Austrian Chancellor Stocker's Visit to Serbia Overshadowed by Escalating Protests

Escalating protests in Serbia overshadowed the official visit of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to Belgrade. While Stocker emphasized the close relationship between the countries and reaffirmed Serbia's prospects for EU accession, violent clashes broke out in several cities between opponents of the government, supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić, and the police, stemming from months of student protests. Stocker called for the rule of law and media independence.

August 14, 2025

Austria Calls for “Roam Like at Home” for the Western Balkans Too

Austrian state secretaries are calling for equal treatment in roaming charges and appealing to the EU to include the countries of the Western Balkans in the upcoming roaming regulations. Similar to Ukraine, which is to be integrated into the EU roaming area from 2026, the Austrian representatives see the need to give the accession candidates in the Western Balkans a clear perspective in everyday digital life.

August 11, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: CEEC Countries Defy Global Uncertainties with Strong Growth

Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Trump's protectionist trade policy, and the war in Ukraine, the economies of most countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CEE) are expected to grow steadily in 2025 and 2026. This is according to the latest summer forecast by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), which covers 23 countries in the region.

July 1, 2025

Vienna Signals Support for Serbia's Accession to the Schengen Area

Serbia is currently stepping up its diplomatic efforts to join the Schengen area. During an official visit to Vienna, Serbia's Minister for European Affairs, Nemanja Starović, emphasized that his country's accession to Schengen is not only a strategic goal, but is also in Europe's security policy interests. Austria once again signaled its support for Serbia's European integration ambitions - both concerning the EU and the Schengen area.

May 22, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs

Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.

April 29, 2025

The Western Balkan Mafia and its Operations: Vienna's Most Dangerous Shadow War

It is a hidden war that has long since left its mark in the heart of Vienna: The merciless power struggle between the Kavač and Škaljari clans, two of the most powerful drug cartels in Europe, is shaking not only their home country of Montenegro but also Austria and the rest of the world. One of Europe's most wanted criminals from these cartels has vanished into thin air. Austria is determined to track him down.

April 28, 2025

OMV Stops Fuel Procurement from Serbian NIS due to U.S. Sanctions

The Austrian oil, gas, and chemicals group OMV has stopped purchasing fuel from the Serbian energy company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) due to the threat of U.S. sanctions. NIS is majority-owned by the Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Gazprom.

April 10, 2025

Voices from Vienna Against Republika Srpska Leaders Amid Constitutional Crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Austria and Germany have imposed targeted travel bans against three high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska (RS) – including RS President Milorad Dodik – accusing them of endangering the constitutional integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Meanwhile, the OSCE condemned legislative and institutional moves undermining BiH’s sovereignty and legal structure as well as assuring the organization's support for stability in the region.

April 9, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe Defies Global Uncertainties

Despite weakening industry, private consumption remains a strong growth driver and makes a significant contribution to the region's economic stability. At the same time, the unpredictable economic policy decisions of the USA under President Trump pose considerable risks for the export-oriented countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

February 4, 2025

Maria Todorova and Balkan Research: “Mission Possible” in Vienna

Renowned historian Maria Todorova held a series of lectures in Vienna entitled “The Balkans: Mission Possible”, in which she presented new perspectives on the complex history and culture of the Balkans. The lectures, part of the IWM Lectures in Human Sciences, challenged common stereotypes and highlighted the region as a dynamic and culturally rich area.

October 27, 2024

Austria Continues Cooperation with Serbia to Combat Illegal Migration

Vienna and Belgrade are intensifying their cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and organized crime. At a meeting in Serbia, the interior ministers of both countries emphasized the importance of joint border security measures.

August 6, 2024

Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking

The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.

July 2, 2024

One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges

The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.

June 24, 2024

20 Years of EU Enlargement: Austria Looks at the Success Story of European Integration

Exactly 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, a historic enlargement of the European Union came into force. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus became member states, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Europe. This fifth round of enlargement marked a milestone for the countries involved and a significant change for Austria, as Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Society for European Politics emphasize.

May 5, 2024

Vienna National Defense Academy to Host Regional Strategy Course for the Western Balkans

The "Regional Strategic Leadership Course" is part of a larger initiative launched in 2018 to promote cooperation between the defense ministries of Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

April 30, 2024

Vienna to Host the "TRATOLOW" Climate Conference for the Western Balkans and Turkey

In a crucial meeting in Vienna today, leading climate and environmental representatives from the Western Balkans, Turkey and the EU discussed strategies to tackle climate change. Organized by the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, the EU Department for Climate Action and the Austrian Environment Agency, the conference focused on the TRATOLOW project, which aims to achieve a sustainable climate transition in these regions.

