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Western European Expats in Vienna, Austria | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Western European countries - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, diplomacy and culture
Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?
The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.
September 20, 2022
Reopening of the Bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna
As a part of the reopening of the bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Icelandic counterpart Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir. Aside from bilateral issues, Iceland's upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe and the security situation in Europe were also discussed.
September 19, 2022
Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Austria's President Condolences British Royal Couple
Following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Austria's Federal President flew to Great Britain this weekend to personally express his condolences to the Royal Family. In addition to his presence at the reception on Sunday evening, he also attended the official state funeral on Monday and signed the various Queen's book of condolence.
September 19, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna
Caroline Vermeulen, Belgium's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Caroline Vermeulen, the new permanent representative of Belgium to the International Organizations in Vienna, as well as the Ambassador to Austria.
September 19, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE in Vienna
Christian Gronbech-Jensen, Denmark's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen, the new permanent representative of Denmark to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 18, 2022
Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President
With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.
September 15, 2022
Lufthansa and OMV Cooperate Over Sustainable Aviation Fuel
OMV, the international integrated oil, gas and chemical company headquartered in Vienna, and Lufthansa Group are expanding a partnership on sustainable aviation fuels. Germany's Lufthansa plans to stock up on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from OMV in the future.
September 13, 2022
UK Embassy in Vienna Opened Book of Condolence
The Embassy of the United Kingdom has opened a condolence visit at the British Residence in Vienna for all those who wish to pay their respects.
September 13, 2022
Greece and Austria Plan Closer Cooperation in Tourism
During a meeting between Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's Tourism Minister, and Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Austria's State Secretary for Tourism, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism affairs.
September 13, 2022
Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler Visited Austria
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Foreign Minister from the Principality of Liechtenstein, Dominique Hasler, for a working meeting in Vienna. The exchange focused on bilateral issues, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the status of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans and cooperation in multilateral affairs. In addition to the bilateral meeting, there was the annual Liechtenstein Reception at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein.
September 11, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna
Jean Graff, Luxembourg's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna, Helga Maria Schmid. Meet Ambassador Jean Graff, the new permanent representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna.
September 5, 2022
IWM’s Strategic Partnership Initiative with the ERSTE Foundation
With Europe's Futures - Ideas for Action, Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) and the ERSTE Foundation aim to understand and address challenges to democracy, rule of law and migratory pressures that threaten Europe and the European Union.
September 4, 2022
Cultural Diplomacy: Viennese Ladder to Heaven Will Shine in Münster, Germany
As already announced by the Austrian Ambassador in Berlin, Michael Linhart, on Twitter, the art installation by Billi Thanner known as Ladder to Heaven (Himmelsleiter) is now on display in Münster in Germany.
September 4, 2022
Political Consultations between Turkey and Austria, OSCE and European Forum Alpbach
Turkey and Austria held bilateral political consultations in Vienna. The focus was on aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as an exchange of views on Turkiye's EU accession process.
September 4, 2022
Austria's President Van der Bellen Brings in Experts on Energy and Climate Issues as Advisors
Ex-Verbund boss Wolfgang Anzengruber and Wifo economist Angela Köppl are volunteering their expertise to Austrian President Van der Bellen. According to the Federal President's Office, the war in Ukraine and inflation, as well as the slowly emerging energy crisis in Europe, call for expert advice on energy economics and climate issues.
August 31, 2022
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Prague
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Prague. The talks once again focused on the Russian war against Ukraine and its global repercussions. Among other things, a general ban on Russian citizens entering the European Union was discussed, which Austria is critical of.
August 31, 2022
Crisis Around Viennese Energy Supply Company "Wien Energie"
Austria's largest energy supplier urgently needs money to hedge forward transactions. Otherwise, the company would have to realize huge losses.
August 30, 2022
Turmoil in Kosovo: Diplomacy Mediating a Reigniting Conflict
Serbia and Kosovo have resolved the ethnic issue of the movement of citizens of both countries across their borders, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, and the negotiators still have to resolve the burning issue of car registration plates. In recent weeks, the conflict seemed to tighten, however, to find out what exactly it was about, read more!
August 30, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Calls for EU-27 to Stand Together for European Electricity Price Cap
Given the sharp rise in energy prices, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is calling for a European electricity price cap to "finally" put a stop to "this madness that is currently taking place on the energy markets. According to Nehammer. this is only possible through a European solution.
