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

Forum Alpbach: Reaffirming the Importance of the Conference on the Future of Europe

The EU ministers from five member states signed the "Alpbach Declaration on the Future of Europe" at the European Forum Alpbach. The five ministers were Judit Varga from Hungary, Thomas Byrne from Ireland, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis from Greece, Juan González-Barba from Spain, and Karoline Edtstadler from Austria. The declaration highlights the necessity for cooperation and dialogue to ensure that the EU has a successful future.

September 7, 2021

Merkel Receives Kurz: Connected Through a Multitude of Relationships

German Chancellor Angela Merkel received Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the German Federal Chancellery in Berlin. In addition to a discussion of the issues Germany and Austria are currently dealing with, such as Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting also served as Kurz’s farewell to the German Chancellor, who is leaving office after 16 years.

September 1, 2021

Wirecard Scandal: Marsalek Confidant Arrested in Singapore

A close confidant of the Austrian-born former Wirecard board member Jan Marsalek, who is wanted on an international arrest warrant, has been arrested in Singapore. Briton Henry O'Sullivan is considered a close confidant of Marsalek and plays an alleged key figure in the multi-billion Wirecard fraud scandal.

September 1, 2021

Free PCR Gurgle Tests on Nightjet Trains to Vienna

On all Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet trains to Vienna, passengers can now get free PCR gurgle test kits from the staff on board to get tested for Coronavirus.

September 1, 2021

Afghanistan: Austria Discusses Aid with Neighboring States Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan

To discuss cooperation and support on the situation in Afghanistan, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer initiated a joint video conference with Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as three European countries, Germany, Denmark, and Greece. The focus of the conversation with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries was on security, migration, and humanitarian aid.

August 31, 2021

17,000 Descendants of Nazi Victims Demand Austrian Citizenship

In the one year since the change in the Citizenship Act allowed the descendants of victims of Nazi persecution the right to Austrian citizenship, the Vienna Municipal Department 35 (MA 35) has received nearly 17,000 applications. Around 10,000 of these applications still need to be processed. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the President of the Jewish Community Oskar Deutsch reflected on the program on its one-year anniversary.

August 31, 2021

The Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Austria-Liechtenstein Turns 100 Years Old

The Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Austria-Liechtenstein or Handelskammer Schweiz-Österreich-Liechtenstein (HKSÖL) has supported economic relations between the countries for 100 years. They provide professional assistance to companies in these countries and Central and Eastern Europe. The HKSÖL has facilitated a particularly successful economic relationship between Austria and Switzerland. Read more about what the HKSÖL does and the Austro-Swiss economic relationship.

August 27, 2021

Van der Bellen Appeals for the Acceptance of Afghans

In his speech at the opening of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen appealed for the acceptance of refugees from Afghanistan. Despite Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's concerns about accepting refugees, the president argued that there is a legal, moral and political obligation for the EU to offer protection to those forced to leave their country.

August 25, 2021

Switzerland and Austria Step Up Fight Against Illegal Migration

Swiss Justice and Police Minister Karin Maria Keller-Sutter met Interior Minister Karl Nehammer to discuss the current developments in Afghanistan as well as Switzerland's accession to the migration platform.

August 23, 2021

Woom to Double Workforce by 2022: Merging European and US Operations

The Austrian children's bicycle manufacturer woom has merged its operations in Europe and the USA. The company is also expected to double its workforce by 2022, creating more jobs in the manufacturing industry. Read more about woom and its recent merger.

August 20, 2021

City Diplomacy: What Connects the German-Speaking Capitals Berlin, Bern and Vienna

Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried, and Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig met in Vienna to exchange experiences and learn from each other. The three mayors drew up a joint declaration that addressed climate change, affordable housing, economic resiliency from the COVID-19 pandemic, and democracy and the rule of law.

August 19, 2021

UN Peacekeeping: Praise for Austrian Women and Men

The United Nations thanked Austria for its support in peacekeeping operations and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed around the world under the flag of the United Nations.

August 13, 2021

Sports and Diplomacy: Austria Accedes to the Saint-Denis Convention

Austria has become the 21st country to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer explains that this agreement will help to create a safer environment for fans to enjoy sporting events.

August 12, 2021

Permanent Representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents his Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Götz Schmidt-Bremme, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

August 10, 2021

Austrian Airlines: Tourist Destinations in the Mediterranean Region Pilot Airline in the Right Direction

With a focus on destinations in the Mediterranean region, Austrian Airlines’ summer flight schedule gave the company an important upward boost. Also, AUA’s flights from the US destinations New York, Washington and Chicago to Vienna were well booked. But what will become of the coming fall/winter season?

