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Switzerland in Austria | Swiss in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Switzerland - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism

Lufthansa Centralizes Power: AUA Loses Authority, But Expects Positive Effects
The Lufthansa Group, which also includes Austrian Airlines (AUA), is planning a far-reaching restructuring of the group that will concentrate more power at its Frankfurt headquarters. Following the plan, the subsidiaries, including Swiss and Brussels Airlines, will relinquish responsibilities starting at the beginning of next year.
August 25, 2025


City Trialogue in Vienna: Working Together for a Sustainable and Livable Future

The mayors of Zurich, Hamburg, and Vienna met in the Austrian capital for the fifth “City Trialogue.” This year's exchange focused on pressing issues such as climate protection, renewable energies, circular economy, technology development, health infrastructure, care, and culture.
June 13, 2025


Swiss Defense Minister Pfister at TRIAS25 in Austria

With his first official visit abroad, the new Swiss Minister of Defense, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, sent a clear signal for intensified military partnership. He met his Austrian counterpart, Klaudia Tanner, at the Allentsteig military training area as part of the multinational exercise “TRIAS25”.
May 12, 2025


Tri-national Military Exercise in Austrian Allentsteig with Almost 1,000 Swiss Soldiers

The multinational military exercise “TRIAS25” began at the Allentsteig military training area in Lower Austria. Around 1,300 soldiers from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria will be training together until May 9. The exercise aims to strengthen the interoperability of the armed forces and test new operational concepts.
April 15, 2025


René Benko Remains in Pre-Trial Custody: Investigations Against Signa Founder Widen

The Regional Court for Criminal Matters in Vienna has extended the pre-trial detention of Austrian real estate entrepreneur René Benko by a further two months. The court cited the continuing danger of the offense as the reason for this.
April 7, 2025


Strengthening Neighbourly Ties: Swiss Ignazio Cassis Receives Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger

Despite a time of increasing geopolitical challenges, the traditional neighborly dialogue between Switzerland and Austria is gaining importance. Against this backdrop, a bilateral working meeting took place in Bern between Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and her Swiss counterpart, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The meeting aimed to deepen existing relations and discuss joint solutions for current political and security policy issues.
April 6, 2025


Austria and Liechtenstein Take Over EUSALP Chairmanship

In 2025, Austria and Liechtenstein have taken on the co-chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), a framework that fosters cross-border cooperation among seven countries and 48 regions. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and resilience, this initiative aims to ensure that the Alpine region remains a thriving and livable space for future generations.
February 5, 2025


Austria Welcomes the World: FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2025 Kick Off in Saalbach

Saalbach-Hinterglemm has once again become the epicenter of the alpine skiing world as the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2025 officially begin. With athletes, fans, and officials from across the globe gathering in the Austrian Alps, the event promises thrilling races, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of winter sports excellence.
February 4, 2025


Switzerland Will Assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2026

Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. This was announced today by Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. The 57 participating states of the organization took the decision unanimously and underlined their collective confidence in the OSCE's ability to act.
December 30, 2024


Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship in 2025: Focus on Resilience and Support for Ukraine

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined Finland's priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2025 to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. Finland's approach is based on three central pillars: resilience, support for Ukraine and upholding OSCE principles that have been violated by Russia's actions. This comes at a time when the European security architecture is under severe pressure.
September 25, 2024


Foreign Currency Loans in Austria Fall to New Low in Q2 2024

The market for foreign currency loans in Austria continues to decline sharply. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) published a new survey for the second quarter of 2024, which shows a further significant decline in the outstanding volume of such loans.
September 11, 2024


Finance Ministers from German-speaking Countries Adopt Lake Constance Declaration to Strengthen Competitiveness

Finance ministers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg met in picturesque Vorarlberg, Austria, to adopt the so-called "Lake Constance Declaration". This landmark declaration aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy while safeguarding the continent's prosperity and stability.
August 13, 2024


Swiss Novartis Opens Fastest Cell Culture Facility in Tyrol

Novartis opened a state-of-the-art cell culture facility for the production of monoclonal antibodies in Schaftenau, Tyrol.
June 24, 2024


OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Reaffirms Peace Efforts at Ukraine Summit in Switzerland

The Ukraine peace summit on the Bürgenstock in Switzerland emphasized the OSCE efforts under the leadership of Ian Borg, while Russia was conspicuous by its absence and strict negotiating conditions.
June 17, 2024


Austria's Rapprochement with NATO in the Context of Geopolitical Tensions

In a new development, Austria and three other traditionally neutral countries - Ireland, Malta, and Switzerland - are seeking to deepen their relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This move is part of a strategic response to the increasingly volatile geopolitical situation in Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
May 7, 2024


Switzerland's Cassis and Austria's Schallenberg Focus on Neutrality and Security Policy

At a time when geopolitical tensions are increasing worldwide, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis met in Bern to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations, the neutrality of both countries, and their common security policy.
April 28, 2024


Traditional Inaugural Visit of the Swiss Head of State to Vienna: Deepening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria

Swiss President Viola Amherd met with her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. During geopolitical uncertainty and European challenges, the bilateral talks focused on European security policy, relations with the EU, and the planned Ukraine peace conference.
April 10, 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


German-Speaking Foreign Ministers Discuss International Trouble Spots in Salzburg

The German-speaking Foreign Ministers Alexander Schallenberg from Austria, Annalena Baerbock from Germany, Dominique Hasler from Liechtenstein, Jean Asselborn from Luxembourg, and Ignazio Cassis from Switzerland met to discuss global and European challenges.
May 2, 2023