August 29, 2022
High Representative Josep Borrell at European Forum Alpbach
The theme of "The New Europe" is the focus of this year's European Forum Alpbach. One of the most prominent guests is Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During his appearance, he spoke about the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine and the future challenges for the European Union.
August 28, 2022
Meeting between French President Macron and IAEA Chief Grossi
French President Emmanuel Macron received the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. The meeting between the two dignitaries focused on the threat posed by Russia's war against Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities. Macron assured the IAEA Director General of France's support in the IAEA's upcoming mission to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.
August 28, 2022
Meeting between Austria's Chancellor Nehammer and Italy's Prime Minister Draghi in Merano Canceled
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the second South Tyrolean autonomy statute, the meeting between Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will not take place as planned.
August 25, 2022
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Causes a Stir with a Tweet About Russia and Putin
Former Foreign Minister and FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl, who danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018, caused a stir with a tweet about the Ukraine war. Kneissl, who was considered to have good connections to Russia, was even on the supervisory board of the Russian oil company Rosneft until May.
August 25, 2022
Climate Bonus and Anti-Inflation Bonus Come Earlier
The payment of the climate and anti-inflation bonus announced by the Austrian federal government will start in September. Because of inflation and the climate bonus, in 2022 all adults who have a main residence in Austria for at least six months will receive €500 and children €250, regardless of their citizenship and age.
August 25, 2022
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the European Forum Alpbach 2022
Through its work, the European Forum Alpbach also functions as an interactive, open think tank and a source of inspiration for Austrian politics. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is attending the European Forum Alpbach in Tyrol.
August 24, 2022
Islamic Religious Community in Austria Concerned about Attacks on Religious Places of Worship
The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) appeals to take crimes such as acts of vandalism and attacks against places of worship seriously.
August 23, 2022
Ars Electronica Festival 2022 on Art as a Theater of War
Together with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ars Electronica's "Welcome to Planet B" festival offers artists who are threatened, persecuted and oppressed because of the political dimension of their works a space on its online platform entitled "State of the ART(ist)".
August 23, 2022
French Investor Meridiam Establishes Joint Venture with Magenta Telekom for Glass Fiber Expansion in Austria
Magenta Telekom and French investor Meridiam have agreed to establish a strategic partnership for Austria's largest private fiber expansion initiative. By 2030, the companies will invest 1 billion Euros in the roll-out of more than 650,000 new high-speed Internet connections for households and businesses.
August 23, 2022
Low Satisfaction with Democracy in Austria
According to a survey called Democracy Radar by the Austrian Democracy Lab (ADL) of Danube University Krems and the University of Graz, Austrians' satisfaction with their democracy remains low. According to the ADL, only 61 percent of respondents believe that democracy in Austria functions very well or rather well.
August 22, 2022
Exhibition of the Biographies of Ukrainian Women in the House of Austrian History
The House of Austrian History (hdgö) presents the exhibition "My Voice Means Something", starting August 23. It focuses on the biographies of twelve Ukrainian women and their different ways of dealing with Russia's invasion.
August 22, 2022
Vienna Increases Fees for Public Services
The City of Vienna increases the fees for water, sewage, waste disposal as well as the prices of parking tickets. The adjustment of tariffs for municipal services is made in Vienna based on the applicable valorization law.
August 18, 2022
University of Vienna Hosts 13th International Finnougrist Congress
From August 21 to 26, 2022, the 13th International Finnougrist Congress, or CIFU (Congressus Internationalis Fenno-Ugristarum), will be held at the University of Vienna. It is the most important international event of Finno-Ugristics. More than 300 scholars from 19 countries will exchange ideas on current topics from linguistics to literature and cultural studies.
August 17, 2022
Austria's Gas Storage Facilities Almost 60 Percent Full
As a result of the war in Ukraine, contingency plans are being put in place in Europe, as well as in Austria, to secure gas supplies. Gas storage facilities in Austria are 59.83 percent full. This means that a total of 57.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas is stored in domestic storage facilities.
August 17, 2022
Forest Fires in Bordeaux: European Community Supports French Fire Brigade
Devastating forest fires keep France at bay. After it seemed impossible to cope with the disaster on its own, the European Community was asked to help. Many states helped, including Austria.
