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

Liechtenstein's and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister in Vienna

The discussions between the two respective Foreign Ministers from Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan with Austria's Alexander Schallenberg focused on the bilateral relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

May 28, 2021

New Cargo Airline Relocates to Austria

Express service provider DHL Express is relocating a large part of its cargo airline from England to the Vienna area. The new cargo airline for the European market, based in Austria, is said to be a strong signal for the location.

May 26, 2021

Landing Ban for Flights from United Kingdom

Due to an increasing number of infection cases with the Indian mutation of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom, Austria has reintroduced a landing ban for airplanes coming directly from the UK.

May 25, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Iceland to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations (Vienna), Ms. Kristín A. Árnadóttir, presented her credentials to some of the international organizations in Vienna.

May 21, 2021

Germany and Austria: "Current Incidents Demand Actions Against Anti-Semitism"

Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has met with German Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble in Berlin to exchange views on the fight against anti-Semitism. Recent incidents had worried the German and Austrian politicians.

May 21, 2021

Berlin - Prague - Vienna: Plan of 4 Hour Rail Connection

Berlin to Prague to Vienna in four hours? A travel time that is now only possible via plane will become reality via a rail connection. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.

May 19, 2021

Vienna Embassies Show Solidarity on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Several Vienna Embassies marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT 2021) by expressing solidarity in a common statement. The French Embassy in Vienna released a video drawing particular attention to sexual discrimination in sports.

May 18, 2021 · Updated: May 18, 2021; 22:55

Italy Opens Border for Austria

Italy has opened its border for Austria and many other EU countries. Only a few days before Austria eases its entry regulations, the Italian government has decided to set the stage for inner-European travel.

May 18, 2021

UK and Austria Work on Post-Brexit Agreements

During his visit to London, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his British counterpart Dominic Raab and with Brexit Minister David Frost. Both the United Kingdom and Austria have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation.

May 18, 2021

Liberation of Concentration Camp: International Diplomatic Delegation Commemorates Anniversary

Due to COVID-19 restriction a limited delegation of political and diplomatic representatives gathered on Sunday in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp for the traditional commemoration of the 76th anniversary of its liberation while honoring the memory of the dead.

May 17, 2021 · Updated: May 17, 2021; 19:44

Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections

It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.

May 17, 2021

All You Wanted to Know About the German Embassy in Vienna

The rich history of the building(s) of the German Embassy in Vienna reflects both the history of Germany and its relationship with Austria.

May 10, 2021

Embassies in Vienna Celebrate End of World War II

76 years ago on May 8, World War II ended in Europe. Despite Covid restrictions, selected Viennese embassies held commemorative events.

May 9, 2021

Italian Interior Minister and Nehammer Agree on Cooporation Against Terrorism

The Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese visited her Austrian counterpart Karl Nehammer in Vienna to talk about migration and bilateral cooperation with regard to fighting terrorism and extremism.

May 5, 2021

Portugal and Austria Mutually Interested in "Green Passport"

Portugal's high-ranking politicians, including President Rebelo de Sousa and Foreign Minister Santos Silva, and Austria's National Council President Sobotka have held discussions about the European "Green Passport". What they had to say about the IPU Conference in Vienna and the Conference on the Future of Europe, can be read below.

May 4, 2021

Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World

Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.

April 30, 2021

Liechtenstein's Prime Minister Met Kurz and Blümel in Vienna

The new Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, Daniel Risch, came to Vienna for a working meeting with Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Finance Minister Gernot Blümel. On the agenda of the talks was the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular the border management, and digital taxes.

April 30, 2021

Edtstadler in Madrid and Lisbon: Talks About "Green Passport"

Austria's Federal Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has travelled to Spain and Portugal in order to discuss the fight against Covid-19, coordination in reconstruction and the "Green Passport". She demands an economic comeback that is characterized by green and digital transformation.

April 28, 2021

Batet Lamaña and Sobotka Discuss Spanish-Austrian Relations

The President of the Spanish Chamber of Deputies Meritxell Batet Lamaña and her Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka held a virtual exchange on Covid-19, the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism as well as numerous foreign policy issues.

April 20, 2021

Schallenberg Meets German-Speaking Foreign Ministers

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria met in Lugano, Switzerland, to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against the ongoing pandemic. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg pointed out that "sustainable, trusting and friendly cooperation" had been absolutely paramount during the crisis.

