Spain in Austria | Spaniards in Vienna | Bilateral Relations

Austria and Spain - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism

EU Rule of Law Report: Clear Criticism of Austria and Hungary

The EU Commission has sharply criticized the situation in Austria and Hungary in its latest Rule of Law Report 2024. The main focus is on political influence on the judiciary and a lack of transparency. The report, published annually since 2020, analyzes the state of the judiciary, media, and rule of law in the 27 EU member states and makes concrete recommendations for necessary reforms.

July 24, 2024

Space Diplomacy: Petition to UN COPUOS by ESO and Astronomy Groups

In a paper submitted to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), an international collaboration involving the European Southern Observatory (ESO) proposes a new Expert Group to protect dark and quiet skies.

March 8, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Discussed Migration Issues With the Spanish Prime Minister in Vienna

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Vienna. He mentioned the Spanish expertise in terms of external border control. On the same day, he also met with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo.

February 20, 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

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

Asset Management: The Consequences of the Russian Attack for Markets and the Economy

War has broken out. The markets had been in a state of tense calm over the last few days leading up to the invasion, after the continuous threats from Russia that provoked the first sanctions by the United States and Europe, but the attacks that began last week have sent shockwaves across almost all asset classes. In this context, what should investors do?

March 2, 2022

Dalí and Freud at the Belvedere - An Obsession

Salvador Dalí and Sigmund Freud: one man's art, another man's theories. The theories of Freud clearly fascinated Dalí, perhaps to the point of obsession – his greatest desire was to someday meet his idol. With this exhibition the Lower Belvedere celebrates its reopening.

February 28, 2022

Sergei Lavrov Expects Clarifications from Individual Western Countries on Russia's Security

The Russian foreign minister's remarks raise hopes for further diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine crisis.

February 2, 2022

Official State Visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Austria

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were in Austria on an official state visit. The royal couple was received by President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna. Read about their visit and the opening of the new Salvador Dali exhibition at Belvedere.

February 1, 2022

Demand for Luxury Real Estate in Austria Increased by 12 Percent Due to the Corona Situation

Luxury real estate demand increased by 12 percent in Austria in 2021, according to the Engel & Völkers Group. Read more about the luxury real estate trends in Austria and around the world.

January 17, 2022

U.S. and EU Establish "Transatlantic Coordination" Against Russia

Europe and the U.S. are closing ranks in the face of feared Russian aggression against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are determined to "form a strong, clear and united transatlantic front," European Union External Action announced after a phone call between the two. According to the statement, they expressed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

January 16, 2022

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

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

Österreichisches Außenministerium: Neubesetzung von 28 Diplomatischen Leitungsfunktionen Weltweit

Das Österreichische Außenministerium (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) unter der Leitung von Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg hat in der letzten Sitzung des Ministerrates die Neubesetzung von mehreren (28) österreichischen Vertretungsbehörden - wie folgt - beschlossen.

December 15, 2021

Saudi Center KAICIID's Relocation from Vienna to Lisbon Completed

The Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva and KAICIID Secretary General, Faisal bin Muaammar signed the Headquarters Agreement in Lisbon. Austria has one less international organization, while Portugal will now host nine international organizations. Faisal bin Muaammar has now completed his second term as planned. Ms. Elham Alshejni currently serves as the Interim Deputy Secretary General of KAICIID.

November 23, 2021

Austrian Airlines on the Way Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

The Lufthansa subsidiary and self-declared "premium carrier" is gearing up against competition from so-called low-cost airlines.

November 11, 2021

International Luxury Travelers to Visit Vienna

The Vienna Tourist Board (WienTourismus) is targeting international luxury travelers in a fall advertising campaign across Europe and the USA in an attempt to boost Vienna's tourism industry. This campaign will include advertising for culinary events in Vienna like "Feed Your Soul," it will market Vienna as a destination for business meetings, and it will target Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. Read more about Vienna's various offers aimed at international luxury travelers.

September 22, 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

Forum Alpbach: Reaffirming the Importance of the Conference on the Future of Europe

The EU ministers from five member states signed the "Alpbach Declaration on the Future of Europe" at the European Forum Alpbach. The five ministers were Judit Varga from Hungary, Thomas Byrne from Ireland, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis from Greece, Juan González-Barba from Spain, and Karoline Edtstadler from Austria. The declaration highlights the necessity for cooperation and dialogue to ensure that the EU has a successful future.

September 7, 2021

Austrian Airlines: Tourist Destinations in the Mediterranean Region Pilot Airline in the Right Direction

With a focus on destinations in the Mediterranean region, Austrian Airlines’ summer flight schedule gave the company an important upward boost. Also, AUA’s flights from the US destinations New York, Washington and Chicago to Vienna were well booked. But what will become of the coming fall/winter season?

August 6, 2021

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

Austria Eases Entry for USA and Serbia

U.S. citizens, Serbs and citizens from nine other countries can enter Austria again. These countries have been added to the list, where only a 3-G proof (vaccinated, tested, recovered) is necessary for entering Austria. Read more about other travel updates below.

June 23, 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

Edtstadler in Madrid and Lisbon: Talks About "Green Passport"

Austria's Federal Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has travelled to Spain and Portugal in order to discuss the fight against Covid-19, coordination in reconstruction and the "Green Passport". She demands an economic comeback that is characterized by green and digital transformation.

