The United States of America in Austria | American Expats in Vienna - Vindobona.org

Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.

The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.

October 8, 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

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

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

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

Broad Criticism, Including from Austria, of New Tariffs Deal Between the U.S. and the EU

The trade deal between the United States and the European Union, which was announced by both sides with pride, may have averted a looming escalation in the trade dispute. Still, it has been widely criticized in political and economic circles. While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefkovic defended the agreement as a “breakthrough” and “the best possible outcome,” numerous member states and business representatives, including many voices from Austria, see and feel significant disadvantages for the EU and are calling for renegotiation.

August 20, 2025 · Updated: August 21, 2025; 12:46

Suspected Espionage at the Heart of Diplomacy: Swiss Colonel of the OSCE Delegation Withdrawn

A high-ranking Swiss military officer has been recalled from his post at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The reason is a serious suspicion of passing information to Russian authorities. The affair has rocked Swiss diplomacy at a politically sensitive time, as Switzerland prepares to take over the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2026. The military justice system has launched an investigation to clarify the scope of the case.

August 12, 2025

“Operation Luxor”: Nehammer's PR Success That Turned Into a Judicial Debacle With a Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit in the U.S.

The major crackdown on “political Islam” staged by then-Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to great media fanfare has since proven to be a legal “fiasco.” Almost five years after the spectacular operation, a large-scale police raid against suspected members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Austria, the affair has taken a new turn.

August 12, 2025

FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.

The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.

August 3, 2025

Nuclear Talks in the Shadow of Tensions: Iran and the E3 Struggle for Nuclear Agreement

Nuclear talks between Iran, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom took place in Istanbul, aimed at finding a solution to the controversial Iranian nuclear program. Although no concrete results have been announced yet, the talks are set to continue.

July 28, 2025

Rubio Received Meinl-Reisinger: Focus on Trade, Global Tensions, and the Transatlantic Partnership

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to Washington to meet with her U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss pressing global challenges. The focus was on issues important to Europe, such as transatlantic trade dialogue, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and stability in the Western Balkans.

July 28, 2025

UN Drug Policy in Peril: U.S. Cuts and Global Tensions Could Spark Global Crisis

International drug policy and the organization that implements it, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. A dramatic shift in U.S. policy under Donald Trump's “might makes right” approach, drastic funding cuts, and the unexpected departure of Executive Director Ghada Waly have undermined the United Nations' long-standing consensus-building mechanisms, casting doubt on the future of global drug control.

July 22, 2025 · Updated: July 23, 2025; 14:20

Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”

July 23, 2025

Ultimatum to Iran: Four Countries set Deadline for Nuclear Agreement by End of August

Diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran are entering a critical phase. The United States and the three European powers, France, Germany, and Great Britain, have set Iran a definitive deadline of the end of August to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.

July 16, 2025

U.S. Independence Day in Vienna: A Celebrations of Friendship and 250 Years of Diplomacy

During this year's celebrations of the United States' Independence Day in Vienna, Chargé d'Affaires Kami Witmer emphasized the outstanding partnership between the U.S. and Austria. This celebration, which took place in the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, highlighted the deep historical ties and continued cooperation between the two nations.

July 7, 2025

Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute after Israel War

Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Massoud Peseshkian enacted a law to that effect, which the Iranian parliament had already passed in June. This decision exacerbates the already tense nuclear dispute and follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.

July 2, 2025

Iran Threatens to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute Feared

The Iranian parliament has passed a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If the Guardian Council and the Security Council approve the bill, it would further escalate the already tense nuclear dispute and significantly hamper international efforts to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program.

June 25, 2025

ISTA and Google Forge Long-Term Research Partnership in Klosterneuburg

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg and global technology giant Google have signed a far-reaching Master Sponsored Research Agreement to consolidate their existing collaboration and jointly advance innovative scientific research projects. This long-term partnership, which also includes financial support for research projects from Google, aims to further strengthen the ecosystem at the ISTA campus and open up new avenues in science.

June 24, 2025

Iran Tensions Overshadow IAEA Meeting in Vienna: Tehran Warns of 'Strategic Mistake'

A resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemning Iran for “failing to fulfill” its nuclear safeguards obligations has led to sharp warnings from Tehran at the ongoing meeting of the Board of Governors in Vienna.