August 6, 2021

Real Estate: Property Becoming Increasingly Expensive in Austria

Real Estate prices continue to rise in Austria despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While the property market is becoming increasingly expensive, rents in Vienna remain fairly affordable. Learn the new cost of buying property in Austria and how it compares with the rest of Europe.

August 5, 2021

Emergency Aid for Tunisia: Austria Delivers 50,000 Vaccines

Tunisia is receiving 50,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for COVID-19 from Austria. This comes as Tunisia is suffering heavily from the pandemic and has requested assistance.

August 3, 2021

High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Farewelled by Austria

The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, has left his position. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg praised him for his many years of service and his support of the Western Balkans in a farewell statement.

August 2, 2021

Danube Limes to Become a World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has decided to include a section of the Danube Limes located in present-day Austria, Bavaria and Slovakia in the list of World Heritage Sites under the name Frontiers of the Roman Empire - Danube Limes (Western Segment).

August 1, 2021 · Updated: August 2, 2021; 09:38

Peace in Hard Times: Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony

After canceling the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony 2020 was recently held in Baden. The Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony 2021 will be held later this year. These awards honor the images that best capture the theme of peace each year. Read about the ceremony and who won the awards for 2020.

July 30, 2021

New Ambassador of Niger to Austria Presents Credentials

The new Ambassador of Niger to Austria, Mr. Laouali Labo, presented his credentials to the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

July 21, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules

Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.

July 20, 2021

Von der Leyen and King Philippe Meet with Van der Bellen in Brussels

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's King Philippe each met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on his latest trip to Brussels. Climate change was a key topic of discussion. Read what Van der Bellen had to say about it.

July 20, 2021

At Summit With Merkel, Kurz Reaffirms Support for Western Balkan EU Accession

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and other leaders for the Western Balkans Summit. Kurz expressed his full support for the six Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Read what he said.

July 15, 2021

Latest Travel Restrictions Between the United Kindom and Austria

There are still travel warnings regarding travel between the United Kingdom and Austria due to the spread of COVID-19 variants. Germany and some other EU countries are loosening restrictions on vaccinated Britons, but travelers should still expect to quarantine when traveling from Austria to the UK. Learn more about the latest travel restrictions between the two countries.

July 12, 2021

Swedish Foreign Minister Meets with Schallenberg in Vienna

The Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde came to Vienna to meet her Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg and visit the Vienna headquarters of the OSCE. Read more about her trip below.

June 30, 2021

German-Speaking Heads of State: "Possibility of More Sustainable and Resilient Era"

The heads of state of German-speaking countries met in Germany to discuss social cohesion after the Covid-19 pandemic and using the pandemic to move into a "more sustainable and resilient era". Read more about the meeting below.

June 30, 2021

Austrian-Based EU Strategy for the Danube Region Celebrates Anniversary

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region celebrates its 10th anniversary by highlighting its importance and contribution to Europe. 14 countries with a population of around 115 million people make up one of the strongest economic forces on the European continent.

June 29, 2021

Austria Eases Entry for USA and Serbia

U.S. citizens, Serbs and citizens from nine other countries can enter Austria again. These countries have been added to the list, where only a 3-G proof (vaccinated, tested, recovered) is necessary for entering Austria. Read more about other travel updates below.

June 23, 2021

Malta and Austria Demand Peace for Libya

At a bilateral meeting between the Maltese Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Malta, both politicians spoke out in favor of increased support for the Libyan population that has long suffered from the hostile situation in the North African country.

June 15, 2021

Switzerland and Austria Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

Switzerland and Austria enter in an era of even greater cooperation. The Swiss Foreign Minister, Ignazio Cassis, and his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg, have signed a strategic partnership agreement.

June 14, 2021

Van der Bellen in Italy: "The Pandemic Can be Considered Overcome"

On his visit to Rome and the Vatican, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella are optimistic that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, can be considered overcome.

June 8, 2021

International Nightjet Connections to Vienna Back in Service: Now Also Amsterdam

Effective immediately, the Nightjets of Austrian Railways (ÖBB - Österreichische Bundesbahnen) are once again in operation. In addition to the 18 known night train connections, for the first time there is also a daily night train from Amsterdam via Linz to Vienna or via Munich to Innsbruck. Paris and Strasbourg are being planned.

May 31, 2021

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