April 19, 2021

Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement

High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.

April 12, 2021

Austrian Airlines Resumes Operations with London and Tel Aviv

After the landing ban for passengers from the United Kingdom imposed by the Austrian government and the generally difficult air traffic situation with Israel in recent weeks, travel to London and Tel Aviv can now once again be offered by Austrian Airlines. Connections to China will, however, be suspended until April 9, 2021.

March 24, 2021

Border Controls Between Germany and Austria "Could Stop Soon"

The German Interior Minister Seehofer and Austria's Chancellor Kurz have met in Berlin to discuss the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The two politicians agree on the fact that due to a decrease of the South African variant of Covid-19 in Tyrol, border controls between Germany and Austria can be suspended in the near future.

March 19, 2021

Italian Secretary of State for Europe and Edtstadler Support "Green Passport"

Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler travelled to Rome to meet with some representatives of the Italian government. With her counterpart, the Italian Secretary of State for Europe Vincenzo Amendola, Edtstadler discussed the Europe-wide "Green Passport" for Covid-19 vaccinated, tested and recovered people.

March 19, 2021

Spanish Foreign Minister Visits Schallenberg

The Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya and Austria's Alexander Schallenberg met in Vienna to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, relations with the EU neighborhood as well as EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Both countries support the European Commission's suggestion of a "Green Passport" for vaccinated Europeans.

March 15, 2021

Czech, Slovakian, Portuguese, and Austrian Foreign Minister Demand EU Accession of Western Balkans

In a meeting of the Slavkov Trio, namely Foreign Minister from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria, and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, EU accession of the Western Balkans were discussed. Additionally, Portugal is currently heading the EU Council and the Portuguese Foreign Minister was therefore able to inform the three others about current issues.

March 10, 2021

Israel, Denmark and Austria Agree on Covid-19 Cooperation

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz agreed on establishing a joint research and development foundation as well as on vaccine production. Chancellor Kurz stressed the importance of global cooperation in the fight against Covid-19.

March 5, 2021

Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Spain, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Ghana, Argentina and Afghanistan

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the six newly accredited Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Ghana, the Argentine Republic and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.

March 4, 2021

Swiss President Visits Austria

The new Swiss President Guy Parmelin conducted his first trip abroad to meet with Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Vienna. The politicians discussed the Covid-19 situation in Europe, the Swiss relations with the EU and bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Austria.

March 4, 2021

British Speaker of House of Commons Meets Sobotka

The Speaker of the House of Commons in the British Parliament, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, met virtually with his Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka, to discuss the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other issues. The two politicians exchanged views and ideas on parliamentary security and the fight against anti-Semitism.

March 3, 2021

Austrian Minister for Economics Met German, Swiss and Liechtensteiner Counterpart

At the Quadrilateral Meeting between the Ministers of Economy from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the topics comprised the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on national and international economies, global trade policy and digitalization in Europe's single market system.

March 3, 2021

Austria's Culture Sector Met With German Scientists to Discuss Opening Steps

Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture Andrea Mayer and other representatives of the arts industry met with the authors of two German studies which concluded "that the risk of infection in the theater, cinema, opera or concert hall is a calculable one".

March 1, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 30 Senior Diplomatic Positions Worldwide

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) under the guidance of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has decided in today's meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (30) Austrian representative authorities - as follows.

February 24, 2021

Österreichisches Außenministerium: Neubesetzung von 30 Diplomatischen Leitungsfunktionen Weltweit

Das Österreichische Außenministerium (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) unter der Leitung von Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg hat in der heutigen Sitzung des Ministerrates die Neubesetzung von mehreren (30) österreichischen Vertretungsbehörden - wie folgt - beschlossen.

February 24, 2021

Edtstadler in Berlin: Demand for Unified European Approach Against Pandemic

Some of Germany's top politicians met with Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler in Berlin in order to discuss the joint fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and strategies against anti-Semitism. All the exchanges led to the conclusion that it is paramount to create unified approaches for testing and vaccines.

February 22, 2021

IAEA: Interim Solution Found in Nuclear Dispute with Iran

Director General Grossi Grossi traveled to Iran over the weekend to search for a way out of the recently escalated nuclear dispute. The counterparts agreed that Iran continues for up to 3 months to implement fully and without limitation its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA as before. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg also welcomes the fact that controls on Iran's nuclear program will continue for the time being.

