Ukraine in Austria | Ukrainians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations

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

Dignitaries From Vienna in Davos: Recap of the World Economic Forum 2022

The World Economic Forum (WEF) took place and some dignitaries from Vienna attended the meeting in Davos. Read more about the World Economic Forum in Davos in the Recap.

May 31, 2022

Austria Against Gas Embargo

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Austria are against a gas embargo and Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that a gas embargo will not be part of further sanctions.

May 31, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica Strive for Artistic Freedom

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica created a Virtual Space for artistic freedom. In times of crisis, there is clear support for artists and artistic freedom.

May 30, 2022

IWM Permanent Fellow Timothy Snyder Receives Tryzub "Friend of Ukraine" Award

Timothy Snyder, IWM Permanent Fellow, has received the Tryzub Award for Friends of Ukraine. The award was presented to him by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada for his contributions in support of Ukraine and democracy.

May 30, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Had a Phonecall With Putin

Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it was about "green corridors" and the exchange of prisoners. The phone call was very intense. The focus was on issues of humanitarian aid, food security and prisoner exchange. Austria wants to mediate between Moscow and the West.

May 29, 2022

OSCE Condemns Intimidation and Detention of OSCE Staff in Donetsk and Luhansk

The OSCE recently condemned the ongoing allegations against the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), who are currently in Russian custody. The OSCE called for the immediate release of the four national mission members detained in Donetsk and Luhansk.

May 27, 2022

21,500 Displaced Persons: Vienna Confronted with Major Integration Challenge

With the increasing number of people seeking protection from Ukraine, the number of challenges that the country of Austria has to cope with is also increasing. Vienna, as a place of reception for a total of 21,500 people, faces numerous issues in the future, which require immediate and efficient measures to facilitate the education, integration and housing of Ukrainians in Vienna.

May 24, 2022

Foreign Policy Committees of the Austrian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament Discuss Situation in Ukraine

Members of the Austrian Parliament exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.

May 23, 2022

Council of Europe Meeting: Austria Sees Europe as Shield of Human Rights

At the annual meeting of foreign ministers at the Council of Europe, the focus was on the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. Alexander Schallenberg, Austria's foreign minister pleaded for common values and principles, calling the Council of Europe "a strong shield for the defense of the universality of human rights."

May 23, 2022

Conference On The Future of the EU and Eastern Europe By ERSTE Foundation and IWM

In cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), ERSTE Foundation is organizing the Time To Decide Europe Summit 2022 on the future of the EU, Ukraine, Russia and the Western Balkans. More than 20 leading European intellectuals will develop theses and solutions for Europe, the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Russia.

May 22, 2022

UN Calls for Swift Action Against the International Food Crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again warned of an impending increase in global famine at the recent meeting on global hunger taking pace at UN Headquarters. He highlighted the importance of the wheat supply shortfall from Ukraine and outlined a five-point plan to avert the coming crisis.

May 20, 2022

EU Supports Ukraine With Substantial Financial Aid

The second tranche of the EU macro-financial assistance to Ukraine has just been disbursed. The total of €600 million is intended to help cover the acute financing gaps in Ukraine, which is suffering severely from the consequences of the Russian war of aggression. The assistance is intended to improve Ukraine's macroeconomic stability and help keep state agencies functioning during this critical period.

May 20, 2022

Austrian Exit From Russian Gas Possible: "Major Effort Necessary"

The exit from oil and gas supplies from Russia, which has been much called for at both national and international level, has been occupying the EU and also the Austrian government for weeks. Now the Austrian Energy Minister has presented a plan on how this planned phase-out can be achieved by 2027 and what concrete measures need to be taken to achieve it.

May 19, 2022

"Presidency at a Decisive Stage": Czech Republic Receives Austrian Federal Chancellor

Discussions on the Ukraine crisis, the EU's enlargement of the Western Balkans or the benefits of nuclear power in the energy transition led Austria's Federal Chancellor to the Czech Republic, where he met Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister. The Czech Republic is one of Austria's closest trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Read on to find out how the Chancellor's visit went.

May 19, 2022

Ukraine Seeks Austrian Support for EU Membership

A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Austria to seek supporters for their country's EU accession. After Ukraine officially submitted its ambitions to the European Union, a recommendation from the European Commission is now eagerly awaited to determine whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. Read on to find out more.

May 18, 2022

Finland and Sweden Submit Applications to Join NATO

With Russia posing a threat to Finland and Sweden through its attack on Ukraine, both countries decided to join NATO. The ambassadors of Finland and Sweden handed over the relevant documents to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg this morning.

May 18, 2022

Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting: OSCE Emphasizes Importance of Key Principles of Democracy

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is organizing the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles, human rights and independent media work and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening these principles in Europe.

May 17, 2022

Russia and Allies Held Summit in Moscow

The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a meeting in Moscow to strengthen Russia's alliance with military partners like Belarus, Kazahkstan, Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and to condemn the West. The CSTO and its Collective Security Council meeting were held in honor of the 30th anniversary of the treaty and the 20th anniversary of the organization.

May 17, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union met in Brussels. The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the planned sixth sanctions package against Russia in response to it were central topics.

May 16, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security

The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. The IAEA reports new news regarding Ukraine's nuclear safety. The data link to Chernobyl is fully operational again, but the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, allows only limited access for IAEA personnel.

May 15, 2022

Council of Experts Publishes Analysis on Perspectives of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Austria

In order to facilitate the integration of Ukrainians seeking protection who come to Austria, the Expert Council for Integration prepared a position paper on the perspectives of these very displaced persons. The recommendations in various areas such as work, education, social engagement and help for women will be taken into account by politicians in the future and actively integrated into projects.

