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IAEA Alarmed: Drones Pose Threat to Nuclear Power Plants in Ukraine
Nuclear safety in Ukraine has once again been seriously compromised. Just hours after the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered its longest complete loss of external power supply since the start of the war, a drone struck dangerously close to the active South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (Pivdennoukrayinsk).
Yesterday
Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise: Majority of New Citizens Live Abroad
The granting of Austrian citizenship increased significantly in the first half of 2025. A total of 11,665 people received a red-white-red passport, which, according to Statistics Austria, represents an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year. What is striking about this development is that more than a third of the new citizens—exactly 4,369 people—are resident abroad.
Yesterday
Meet Alison Grant, Canada's New Ambassador to Vienna
Alison Grant, Canada's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has presented her credentials to UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and, for Austria, to President Alexander Van der Bellen. With this appointment, Grant assumes an important dual mandate, serving simultaneously as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria and as Permanent Representative to all international organizations based in Vienna.
September 26, 2025
Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War
For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.
September 26, 2025
Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 Honor Europe's Best Democracy Projects
As European Capital of Democracy 2025, Vienna was the venue for a festive gala at which the Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 were presented. The awards, which have been presented annually by the Innovation in Politics Institute since 2017, honor courageous political leaders and outstanding democratic projects from across Europe.
September 25, 2025
Alternative Right in Austria: Technology, Theology, and Political Strategy
In August of this year, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who is also known for his proximity to the new right, caused confusion by visiting the University of Innsbruck unnoticed. At the same time, the FPÖ in Austria is moving closer to the U.S. right wing. The FPÖ has a long history and has undergone a transformation to become an international pioneer of the new right.
September 25, 2025
Focus on Babler's New York Trip: Restitution and Controversy over Costs
Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler (SPÖ) has completed a mission in New York to restitute musical manuscripts by the Viennese composer Walter Benedikt (1896–1948). In a formal ceremony, the sheet music that Benedikt had to leave behind in 1938 when he fled from the Nazis was handed over to his legal successors.
September 24, 2025
Vienna's Belvedere: A Impressionist Collection of French Artists on Tour
One of the most important private collections of French Impressionism is now on display in Austria for the first time, following exhibitions in Lausanne and Cologne. From Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Lower Belvedere will present over 60 selected masterpieces from the Swiss Langmatt Museum, the former villa of industrialist couple Jenny and Sidney Brown. The exhibition, entitled “Cézanne, Monet, Renoir – French Impressionism from the Langmatt Museum,” offers a unique insight into the couple's passion for collecting.
September 24, 2025 · Sponsored Content
Meet Annika Ben David, the New Swedish Ambassador to Austria
Annika Ben David took up her new post as Swedish Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia. In addition to her role as ambassador, she is also Sweden's permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna. With her extensive diplomatic experience, gained in various countries and with a clear focus on human rights, she brings impressive expertise to her new position.
September 23, 2025
IAEA General Conference 2025: Nuclear Science and Diplomacy in Uncertain Times
The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna was a week-long conference, considered the organization's most important political decision-making body, bringing together over 3,000 participants from 153 member states. The focus was on global challenges such as the growing threat of nuclear proliferation and climate change, which the IAEA aims to address through its unique mandate.
September 23, 2025
OMV in Espionage Scandal: CEO Alfred Stern Reassures, Adnoc Relationship to Remain Uncompromised
A suspected espionage case at Austria's largest energy company, OMV, has caused a stir in recent days. While the authorities are investigating a long-standing employee suspected of having supplied sensitive data to the Russian secret service, OMV CEO Alfred Stern is trying to smooth the waters. Stern emphasizes that the incident will not strain the long-standing partnership with major shareholder Adnoc from Abu Dhabi.
September 22, 2025
80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President
This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.
September 22, 2025
Austria's Confidence in the EU is Dwindling: A Reflection of Global Uncertainty
The mood among Austrians toward the European Union is tense. A recent survey by the Austrian Society for European Policy (ÖGfE) shows that only 61% of respondents are still in favor of remaining in the EU. This represents a significant decline compared to previous surveys and reflects the growing uncertainty among the population.
September 21, 2025
Change in Leadership at DSN: Omar Haijawi-Pirchner Steps Down Early
The Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence (DSN), Austria's leading constitutional protection authority, is facing a significant change in leadership. As the DSN announced in a press release, Director Omar Haijawi-Pirchner will step down from his position at the end of 2025 at his own request. The decision comes eleven months before the end of his term of office and is justified on “personal grounds.”
September 21, 2025
Simon Wiesenthal Prize 2024 Honors the Commitment of Swiss “Gamaraal Foundation”
This year's Simon Wiesenthal Prize was awarded in the Vienna Parliament to outstanding initiatives and individuals who are committed to combating anti-Semitism and raising awareness about the Holocaust. The main prize, worth €15,000, went to the Swiss Gamaraal Foundation.