February 22, 2021

Swedish and Austrian Integration Minister Discuss Political Islam

The Swedish Minister of Justice and Integration Morgan Johansson and his Austrian counterpart Susanne Raab met virutally to discuss the topics of extremism and political Islam. After the terror attack in Vienna in November 2020, Austria's Integration Minister has met several responsible minister from other countries in order to exchange views on possible counter-measures.

February 17, 2021

Germany Extends Entry Ban for Tyrol

The German government has decided to extend its entry ban for Tyrol until March 3, 2021. The German Health Minister Spahn sees this step as "necessary" in order to prevent the South African Covid-19 mutation from spreading in Germany. Austria's government and the EU Commission demand more coordination and dicussion.

February 16, 2021

Greek Foreign Minister Meets Edtstadler in Vienna

The Greek Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler met in Vienna to discuss the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Both ministers agreed that a uniform EU-wide vaccination certificate would be the key to mobility and travel within the European Union.

February 11, 2021

"Austria Endangers Germany's Successes with its Irresponsible Policy of Opening Up". Closed Borders Soon?

The opening policy and the pandemic in Austria, and especially in Tyrol makes Bavarian politicians nervous. The increased risk of infection from the British and South African mutation of the coronavirus has reignited the border security debate in the German state of Bavaria. Bavaria is therefore tightening its tone toward Austria, reinforcing border controls and threatening to close the border altogether.

February 9, 2021

Finnish Speaker of Parliament Met Sobotka

Anu Vehviläinen, the Finnish Speaker of Parliament since June 2020, and Wolfgang Sobotka, Austria's National Council President, met for the first time and discussed current issues, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, security of parliaments, the IPU World Conference and the accession negotiations with the Western Balkans.

February 9, 2021

Covid-19: Austria Offers Admission of Portuguese Patients

To alleviate the current health crisis in Portugal, Austria accepted to admit ten patients that will be treated in Vienna and other provinces. Due to the slightly improved situation in Austrian intensive care units, the Portuguese Covid-19 patients and other patients with serious illnesses will be transfered to hospital in Austria.

February 5, 2021

Swedish Digital Platform Sellpy Launches in Austria

The e-commerce platform for selling second-hand fashion has now also been launched in Austria, following Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany. As a result, Sellpy, which is part of the H&M Group, is now active in four countries.

February 3, 2021

Edtstadler in Paris: Meetings with Secretaries of State and Chief Rabbi

In order to discuss Covid-19 coordination and the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has traveled to Paris, France and met with, among others, Secretary of State for Europe Clément Beaune and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.

February 2, 2021

British in Vienna: First Residence Permit Handed Out

The first British citizen living in Vienna has received her approved residence permit. After the UK has left the EU on December 31, 2020, about 12,000 Britons living in Austria will need to apply for a residence title by the end of 2021. British Ambassador to Austria Leigh Turner is pleased by the processing of the Austrian officials so far.

February 1, 2021

"Ronaldo of Investment Banking" Becomes New CEO of Bank Austria Parent Company

The Board of Directors of UniCredit SpA, which owns 96.35% of Bank Austria, unanimously nominated "deal junkie" Andrea Orcel as designated CEO to replace the outgoing CEO, Jean Pierre Mustier.

January 31, 2021

New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps

Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.

January 29, 2021

EU Future Conference: Edtstadler Demands Action

At an an informal video conference of the EU's Ministers for European Affairs, Austria's responsible Minister, Karoline Edtstadler, once again demanded an early start of the EU Future Conference. Although the Covid-19 pandemic might have shown some strengths and weaknesses of the current EU, Edtstadler demands a clear path into the future of the Union.

January 25, 2021

Brexit: Austria to Receive EUR 16.8 Million to Cushion Impact

To alleviate the likely negative effects of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the European Commission has set up a reserve, from which EU member states will receive funding. Austria is entitled to EUR 16.8 million, while other member states, which have closer trade links to the leaving party, will receive more.

January 15, 2021

Brexit Agreement: Austria's Economy Significantly Better Off

The Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) has issued a study in which the effects of the post-Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union was compared to a no-deal scenario. The results of the study show that the Austrian economy be happy with the negotiated agreement.

January 14, 2021