May 13, 2022

War in Ukraine Continues to Dominate Austria's Economic Outlook

In a recently published report, the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) gives an insight into Austria's economic situation and forecasts the development of the economy over the next few years. The Omikron wave and the war in Ukraine will continue to slow down Austria's economic growth in the next few years and no relief is expected for the time being. Nevertheless, there is also good news concerning the labour market.

May 12, 2022

Further Funding of Integration Projects for Ukrainians in Austria

The Austrian government recently initiated a special call for project proposals. The aim is to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria and to give them access to social life. The projects are financed with funds from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Federal Chancellery.

May 11, 2022

Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis

UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.

May 11, 2022

Pro-Russian Authorities in Kherson Want to Ask Russia For Annexation

Russia accomplished in its war efforts in Ukraine to occupy Kherson. The pro-Russian authorities, installed by the Kremlin, in occupied Kherson plan to ask for the southern Ukrainian region's incorporation into Russia.

May 11, 2022

UN Secretary General António Guterres Met Austria's President Alexander Van Der Bellen in Vienna

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is currently visiting Vienna and met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. The main topic of conversation was the conflict in Ukraine and its international ramifications.

May 11, 2022

Why May 9 Is Important For Russia: Putin Tries to Justify War in Ukraine

Russia today celebrates the Day of Victory over Fascism. For Russia, this holiday is a national sanctuary, for Putin's Russia the most important day for propaganda. Read more about May 9 and its importance for Russia?

May 9, 2022

Will Russia Hold Referendums in Eastern Ukraine or Step Up Its War Effort

The war in Ukraine is raging and the Ukrainians are defending themselves against the more powerful Russian forces, which, however, have faltered. The question that arises is what strategy Russia will now adopt. There are signs of referendums in eastern Ukraine and of stepping up the Russian war effort.

May 5, 2022

Fight Against Trafficking in Women: Intervention Center Established

To combat sexual exploitation of children and women from Ukraine, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently set up a hotline where those affected can report. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking protection, mostly women and children, had increased enormously, providing easy game for human traffickers and increasing the risk of human trafficking, smuggling, sexual exploitation and coercion into prostitution.

May 5, 2022

Number of Hungry People Further Increased in 2021

The number of people going hungry worldwide continued to rise in 2021. Several factors contributed to the increase, including conflicts, economic crises, and weather extremes, according to a report released today by the Network Against Food Crises.

May 4, 2022

Austria Provides Record 46 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

In order to provide relief for the suffering of the Ukrainian population, the Austrian federal government is providing a further 46 million euros. The sum is to benefit humanitarian causes in Ukraine and the affected region and is the highest disbursement ever.

May 4, 2022

Austria and the Indecision for the Gas Embargo

The war in Ukraine has been raging for two months. To stop Russia, a great many countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia. Many European countries and the U.S.A. want to impose a gas embargo on Russia. Austria is still very cautious about this step.

May 3, 2022

Press Freedom Day: Independent Media Essential in Times of War

On International Press Freedom Day, numerous international organizations highlight the importance of free journalism and the need for access to independent media. This year, the focus is on the war in Ukraine, which is characterized by propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Austria also has some catching up to do in these matters, according to a ranking by Reporters Without Borders. Read on if you want to learn more!

May 3, 2022

Russia Hides Its Operations in Ukraine From the OSCE

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine will be suspended, due to the lack of consensus at the OSCE Permanent Council on 31 March 2022 to extend the Mission’s mandate. In the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Russia torpedoed the OSCE and wants as little international attention as possible on its military operations in Ukraine.

May 2, 2022

Austrian Efforts to Support Ukrainian Refugees

Austria is assuring support for Ukrainian refugees. Austria takes care legally, financially and in humanitarian terms that Ukrainian refugees feel welcome in Austria. Read more about Austria's efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Austria.

May 1, 2022

Hungarian-Austrian Relations: National Council Presidents Köver and Sobotka Led Virtual Meeting

Hungarian National Council President László Kövér and his counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka recently held a virtual meeting to discuss current issues. The main topic, as in so many meetings these days, was the war in Ukraine and its impact on Europe. If you want to know what else was discussed, read on!

April 29, 2022

UN Secretary General Guterres in Ukraine: "We Will Not Give Up”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a visit to the capital Kiev, expressed courage to Ukraine and assured its full support. He condemned the Russian attacks and promised to continue providing aid and financial resources. During his speech, 2 bombs, among others, hit the Ukrainian capital.

April 29, 2022

How the European Union Is Providing Humanitarian Help to Ukraine

In Ukraine, the war has been raging for about two months now. The situation for people in Ukraine is miserable and the constant fighting makes normal life impossible. The European Union also provides humanitarian support to Ukraine. Read more about the EU's humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

April 28, 2022

Amendment to the Law: Improved Integration Measures and Professional Recognition for Ukrainians in Austria

The Austrian National Council is currently working on an amendment to the law, which should enable Ukrainian displaced persons to get better access to integration and educational opportunities. In addition, it will be easier in the future to have professional qualifications recognized in Austria if various documents are not presentable.

April 28, 2022

Population Growth in Austria: Ukrainian Immigration Provides for Over 9 Million Inhabitants

The population in Austria recorded particularly high growth in the first quarter of 2022, pushing the number of inhabitants to over 9 million for the first time. The main reason for this is the large number of temporarily housed Ukrainian aid seekers who have come to Austria in recent months to flee the Russian war of aggression.

April 27, 2022

Humanitarian Crisis in Mariupol: UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Fighting

The humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol continues to escalate, and more and more trapped civilians are fighting for their survival. Now, several UN-Organizations are calling on the Russian war leadership to establish humanitarian escape corridors and to cease hostilities immediately.

April 26, 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

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