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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
French Art History Festival: Austrian Cultural Diplomacy on Display
Austria was the guest country at this year's renowned “Festival of Art History,” which attracted up to 10,000 visitors and took place at the Palace of Fontainebleau, around 70 km south of Paris. The importance of cultural diplomacy for Austria was once again emphasized.
June 10, 2025
Susanne Raab Elected as New Director General of ICMPD
Representatives of the 21 ICMPD member states have elected Susanne Raab, a former ÖVP Integration Minister, in Stockholm to succeed Director General Michael Spindelegger, who is stepping down at the end of the year. This means that after nearly 10 years, the organization in Vienna will have new leadership, albeit Austrian once again.
June 7, 2025
ICMPD and Ireland Intensify Cooperation on Migration Policy
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Ireland have further deepened their cooperation in the field of migration policy. During an official visit, ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy to discuss common priorities.
June 3, 2025
EU and UK Ambassadors to Austria Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
At the first EU-UK summit since Brexit in London, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a comprehensive security and defense partnership. The meeting focused on joint support for Ukraine, and the respective ambassadors in Vienna proudly announced this partnership in Austria as well.
May 29, 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
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Spain Ends Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation: Focus on Dialogue and Rule of Law
Spain ended its chairmanship under the most difficult of circumstances. When Spain took over the chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in January, the security situation in Europe was more tense than ever. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has now been raging for more than three years, trust between states is crumbling, military threats are increasing, and many international forums appear paralysed.
May 12, 2025
Swiss Defense Minister Pfister at TRIAS25 in Austria
With his first official visit abroad, the new Swiss Minister of Defense, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, sent a clear signal for intensified military partnership. He met his Austrian counterpart, Klaudia Tanner, at the Allentsteig military training area as part of the multinational exercise “TRIAS25”.
May 12, 2025
Joint European Police Raids on Benko in Austria, Italy, and Germany
In one of the largest cross-border raids in recent years, an international team of investigators has taken action against the imprisoned former real estate mogul René Benko and his Signa empire. Officials from Austria, Germany, and Italy simultaneously searched dozens of properties - including the Tyrol department store in Innsbruck, the Signa headquarters in Vienna's Palais Ferstel, and several warehouses and foundation offices.
May 7, 2025
EU Commission Initiates Several Infringement Proceedings Against Austria
The European Commission has initiated a series of infringement proceedings against Austria. Brussels sees considerable omissions in several areas - from customs and labor law to environmental law. Particularly explosive is a complaint before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) due to a far-reaching dispute of competence in the Danube Commission, which is steeped in tradition. Austria is therefore facing a wide range of accusations under European law.
May 7, 2025
OSCE Conference in Vienna: Joint Strategies for Climate Security and Resilience
Under the motto “Resilient Together in a Changing Climate”, over 140 representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, partner countries, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Vienna. The event was organized as part of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship 2025 and was dedicated to strengthening resilience to the security challenges posed by climate change.
May 5, 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
The Western Balkan Mafia and its Operations: Vienna's Most Dangerous Shadow War
It is a hidden war that has long since left its mark in the heart of Vienna: The merciless power struggle between the Kavač and Škaljari clans, two of the most powerful drug cartels in Europe, is shaking not only their home country of Montenegro but also Austria and the rest of the world. One of Europe's most wanted criminals from these cartels has vanished into thin air. Austria is determined to track him down.
April 28, 2025
Pope Francis Deceased: Expressions of Grief From Austria
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the Vatican confirmed, the Holy Father succumbed to the consequences of a stroke. The world is mourning the loss of a head of the Church who championed social justice, interreligious dialogue, and a church of closeness like no other. Many voices of grief and condolences have also been heard from Austria.
April 21, 2025
Tri-national Military Exercise in Austrian Allentsteig with Almost 1,000 Swiss Soldiers
The multinational military exercise “TRIAS25” began at the Allentsteig military training area in Lower Austria. Around 1,300 soldiers from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria will be training together until May 9. The exercise aims to strengthen the interoperability of the armed forces and test new operational concepts.
April 15, 2025
Voices from Vienna Against Republika Srpska Leaders Amid Constitutional Crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Austria and Germany have imposed targeted travel bans against three high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska (RS) – including RS President Milorad Dodik – accusing them of endangering the constitutional integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Meanwhile, the OSCE condemned legislative and institutional moves undermining BiH’s sovereignty and legal structure as well as assuring the organization's support for stability in the region.