August 17, 2022
Real Wage Loss in Austria This Year Significantly Above EU Average
Austria will have to reckon with heavy losses in real wages in the future. This was the result of a recently published analysis, which predicted that Austria would occupy one of the weakest positions in the EU. Read on if you want to know how much money will be left over from your income in the future.
August 10, 2022
Increase in Cases of Stolen U.S. Passports on Cross-Border Train Trips from Vienna
There is an increasing number of thefts of passports and other important and valuable items during train journeys, especially between Vienna-Budapest and Vienna-Prague.
August 9, 2022
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the French Embassy Building in Vienna
The French Embassy in Vienna is located in a palace on Schwarzenbergplatz and is considered unique worldwide with its "Art Nouveau" style. The beautiful building can look back on a history of over 100 years. Learn more about this historical building.
August 9, 2022
Forgotten Russian Attack on Georgia: 14 Years After the August War
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War was a military conflict in the South Caucasus between Georgia on the one side and Russia and the internationally unrecognized Russian-backed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on the other. The Caucasus conflict had a major impact on the relationship between the EU and the USA and Russia. At the time, Russia seized the breakaway Georgian republics. 14 years later, Russia has attacked Ukraine and may have similar goals.
August 8, 2022
Conference in Salzburg of European Women Leaders
The conference "The Next Generation is Female" in Salzburg served as the starting point for a new dialogue platform for top European women politicians. The potential and perspectives of women in top politics are to be taken into account.
August 7, 2022
Virtual Economic Forum between Tunisia and Austria
A Virtual Economic Forum titled "Tunisia & Austria - Promoting Business & Investment Cooperation", was held online by the Tunisian Embassy in Vienna and the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in collaboration with the Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA Tunisia).
August 7, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Parties Back at the Negotiating Table
The Iranian government, the U.S., and the European Union have resumed their months-long indirect negotiations over Tehran's tattered nuclear deal, despite international inspectors confirming the Iranian regime has begun expanding uranium enrichment.
August 4, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Iranian Delegation Heads to Vienna
An Iranian delegation is set to leave for Vienna for a continuation of nuclear negotiations. Chief negotiator Ali Bagheri and his team will set off within the next few hours, the Iranian government announced today.
August 3, 2022
FIFA and UNODC Against Match-Fixing in Football
For the first time, FIFA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have conducted a joint international training program to support FIFA's 211 member associations in the fight against match-fixing in football.
August 3, 2022
Commemoration of the Genocides of Sinti and Roma
In Europe, the Nazis slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Sinti and Roma people. Prominent Austrian politicians, like Alexander Van der Bellen and Michael Ludwig, attended the commemoration of the Roma Holocaust Memorial Day. The OSCE also declared the importance of this day and commemorated the victims.
August 2, 2022
Global Peace Index: Austria Achieves Top Ranking
A global peace index is published every year by the Institute for Economics & Peace. The index evaluates the state of peace around the world and identifies the countries whose peace is highest and lowest. Austria achieved a top result this year. See which countries have the most peaceful climate below!
August 2, 2022
UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York
The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.
August 1, 2022
ICMPD and Austrian Ministry of Interior Host Event for Joint Project "MIGRATION.DIGITAL.PEDAGOGY"
Representatives of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the University College of Teacher Education Lower Austria (PH NÖ) met to discuss the results of the joint project 'MIGRATION.DIGITAL.PEDAGOGY'.
July 31, 2022
Integration Ministers Discuss Refugees from Ukraine
The integration ministers of the European Union met for the "European Integration Conference" at Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The EU ministers and state secretaries for integration were invited, as well as international organizations that work on migration issues.
July 31, 2022
Human Rights in Russia: Third Appeal to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Since the Outbreak of War in Ukraine
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism was recently requested by 38 states, including Austria, to appoint an OSCE expert to review the human rights situation in Russia. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the Moscow Mechanism has already been contacted three times.
July 29, 2022
Foreigners in Austria: More Than a Quarter of the Austrian Population Has a Migration Background
A new study by Statistics Austria analysed the countries of origin of Austrians and found that more than a quarter of the Austrian population has a migration background. If you want to know where most foreigners in Austria come from and how much the proportion has increased in recent years, read on.
July 28, 2022