April 29, 2024

OSCE Chair Ian Borg Concludes Diplomatic Tour Across Serbia, Kosovo, and Moldova

Ian Borg, the Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, recently wrapped up a series of diplomatic visits aimed at strengthening partnerships and advocating for continued dialogue and cooperation within the OSCE member states, focusing on Serbia, Kosovo, and Moldova.

April 15, 2024

Slovakia Takes the Helm of ICPDR Presidency

In the annual transition for the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), Slovakia has officially taken over the presidency from Serbia, marking the beginning of a year dedicated to enhancing the health and sustainability of the Danube River Basin.

April 9, 2024

Austria Deploys 50th Contingent to Kosovo for Peacekeeping

The Austrian Armed Forces are continuing their long-standing commitment to peace and security in Kosovo. At the beginning of April, the 50th contingent of Austrian troops will be deployed to the KFOR mission. This mission, in which Austria has been involved since 1999, will now be continued under the leadership of Colonel Bernhard Gruber of the General Staff Service, who will assume responsibility for around 190 soldiers.

April 8, 2024

Serbian Investor Plans Entry into Austrian Addiko Bank

A new investor is showing interest in Addiko Bank, a financial institution that emerged from the former Hypo Alpe Adria Balkan banks. The Cypriot company Agri Europe Cyprus, which is attributed to Serbian businessman Miodrag Kostić, is planning to acquire a significant stake in the bank.

March 25, 2024

Future of EU Enlargement Discussed in Vienna: Unified Vision Required

An event in Vienna, organized by the ERSTE Foundation in cooperation with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), focused on the debate about the future of EU enlargement. Under the title "Beyond Catch-27: How to make EU enlargement work?", leading experts from various fields gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating new member states into the European Union.

March 7, 2024

25th Savaball: A Celebration of Serbian Culture at the Vienna Hofburg

The 25th anniversary of the Savaball at the Vienna Hofburg will be a great celebration of Serbian culture and tradition. With high-caliber guests from politics and show business, international artists, and a social commitment, the ball promises to be a great celebration of Serbian culture and tradition.

January 17, 2024

Austria in EU Council: Focus on Finance, Migration and Geopolitical Stability

After two intensive days of negotiations, the European Council in Brussels came to an end on Friday evening. The EU member states set new priorities for the EU budget, discussed future EU enlargements, and took a stand on current geopolitical issues. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer supported these steps.

December 26, 2023

Evolution of Serbian Elections: From Socialist Yugoslavia to Democratic Transition

The history of elections in Serbia, particularly during and after World War II, is a compelling illustration of the nation's political evolution. Read more about the history and the recent election in Serbia!

December 19, 2023

International Observers Highlight Concerns in Serbia's Early Parliamentary Elections

In Serbia's early parliamentary elections, held amidst a politically and socially divided landscape, international observers have raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The OSCE and the European Parliament expressed their criticism. The elections were marked by overwhelming advantages for the ruling party and the dominant involvement of the President, overshadowing the technical efficiency of the voting process.

December 19, 2023

Focus on Strengthening External Border Protection: Meeting of Interior Ministers in Szeged

At a meeting in Szeged, Hungary, interior ministers from the Visegrád 4 states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic), Austria and Germany emphasized the need for robust protection of the EU's external borders and a reform of EU migration policy. The Austrian police are heavily involved in the Balkans to control migration and combat organized smuggling.

December 3, 2023

Kosovo's Challenges and Progress under Prime Minister Albin Kurti

The head of government of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was a guest at the Renner Institute in Vienna to talk about the challenges facing his country. Under the title "Kosovo: The young democratic state as a pawn of geopolitical interests", he not only took stock of his time in government so far in conversation with Director Maria Maltschnig but also explored the question of how his country can survive amidst the conflicting interests of geopolitical players.

November 16, 2023

Austria Takes Over Chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region

November 1, 2023, marks the beginning of an important phase for Austria as it takes over the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This key region, which stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and encompasses around 115 million people, faces a multitude of challenges. The country is taking over this task from Slovenia and will be in charge until December 31, 2024.