June 12, 2025

Austria Designates Special Envoys for Austrian Candidacy for the United Nations Security Council

For quite some time now, the new federal government has pursued a more active role in international diplomacy, and a defined goal is a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28. Being elected requires a two-thirds majority vote from the United Nations General Assembly, and therefore, the federal government designated special envoys to advocate for Austria.

June 8, 2025

Austria Recruiting U.S. Researchers: Science Committee Discusses Simplified Appointment Procedures

The Austrian Parliament's Science Committee is considering a draft law that would facilitate the appointment of professors without a competitive application process. The aim is to attract researchers from the U.S. who want to leave their home country due to political developments under President Donald Trump.

June 4, 2025

After 17 Years, ams-Osram Wins Multi-Million Dollar Legal Dispute in the USA

The Styrian-Bavarian semiconductor manufacturer ams-Osram has achieved a historic legal success: After almost two decades of litigation in the United States, the company has finally prevailed in a case concerning stolen trade secrets. With a legally binding judgment and a subsequent settlement of around 52 million US dollars, one of the longest and most significant commercial disputes in the industry has come to an end, with a significant signal on the protection of intellectual property.

May 27, 2025

Austria Wants to Position Itself as a Safe Haven for International Science

Given the increasing restrictions on academic freedom in the U.S.A., the Austrian federal government has adopted a comprehensive package of measures to support international researchers and students. The Council approved the Minister's package and aims to strengthen Austria as an attractive and secure location for science.

May 27, 2025

80 Years of Liberation of Mauthausen: Diplomacy, Remembrance and the Reminder of History

Over 20,000 people commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, with high-ranking guests including the Spanish royal couple, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani.

May 14, 2025

Ex-Meinl Austrian Banker Peter Weinzierl in U.S. Pretrial Detention

The former CEO of the now-defunct Meinl Bank, Peter Weinzierl, is in custody in the United States. After years of investigations and complex extradition proceedings, the 59-year-old Austrian was transferred to a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York.

May 11, 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

Nuclear Dispute: Iran Urges Talks with Europe - Vienna and Oman as Key Factors

In the struggle to save the international nuclear agreement with Iran, Tehran wants to seek a meeting with the European signatory states before a possible new round of talks with the USA. According to diplomats, such a meeting could take place soon if the planned round of negotiations with the United States comes to fruition. In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to explain suspicious facilities near its suspected nuclear sites.

April 28, 2025

Austria Wants to Attract U.S. Researchers to Europe as a Science Location

In view of drastic cuts in research funding by the US government under President Donald Trump, the American scientific landscape is currently experiencing considerable turbulence. This development offers European countries, especially Austria, the opportunity to attract highly qualified researchers and strengthen their own research location.

April 17, 2025

Tyrolean Biotech Company Cyprumed Closes 493 Million Dollar Deal with American MSD

The Innsbruck-based biotechnology company Cyprumed GmbH is making international headlines with a multi-million dollar license deal: Together with the U.S. pharmaceutical group MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.), the company has signed an agreement worth up to 493 million US dollars. The aim is to develop innovative tablet formulations for peptide drugs - a potential game changer in modern drug therapies.

April 15, 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

U.S. Tariffs Cause Tensions: Austria between Willingness to Negotiate and Strong Response

Transatlantic economic relations are once again being put to the test. Following the US decision to impose import tariffs on European products - particularly steel, aluminum, and a range of industrial goods - under former President Donald Trump, the EU has responded with a second package of sanctions. Stakeholders in Austria are also taking a clear stance - between calls for diplomacy and calls for consistency.

April 9, 2025

New UN Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler: An Experienced Diplomat for Austria's Voice in New York

Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Meet Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's top diplomat in New York City.

April 2, 2025

Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.

March 23, 2025

Alexander Schallenberg's Farewell from Politics: “There Can not be a Perpetrator-Victim Reversal”

After almost six years in government, Foreign Minister and two-time interim chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is leaving the political stage. In a farewell interview, he talks about his time in office, the geopolitical challenges under Donald Trump, and his plans for the future.