September 18, 2025
Low-Cost Airlines Retreat from Vienna: Are Higher Prices and Location Disadvantages Looming?
Vienna International Airport is facing challenges as low-cost airlines Wizz Air and Ryanair are drastically reducing their presence. Wizz Air is withdrawing all five of its stationed aircraft and abandoning Vienna completely, while Ryanair is relocating three of its jets. Both companies cite excessive costs in Austria as the reason for this move. This development has reignited the debate about Vienna as a tourist and business location.
September 18, 2025
Fugitive Wirecard Manager Marsalek Tracked Down in Moscow
After extensive international research, a consortium of journalists has tracked down fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek in Moscow. According to reports, the 45-year-old is living under a false identity and working for the Russian secret service, the FSB.
September 17, 2025
Record Claims Amounting to Billions Against Signa Founder René Benko
René Benko, founder of the insolvent Signa Group, is also facing unprecedented claims in his personal bankruptcy.
September 17, 2025
Austrian Universities in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking: Six Institutions Among the Top 500
In this year's Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), known as the Shanghai Ranking, six Austrian universities made it into the world's top 500. That is two more universities than last year.
September 16, 2025
Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Welcomes Chinese Counterpart with Focus on Geopolitics and Trade
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vienna to deepen bilateral relations and discuss global challenges. The meeting, which was also documented by media representatives, underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
September 16, 2025
Austrian Institute for International Affairs: Challenging but Positive Corona Year 2020
The Austrian Institute for International Affairs (OIIP - Österreichisches Institut für Internationale Politik) reports in its annual report "Annual 2020" on the past "challenging" Corona year as a "proud" year in which 35 scientific publications were published, numerous new research projects and discussion events were organized, and 35 conference participations and 91 media appearances were documented. In addition, the move to new premises already took place at the beginning of the year 2021.
May 21, 2021 · Updated: September 16, 2025; 10:53
Austria's Diplomatic Conference Focuses on Foreign Policy
Amid global crises and economic uncertainty, Austria’s Foreign Ministry is positioning itself with a clear strategic focus. The annual Ambassadors' Conference (BOKO) and the parallel Foreign Cultural Conference (AKT) in Vienna demonstrated how the Foreign Ministry, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, defends and promotes Austrian interests worldwide.
September 14, 2025
ÖBB Invests €37 Million in the Full Expansion of the Vienna South Freight Center
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is investing approximately €37 million in the final phase of expansion of the Vienna South freight center, aiming to increase its capacity and performance significantly. With this project, ÖBB aims to meet the growing demand for freight transport and shift an even larger proportion of goods transport from road to rail.
September 14, 2025
In Memoriam Hannes Tretter: Vienna Symposium “Emergency Democracy” Continues His Life’s Work
On September 24, 2025, a high-caliber panel of experts will gather in the attic of Vienna's Juridicum to commemorate the late lawyer and human rights expert Hannes Tretter and continue his life's work. The symposium “Emergency Democracy” is dedicated to the project of the same name, which was conceived in the last months of his life.
September 11, 2025
Taliban Representatives Support Austria in Deportations
A delegation from the Afghan Taliban regime has held talks with the Austrian Interior Ministry in Vienna to help identify Afghans who are scheduled for deportation. The cooperation, which the Interior Ministry describes as “necessary” for the deportation of criminals, has been sharply criticized by human rights organizations.
September 11, 2025
Austria Fails in Lawsuit Against EU Taxonomy on Nuclear Power and Gas
Austria's lawsuit against the classification of nuclear power and natural gas as sustainable energy sources has failed before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg. The court upheld the decision of the EU Commission, which had expanded the EU Taxonomy Regulation to include these forms of energy in 2022.
September 10, 2025
Austria and Slovenia: Diplomatic Efforts Following the “Peršmanhof Incident”
Relations between Austria and Slovenia, traditionally characterized by friendly cooperation, have been put to the test since a controversial police operation at Peršmanhof. The diplomatic response is currently evident on two levels: while Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is pushing for clarification with a symbolic gesture and clear words, representatives of both regions are simultaneously deepening practical cooperation in numerous areas.
September 10, 2025
Problems in the Austrian Education System as per the OECD: High Expenditure, Low Success
A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) entitled “Education at a Glance” paints a critical picture of the Austrian education system. Despite high spending per student—US$16,604 in 2022 compared to an OECD average of US$11,843—Austria lags in key areas.
September 9, 2025
Herbert Kickl Considers Russian Gas as a Solution to the Economic Crisis
Amidst an ongoing economic crisis and rising living costs, FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl presented his proposed solutions at the latest “summer talks.” His argument centers on a radical change of course in energy policy and far-reaching savings in the national budget.