October 24, 2023

Berlin Process Summit in Tirana: Western Balkans on the Way to the EU

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana on behalf of Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The necessary reforms and progress in the EU enlargement of the six Western Balkan states were discussed. Foreign Minister Schallenberg again advocated his model of gradual integration.

October 18, 2023

Future of the Western Balkans in the EU: Rapprochement Despite Tensions

In recent years, the Western Balkans have increasingly become the focus of EU accession talks. The Berlin Process, a 2014 initiative of the German government, created a format that promotes regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and supports the countries' rapprochement with the EU.

October 10, 2023

Tensions Between Kosovo and Serbia: Is a New Conflict Looming?

The recent incident has renewed tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, raising fears of a possible armed conflict in the region. The situation in Kosovo appears to be calming, but the state of affairs remains incomprehensible to many.

October 3, 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

Viennese International Economic Institute: Growth in Eastern Europe Weaker than Expected

The Central and Eastern European EU member states recorded weaker economic growth in the first quarter of this year, according to a recent study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW).

July 6, 2023

European Forum Wachau: Building a Resilient, Green, and Competitive Europe

The event under the general theme "Building a Resilient, Green and Competitive Europe" takes place for the 27th time. This year, the Europa Forum Wachau invited top-class guests to discuss the most important European issues. Among others also the topic of illegal migration, the war in Ukraine, and the Euro-integration of the Western Balkan states.

June 25, 2023

OSCE Chairman Urges De-escalation and Emphasizes Youth Engagement During Visit to Kosovo and Serbia

The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Bujar Osmani, recently concluded a productive one-day visit to Kosovo. Chairman Osmani also visited Serbia's capital Belgrade a day earlier. During his visits, he engaged in high-level meetings with key political figures.

May 31, 2023

NATO Boosts Security Measures in Kosovo, Backed by Austrian Armed Forces

Following violent protests in northern Kosovo, NATO is reinforcing the international protection force KFOR there. The Austrian Armed Forces are now also increasing troop protection in northern Kosovo.

May 30, 2023

European Ministers of Serbia and Austria Emphasize the Importance of Relations

During her working visit to Belgrade, Austrian Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and her ministerial colleague Tanja Miščević.

May 22, 2023

Minister Schallenberg and his Serbian Counterpart Ivica Dacic Met in Vienna

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Serbian counterpart in Vienna, where they discussed the relations between the countries and the normalization process between Serbia and Kosovo.

March 23, 2023

Minister Schallenberg Reassured Support for Ukraine at EU Ministers Meeting

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg participated in a meeting of foreign Ministers of all European Union states. He reassured support for Ukraine and the Western Balkans was a subject of this meeting.

March 20, 2023

Serbia's Complicated Relationship with Russia

Serbia's relatively close relationship with Russia, while based on a somewhat haggard history, has been rather positive in recent years. Since Russia's attack, but also before, this relationship has been crumbling more and more. There are several reasons for this, some of which are currently intensifying.

January 19, 2023

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti Visited Vienna

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Vienna, where he met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and then held a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in the evening.

January 16, 2023

Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas in Austria

Every year on January 6 and 7, millions of Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Christmas. In the capital, Vienna and many other cities, especially Serbian and Russian Orthodox Christians, as well as Oriental Orthodox Christians, are currently celebrating Christmas.

January 7, 2023

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

Austria Still Declines the Schengen Expansion

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed Austria’s negative position towards the Schengen expansion today. At the Western Balkan meeting today in the Albanian capital Tirana, Nehammer declined further Schengen expansions for now.

December 7, 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

Austria Strengthens Cooperation with Serbia and Hungary Against Illegal Migration

Austria, Hungary and Serbia once again consulted on the topic of migration. In the Serbian capital Belgrade, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. As a result of Serbia's visa-free policy, Hungary and Austria are exerting pressure on it.

November 21, 2022

Austrian Ministry of Research Danubius Awards 2022

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, in cooperation with the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, honored scientific talents from the countries of the Danube Region for the ninth time this year. The Danubius Award 2022, Mid-Career Award and Danubius Young Scientist Awards were presented to 13 emerging researchers from the Danube region awarded in Maribor.

November 13, 2022

Western Balkans Youth Summit 2022 Held in Vienna

Young people in the Western Balkans should be given a perspective, which is why the Western Balkans Youth Summit was held in Vienna at the Austrian Federal Chancellery. For the Austrian hosts, it is clear that the European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans.

November 13, 2022