April 28, 2021

Batet Lamaña and Sobotka Discuss Spanish-Austrian Relations

The President of the Spanish Chamber of Deputies Meritxell Batet Lamaña and her Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka held a virtual exchange on Covid-19, the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism as well as numerous foreign policy issues.

April 20, 2021

Spanish Foreign Minister Visits Schallenberg

The Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya and Austria's Alexander Schallenberg met in Vienna to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, relations with the EU neighborhood as well as EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Both countries support the European Commission's suggestion of a "Green Passport" for vaccinated Europeans.

March 15, 2021

Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Spain, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Ghana, Argentina and Afghanistan

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the six newly accredited Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Ghana, the Argentine Republic and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.

March 4, 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

EU Multilateral Christmas Gala in Vienna

Vienna will be the host city of the EU Multilateral Christmas Gala taking place on December 19. The follow-up concert of the "TOGETHER as ONE" event in May will include a special and unique arrangement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony recorded live from the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn.

December 2, 2020

European Commission Launches Initiatives Against Gender Pay Gap

With regards to the European Day of Equal pay, the day from which women will symbolically no longer be paid for the same work compared to their male colleagues until the end of the year, the European Commission has launched initiatives to tackle the persistent gender pay gap.

November 12, 2020

European Vocational Skills Week: Focus on Green and Digital Transition

The European Vocational Skills Week focuses on vocational education and training for environmental and digital change. Numerous online events from 38 countries can be attended to further knowledge and careers. Especially in times of economic and social hardship, obtaining new skills might provide decent recovery.

November 10, 2020

EU Budget: Austrian Commissioner Hahn Welcomes New Agreement

For the first time ever, the disbursement of funds from the next EU budget will be directly connected to the rule of law of each member state. This was negotiated by representatives of the European Parliament and the Council; among them is Austria's EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

November 5, 2020

Kurz: All of Europe in Middle of the Second Wave

At a video conference with all of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Chancellor Kurz and the other country heads discussed Covid-19 measures and a common approach of the EU. Since the second wave has already hit many of the member countries, better coordination than in the spring of this year is demanded by almost every country.

October 30, 2020

Spanish Secretary of State for EU Met Edtstadler

The Spanish Secretary of State for the EU González-Barba Pera met European Affairs Minister Edtstadler in Vienna to discuss the fight against Covid-19 and the cooperation on EU-level. Both sides agreed on the importance of a common effort by the European Union to tackle future problems.

October 28, 2020

Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets

With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.

October 22, 2020

EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions

At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.

October 16, 2020

European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration

At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.

October 15, 2020

EU Introduces Covid-19 Traffic Light System to Clarify Travel Situation

The EU member states have agreed on a common system to coordinate travel restrictions with regard to Covid-19. Similar to the current Austrian system, the colors of a traffic light will indicate the risk of the particular areas within the EU borders.

October 13, 2020

European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus

The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.

October 5, 2020

EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues

The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.

October 1, 2020

European Commission Publishes First Report on Rule of Law

The European Commission has published its first report on the rule of law among member countries. Although the European Union requires high standards, there are still some procedures that need revision in order to assure independency and proper democratic systems. Even Austria has some catching up to do.

October 1, 2020

European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Recognized as Runner-up

The Belgium city of Leuven was awarded the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. Vienna, which was still in the race up until the final round, was recognized as runner-up city together with Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Espoo (Finland), Helsingborg (Sweden), and Valencia (Spain).

September 25, 2020

EU eGovernment Benchmark 2020: Austria in Top 3

New services on oesterreich.gv.at and the "Digitales Amt" app are having an effect - Austria is one of the top nations in the Europe-wide comparison. Only Malta and Estonia received better results in this year's EU eGovernment Benchmark.

September 24, 2020

Schallenberg at Council of EU Foreign Ministers

The EU Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to discuss current issues such as developments in Belarus and Libya. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg demands a "strong signal" from the EU towards the Belarusian government.

September 22, 2020

European Capital of Democracy Coming Soon

The newly formed initiative "European Capital of Democracy" will try to give civilization more access to democracy by supporting activities and events that aim to improve and strengthen democracy. The first capital will be selected next year.

September 21, 2020

Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents her Credentials

Esther Monterrubio Villar, the new Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented her credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

September 18, 2020

European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Still in the Race

The European Union will announce the European Capital of Innovation 2020 and will award EUR 1,000,000 to support innovation at the end of September 2020. Vienna is among the six finalists which also include Valencia, Helsingborg, Espoo, Cluj-Napoca, and Leuven.

September 14, 2020

EU Supports Young Researchers with EUR 677 Million

The European Commission is providing a total of EUR 677 million to over 400 recipients of a "Starting Grant" from the European Research Council. Eleven of the selected junior researchers are conducting research at Austrian institutions.

September 4, 2020

Climate and Energy Goals: Additional Measures Will Be Needed for Austria

Austria's Ministry for Climate Protection recognizes the need for additional protective measures in order to meet the climate targets established by the European Union. An increases of investments in sustainable ideas is demanded.

September 3, 2020

Dombrovskis in Alpbach: Economy Must Serve All People

Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Dombrovskis highlights the importance of the young generation in rebuilding the economy after Covid-19. Unemployment needs to be tackled and sustainability and digital innovation will be supported.

September 2, 2020