September 9, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Meets Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouskaya
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to Vienna for talks. The discussions focused on the current situation of civil society in Belarus and efforts to secure the release of political prisoners detained there.
September 7, 2025
Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Meets Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, QI Mei, and the Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport, Andreas Babler, met for bilateral talks in Vienna. The aim of the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations and other topics of mutual interest.
September 7, 2025
OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap
The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.
September 7, 2025
Negotiations on Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran Hints at Concessions
Iran has signaled its willingness to limit its nuclear program under strict supervision, but in return is demanding the lifting of international sanctions.
September 7, 2025
Bajaj-Teaser Causes a Stir: Will KTM's Future be Manufactured in India?
The relaunch of the long-established motorcycle manufacturer KTM after overcoming insolvency is being overshadowed by new uncertainties. Statements made by Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Indian major shareholder Bajaj Auto, have sparked a heated debate about the future of the production site in Mattighofen.
September 3, 2025
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
Prices in Vienna for Public Transport, Parking, and Local Taxes Are Going Up
The city of Vienna has announced far-reaching price increases for public transport, parking fees, and the city tax. These measures, which will come into effect on December 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, respectively, are intended to help consolidate the city's budget.
September 2, 2025
European Forum Alpbach 2025 Breaks records and Looks to the Future of Europe
This year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) ended with a new record number of participants. Under the motto “Recharge Europe,” around 4,700 participants from 127 countries gathered to discuss the renewal of Europe and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the forum, which has established itself as one of the leading conferences on the future of Europe.
September 1, 2025
Despite UN Sanctions Looming, Iran Refuses to Make Further Concessions
Iran does not intend to change its stance in the nuclear dispute with the international community, even in light of the imminent reintroduction of UN sanctions.
August 31, 2025
Hungarian Foreign Minister Sharply Criticizes Austrian President Van der Bellen
There is currently diplomatic tension between Vienna and Budapest after Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen criticized political developments in a “neighboring country” at the European Forum Alpbach. Although the president did not explicitly mention Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded with a sharp counterattack, accusing Van der Bellen of being involved in the failed formation of an FPÖ government in Austria.
August 31, 2025
Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions
An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.
August 28, 2025
WIFO Chief Calls for Tougher Stance in Tariff Dispute with the U.S.
In the ongoing tariff dispute between the European Union and the United States of America, Gabriel Felbermayr, Director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), advocates a reorientation of the European negotiating strategy.
August 28, 2025
Trump Meeting with Zelensky Without Breakthrough Analyzed by Austrian Security Experts as Stalemate in Washington
The diplomatic summit in Washington between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leading European heads of state kept the channels of communication open but failed to produce any concrete results in the Ukraine war.
August 27, 2025
Industry Concerned About Brain Drain From Austria
A recent study commissioned by the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) highlights an alarming issue, as highly qualified workers are leaving Austria. While immigration figures overall exceed emigration, the composition of migration flows raises concerns.
August 27, 2025
Austria Could Grant Vladimir Putin Immunity for Peace Talks Despite Arrest Warrant
Amid ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war, neutral Austria could play a decisive role as a mediator. As confirmed by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, it would be prepared to host possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A possibility was also raised of granting Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity despite an international arrest warrant.
August 27, 2025
Austria's Public Education Expenditure in the Lower Middle Range of the EU
A report published today by the European Commission entitled “Investing in Education 2025” shows that public investment in education in the European Union is increasing again, but has not yet reached pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
August 27, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister on Mission for European Peace and Stability in Moldova and Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger sought to reinforce her vision for a united and resilient European Union with her latest trip and diplomatic efforts. During her visit to Moldova and Ukraine, she not only sent a message of solidarity, but also positioned herself as an advocate for an independent European defense policy upon her return to Alpbach.
August 25, 2025
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
Danger in the Digital Space: DSN Warns Against the Use of AI by Extremists
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) by extremist groups poses a growing threat to internal security. The Austrian Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has issued a warning regarding this development. Modern AI systems could be used specifically to radicalize individuals with personalized propaganda.
August 19, 2025 · Updated: August 25, 2025; 11:06
New Twists in the Signa Scandal: Benko Incriminates Former Chancellor Gusenbauer
There has been a decisive turn of events in the ongoing investigation into the Signa bankruptcy. Real estate investor René Benko, who is currently in custody, has directly implicated former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer in a court hearing. Benko claims that Gusenbauer was fully aware of the dire financial situation of the Signa Group—a statement that contradicts Gusenbauer's previous denials.
August 21, 2025
Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Vienna Prepares, Economy Benefits
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 promises to be not only a musical highlight but also a powerful economic boost for the Austrian capital. According to a recent study by the economic research institute ECO Austria, demand is expected to increase by 57 million euros.
August 21, 2025
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