April 9, 2025
René Benko Remains in Pre-Trial Custody: Investigations Against Signa Founder Widen
The Regional Court for Criminal Matters in Vienna has extended the pre-trial detention of Austrian real estate entrepreneur René Benko by a further two months. The court cited the continuing danger of the offense as the reason for this.
April 7, 2025
Strengthening Neighbourly Ties: Swiss Ignazio Cassis Receives Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger
Despite a time of increasing geopolitical challenges, the traditional neighborly dialogue between Switzerland and Austria is gaining importance. Against this backdrop, a bilateral working meeting took place in Bern between Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and her Swiss counterpart, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The meeting aimed to deepen existing relations and discuss joint solutions for current political and security policy issues.
April 6, 2025
French Ambassador Matthieu Peyraud Meets Sociologist Michel Wieviorka
The French Ambassador to Austria, Matthieu Peyraud, met the renowned sociologist Michel Wieviorka in the run-up to the 33rd Jewish Film Festival Vienna. Wieviorka, known for his extensive research on anti-Semitism, racism, and terrorism, gave a lecture on “Combating anti-Semitism among young teachers and students” at the festival opening.
April 2, 2025
Visit to Kyiv by Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a clear message of support. There, she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking government representatives to reaffirm Austria's solidarity and diplomatic long-term support in the fight against the Russian war of aggression.
March 17, 2025
Austria Plans Decision on Long-Range Missile Defense by 2028
The Austrian government has set itself the goal of making a decision on the acquisition of a long-range air defense system by 2028.
March 14, 2025
Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy
The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.
March 12, 2025
German Warning Strikes also Affect Air Traffic in Austria
A day-long warning strike at the most important German airports will not only bring air traffic in Germany to a standstill but will also have a significant impact on Austria. The German trade union ver.di has called for work stoppages at a total of 13 airports, including Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg and Leipzig-Halle. Public service and ground handling employees are affected.
March 9, 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
German Election and AfD in the Wake of a Donation Scandal from Austria
The German parliamentary elections are approaching, and yet another donation scandal is rocking the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The focus is on millions of euros that are said to have flowed from Austria - in some cases in a questionable manner. While the Austrian authorities are investigating the suspicion of money laundering, the question arises as to what extent actors from the Alpine country are influencing the German election campaign.
February 19, 2025
Brunner Meets Meloni: Talks on Returns and Asylum Centers in Albania
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) has met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome for an intensive exchange on current migration issues. It was Brunner's first visit to Italy since his appointment as EU Commissioner for Migration.
February 19, 2025
OSCE Special Representative Visits Moldova for the Settlement Process of the Transnistrian Conflict
The OSCE Chairmanship's Special Representative for the Transnistria Conflict, Ambassador Thomas Lenk, has made his first official visit to the Republic of Moldova. The visit aimed to assess the current status of the Transnistria conflict resolution process and to promote dialog and confidence-building measures between the parties to the conflict.
February 16, 2025
Failure of the Coalition Negotiations Between the FPÖ and ÖVP: Relieving Reactions and a Sobering Outlook
The coalition negotiations between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) have failed. Following a meeting with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced that he had resigned from the government. The main point of contention was the distribution of ministries, particularly the interior and finance portfolios, which both parties claimed for themselves.
February 13, 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
European Commission Sues Seven Member States Including Austria for Failure to Implement the NPL Directive
The European Commission has filed a complaint against Austria and six other EU Member States with the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The reason: these countries have not transposed the EU Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Directive into national law on time.
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
Chancellor and Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met with "Friends of the Western Balkans" Group and Prime Minister Meloni in Rome
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed Austria's commitment to regional stability and European unity during meetings in Rome. Engaging with both the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Schallenberg emphasized the strategic importance of EU enlargement and the necessity of fostering robust bilateral relations with key European partners.
February 10, 2025
Minister and Chancellor Schallenberg Met with his Luxembourgian Counterpart
Austria and Luxembourg have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a rule-based international order. This was the central theme of a recent bilateral meeting between Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel in Vienna. The discussions underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation in addressing pressing global issues.
February 6, 2025
Austria and Liechtenstein Take Over EUSALP Chairmanship
In 2025, Austria and Liechtenstein have taken on the co-chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), a framework that fosters cross-border cooperation among seven countries and 48 regions. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and resilience, this initiative aims to ensure that the Alpine region remains a thriving and livable space for future generations.