Ministers of German Speaking Countries in Vienna

The economic ministers of the German-speaking countries, namely from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein met in Vienna to discuss several economic measures from the past and for the future.
February 13, 2023


Swiss President Alain Berset Visited Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the newly inaugurated Swiss President Alain Berset. It is a tradition that newly inaugurated Swiss Presidents make their first state visits abroad in Austria. Berset also met with Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, and many more Austrian politicians.
January 16, 2023


Austria Helps Secure Airspace for World Economic Forum in Davos

Davos, Switzerland, which is located close to the Austrian border, will once again host the World Economic Forum. The Austrian Armed Forces are helping Switzerland with air surveillance on Austrian territory.
January 16, 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 and Switzerland Agreed On Action Plan Against Migration

Austria and Switzerland want to cooperate even more closely in the fight against irregular migration. During a visit by Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to his Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter in Switzerland, a joint action plan was agreed upon. At the common border, cooperation is to be intensified in priority actions. In addition, pressure is to be exerted on Balkan countries such as Serbia to restrict the current visa rules.
September 28, 2022


Global Wealth Report: Austrian Financial Wealth Increased

A new analysis of global wealth shows that private financial assets have increased internationally, but also in Austria. In this article you can find out how strongly Austria's economy has developed in recent years and how much the average Austrian has in his or her bank account.
September 21, 2022


Diplomats in Austria March for Equality at Vienna Pride

Diplomats in Vienna marched for equality at one of the most important events of the Vienna pride, the Rainbow Parade. Learn more about "Diplomats for Equality" and today's event for peace and equality.
June 11, 2022


Space Diplomacy: Switzerland and ESA Establish Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre

Switzerland and the European Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing the center for European Space Deep-Tech Innovation at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland.
May 18, 2022


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


OMV Subsidiary Borealis Declines Offer from Russia’s EuroChem for Fertilizer Business

The planned sale of the Linz-based fertilizer division of OMV chemicals subsidiary Borealis to Russian-Swiss group EuroChem has been canceled. According to a press release, Borealis has decided to reject EuroChem's offer.
March 14, 2022


UNHCR: One Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine in a Week

In just seven days, one million people have fled Ukraine, uprooted by this senseless war.
March 3, 2022


Russo-Ukrainian War: First Effects of Western Sanctions on Russian Economy

The Russian economy is already beginning to feel the effects of the Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Read what effects the sanctions are having on the economy.
February 28, 2022



Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Neutral Switzerland and Austria Back De-escalation


Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer discussed the Ukraine crisis at a meeting in Zofingen, Switzerland. Read what they said about the ongoing conflict.
February 17, 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


Tourism in Austria: Number of Overnight Stays at the Level of 1970

Corona-related business closures and international travel restrictions continued to hit tourism in Austria hard in 2021. The number of arrivals by foreign guests fell by a further 15.6% in 2021 compared with the first pandemic year of 2020. Germans stayed 16.6% less, Dutch 41.4%, and Swiss and Liechtensteiners 36.6% less.
February 1, 2022


C.I.A. Review Finds Mysterious "Havana Syndrome" Unlikely Caused by Enemies

A CIA assessment has found that most of the cases of the "Havana Syndrome" that has been affecting hundreds of diplomats around the world are not likely the result of actions of a foreign power. Read about the CIA's findings and what they believe the cause of Havana Syndrome is.
January 24, 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


President of Switzerland on Official State Visit to Austria

On his first official visit to Austria as president, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about the meeting between the two presidents.
January 14, 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


Luxury Goods Group: Swarovski Drops Further in Ranking

The famous Austrian crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski has fallen a further 3 places on the global ranking of luxury goods sales. The company's sales also halved between 2017 and 2020 from 3.5 billion euros to 1.7 billion euros. Read about Swarovski's decline in sales and the general downturn in the luxury goods industry.
December 8, 2021


New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan Presents Credentials

Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ghada Waly. Read about Ambassador Wanghchuk and his discussion with Director-General Waly.
November 24, 2021

Nightjet: Connecting the City of Music with the City of Love
Austrian Railways (ÖBB) is offering a new Nightjet connection from Vienna to Paris from December 13, 2021. Learn more about this new offer.
November 16, 2021


Cybercrime: New High-Tech Cybercrime Center Opens in Vienna

In response to an increase in cybercrime, Austria has opened the new high-tech Cybercrime Center (C4) of the Federal Criminal Police Office. Learn about the stark increase in cybercrime and the new Cybercrime Center.
November 10, 2021


Anadi Bank: Former Deutsche Bank Board Member Becomes New Board Member for FinTech

Alp Dalkilic, a former board member at Deutsche Bank, has been appointed to the Management Board at Anadi Bank. Dalkilic is primarily responsible for the bank's FinTech strategy. Read more about Dalkilic and Anadi Bank.
November 5, 2021

Tourists Return to Vienna
Vienna saw a notable increase in overnight stays in September compared to September of last year. This is a positive sign for the tourism industry in Austria, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the changes in tourism levels in the Austrian capital.
October 28, 2021


ÖBB Austrian Railways to Improve and Expand Local and Long-Distance Travel Services in 2022

Starting on December 12, 2021, ÖBB - Austrian Federal Railways will change its annual timetable, which will bring a number of improvements and expansions to local and long-distance services for the rail year 2022. In total, ÖBB Austrian Railways is investing over 4.1 billion euros in modern trains by 2027. Find out about international and domestic connection extensions.
October 26, 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

Free PCR Gurgle Tests on Nightjet Trains to Vienna
On all Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet trains to Vienna, passengers can now get free PCR gurgle test kits from the staff on board to get tested for Coronavirus.
September 1, 2021