March 4, 2025

UN in Vienna Warns: Europe Poorly Prepared for Dangerous Synthetic Drugs

The rapid spread of synthetic drugs poses a growing threat to public health and is fundamentally changing global drug black markets. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna warns in its latest annual report that Europe is ill-prepared for this danger and that a coordinated, determined strategy is needed to combat the threat.

March 4, 2025

Trump Appoints Real Estate Agent Arthur Graham Fisher as New US Ambassador to Austria

Before taking office, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Arthur Graham Fisher as the new US ambassador to Austria. Fisher, a successful real estate agent from North Carolina, is primarily known for his work in the real estate industry and has no diplomatic experience. The appointment has therefore provoked mixed reactions.

March 3, 2025

AI Action Summit in Paris: Strengthening International Cooperation

The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10 and 11, brought together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of AI. As artificial intelligence continues to shape economies, industries, and societies worldwide, the summit aimed to establish a collaborative and ethical framework for its development. At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and State Secretary for Digitalization Claudia Plakolm participated in the discussions.

February 12, 2025

Steyr Arms Pushes Expansion - Austria as a Location in Danger?

The Austrian arms manufacturer Steyr Arms, part of the Czech investment group RSBC since 2024, is planning extensive expansion in the US and European markets. At the same time, the site in Austria is coming under pressure as export licenses are being delayed. While the company management wants to secure the future of the traditional business with new strategic decisions, a relocation could be considered.

February 11, 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

Schallenberg Attended EU-Summit Calling for Unity in Trade and Security Policies

European leaders gathered in Brussels for an informal EU summit to discuss pressing issues related to security, defense, and transatlantic relations. Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg emphasized the need for a united European stance amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in response to potential trade disputes with the United States.

February 3, 2025

Discussion on Europe's Future after Trump's Re-election at the Burgtheater Vienna

Donald Trump's re-election is causing a stir not only in the USA but also in Europe. While right-wing parties are celebrating Trump's victory as confirmation of their political agenda, liberal forces are concerned about the potential impact on transatlantic relations. It is precisely this area of tension that is the focus of a high-profile panel discussion at the Burgtheater in Vienna.

January 7, 2025

Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Ostchem Holding GmbH: Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash in Financial Difficulties

Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Salzburg Regional Court against Ostchem Holding GmbH, a company linked to a major oligarch in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash, considered one of Ukraine's most influential and wealthiest oligarchs, is the company's majority shareholder, which has increasingly run into financial difficulties in recent years.

December 23, 2024

Austria Joins Artemis Accords: A Milestone for International Space Cooperation

Austria has become the 50th country to sign the Artemis Accords, thus taking an important step towards international cooperation in space research. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer signed the agreement in the presence of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State at the US Department of State.

December 12, 2024

OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture

The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

December 12, 2024

Firtash Remains in Vienna for the Time Being: Regional Court Stops Extradition to the USA

The long-running legal dispute over Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash's extradition to the USA has taken a new turn. The Vienna Regional Court ruled that the controversial businessman's extradition to the United States was inadmissible. However, this decision may not be the last word in the internationally sensational case, as the Vienna public prosecutor's office has already announced that it will appeal by December 16.

December 4, 2024

Jewish Museum Vienna Kicks Off Anniversary Year with Gala in New York

A special gala dinner was held in the elegant rooms of Christie's New York to mark the start of the 130th anniversary year of the Jewish Museum Vienna. This exclusive event brought together important personalities from the worlds of culture, business, and diplomacy and paid tribute to the historical significance of the world's first Jewish museum, which opened in Vienna in 1895.

December 3, 2024

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Invites Donald Trump to Austria for Ukraine Peace Talks

In a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer congratulated him on his election victory and signaled Austria's willingness to act as a neutral venue for peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. The talks also covered energy security, economic and defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the USA.

November 27, 2024

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi Honored with the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was honored with the Henry De Wolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award at the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Winter Conference in Florida. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

November 20, 2024

Iran Announces Limitation of Uranium Production: IAEA and the International Community are Watching Closely

Iran has announced that it will voluntarily limit its production of highly enriched uranium. This decision was announced by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, following talks with high-ranking Iranian officials in Tehran. The measure is seen as an important step towards de-escalation, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the region.

November 19, 2024