Newsletter: Vienna International News

Austria Confirms Brussels Budget Negotiations and Resilience of International Partnerships

Over the past few days, Austria has been at the center of European attention in several respects. While Finance Minister Gunter Mayr presented a new budget path in Brussels, interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg focused on strengthening international relations during his inaugural visit to the EU. Both developments are crucial for Austria's role within the European Union.

Alexander Schallenberg Takes Over the Chancellery and Focuses on Continuity

Following the resignation of Karl Nehammer on January 10, 2025, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has entrusted the previous Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg with the continuation of the business of the Federal Chancellery and the chairmanship of the provisional Federal Government. Schallenberg, who already served as Chancellor from October to December 2021, will remain Foreign Minister. He sees his new role as a responsibility to ensure stability in a difficult political phase and to lead the country until a new government is formed.

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.

Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD

The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.