February 5, 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
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu Completed First Official Visits
Türkiye's top diplomat, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). He will take office at the beginning of 2025 and will lead the world's largest regional security organization during a time of global crises and geopolitical tensions. The unanimous election of the 57 OSCE member states underlines the international trust in his many years of experience and diplomatic expertise.
January 29, 2025
Ex-ÖBB Boss Christian Kern Criticizes German Railways: “It Will Never Work Out Like This”
The ongoing problems at Deutsche Bahn (DB) are again causing sharp criticism. This time, the former head of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and former Chancellor of Austria, Christian Kern, is unusually outspoken about the situation of the German state-owned company.
January 29, 2025
Bitpanda Receives EU-Wide MiCAR License and Plans Further Growth
The Viennese crypto platform Bitpanda is one of the first companies to receive the coveted MiCAR license. This license, issued by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), has been fully valid since January 2025 and enables crypto service providers to operate their business within the European Union under a uniform legal framework.
January 27, 2025
Talks Between Austria and the Taliban on Deportations to Afghanistan
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has held talks at the official level with representatives of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to explore the possibility of returning rejected asylum seekers. A delegation consisting of two high-ranking officials from the ministry was in the Afghan capital Kabul for this purpose.
January 24, 2025
Rene Benko Arrested: From “Wunderwuzzi” to the Protagonist of a Billion-Dollar Scandal
Rene Benko, once a celebrated real estate entrepreneur and founder of the Signa Group, was arrested at his villa in Innsbruck. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) in Vienna justified the arrest warrant because of the risk of concealment and the commission of a crime. Benko is suspected of concealing assets and manipulating evidence. His arrest marks the climax of one of the biggest business scandals in Austrian history.
January 24, 2025
Meet the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Austria
Matthieu Peyraud, France's Ambassador presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. Meet Matthieu Peyraud the ambassador of the French Republic to Austria.
January 21, 2025
Austria Signs Letter of Intent for Southern Hydrogen Corridor
In a pioneering initiative, Austria, Italy, Germany, Algeria, and Tunisia signed a declaration of intent for the construction of the “SouthH2 Corridor” in Rome today. This pioneering infrastructure project will transport green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe over a distance of 3,300 kilometers and make the continent's energy supply more sustainable and independent.
January 21, 2025
Racetrack Magna Racino: A New Owner and an Uncertain Future
The Magna Racino in Ebreichsdorf (Baden district) has once again changed ownership. As confirmed by the town's mayor, Wolfgang Kocevar (SPÖ) the horse racing track now belongs to Irish billionaire Luke Comer. Comer purchased the property from the Lürßen Group, which had owned it since 2020. While the purchase price and the new owner's plans remain undisclosed, the public and local authorities are eagerly awaiting further developments in the coming months.
January 16, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Travels to Helsinki for His First Official Visit
The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, is expected to make his first official visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki on 16 January 2025. The visit marks an important stage in his still young term of office, which he took up in December 2024. In addition to talks with high-ranking Finnish politicians and diplomats, the focus will be on security policy issues, which are urgent in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
January 15, 2025
Viennese Woman Kidnapped in Niger: Unclear Situation and Intensive Efforts for Clarification
Following the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Viennese woman in Niger, there are still no clues as to her whereabouts or the identity of the kidnappers. The Austrian Foreign Ministry confirmed the events and stated that the crisis team coordinated the investigation. A representative of the Austrian embassy in Algiers, which is responsible for Niger, is already on her way to the West African country to help on the ground.
January 13, 2025
Belarus Refuses OSCE Election Observation: International Concern Grows
The Belarusian government's decision not to invite the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to observe the upcoming presidential elections on 26 January has caused international criticism and concern. The OSCE, in particular the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), strongly condemned this step and warned of the consequences for the country's democratic development.
January 9, 2025
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
Energy Partnership: Uniper Secures Natural Gas Supplies from OMV Petrom from 2027
According to insider information, the German energy group Uniper has concluded a long-term supply agreement with the Romanian OMV subsidiary OMV Petrom. From 2027, Uniper will purchase natural gas from Romania, extracted from the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. The agreement covers the supply of 15 terawatt hours of natural gas over five years. This corresponds to around 1.5 percent of total German gas imports in 2024.
January 7, 2025
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support
In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.
January 2, 2025
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