Sponsored Content
Latest News


FPÖ-Russia Relations After a Year of War in Ukraine

Traditionally close to the Kremlin, Austria's Freedom Party is currently part of a thriller in parliament. Its party finances and any contracts with the Russian party United Russia are still not largely known, even after a year of war in Ukraine.
February 22, 2023


Another Austrian Chancellor's Trip to Putin is no Taboo for Foreign Minister Schallenberg

After Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer made a trip to Vladimir Putin shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a renewed trip to the Russian ruler after a year of the war is again under discussion. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg does not rule out another trip to Moscow by Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
February 22, 2023


Young Austrians Invited to Attend Paris Internet Conference as WSA Experts by UNESCO

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is holding a consultation on Internet content on February 22-23. Young social media activists from Austria are invited as World Summit Award (WSA) experts.
February 21, 2023


Essl Foundation and UN in Vienna Mark 10 Years of Partnership

In 2013, the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Essl Foundation formed a partnership to achieve the UN's commitment to building a better world for people with disabilities. A partnership of 10 years between the United Nations in Vienna and the Essl Foundation has resulted in significant achievements for disability inclusion.
February 21, 2023


Austrian Citizen Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years Prison in Iran

An Austrian citizen was sentenced to seven and a half years in Iran for alleged espionage against the Iranian government. This was the third case of allegations of this kind against Austrian citizens.
February 21, 2023


Minister Edtstadler Defends Visa Exemptions for Russians

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has defended Austria’s decision to grant visas to the Russian Delegation amidst the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.
February 21, 2023


Technology Start-ups from Israel and Vienna Meet at a Conference

The consulting and tech company weXelerate will organize a conference to bring together the technological fields of Israel and Vienna. The conference will expect mostly Jewish young professionals and give them a platform.
February 20, 2023


Journalists' Associations Against Exclusion of Media at OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

In response to plans by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that media representatives would not be permitted to attend the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) at the Hofburg in Vienna, the Association of European Journalists (AEJ) and the Association of Foreign Press in Vienna objected.
February 20, 2023


Who Were the Four Expelled Austrian Diplomats in Moscow?

The expulsion of the Austrian diplomats, who must leave Russia, will lead to a significant reduction in embassy staff. But what positions did the diplomats hold?
February 20, 2023


Chancellor Nehammer Discussed Migration Issues With the Spanish Prime Minister in Vienna

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Vienna. He mentioned the Spanish expertise in terms of external border control. On the same day, he also met with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo.
February 20, 2023


Finnish Prime Minister Marin Visited Vienna

The Finnish head of government Sanna Marin visited Vienna for the first time for working talks and was received by Chancellor Karl Nehammer and President Alexander Van der Bellen. Finland and Austria share enough interests, but not the status of neutrality.
February 20, 2023


Minister Schallenberg Promoted Dialogue at Munich Security Conference

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the 59th Munich Security Conference. He met with several counterparts and he emphasized the importance of communication in these difficult times.
February 19, 2023


Wien Energie and Wiener Linien Continue Photovoltaic Offensive

Exactly 1,369 photovoltaic modules will make Vienna's public transport even greener with immediate effect, as part of the City of Vienna's plan to drive forward climate-friendly energy policies.
February 19, 2023


30 Years of EU Single Market: Austria’s Advantages are Apparent

30 Years of the EU Single Market have had a positive influence on Austria’s economy. This is shown by the reports of the Ministry of Labor and Economy and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO).
February 18, 2023


Raiffeisen Probed by U.S. Sanctions Authority

Raiffeisen Bank International, an Austrian lender that plays a critical role in the Russian economy, is under investigation by the US sanctions authority over its Russia-related business.
February 18, 2023


Ukraine Wants to Boycott OSCE-Meeting Because of Russian Delegation

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is not going through its best times. Especially Austria’s role in it. After many countries sent an open letter to Austria to disinvite the Russian delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly, countries are now boycotting the meeting.
February 16, 2023


Moscow Expels Four Austrian Diplomats from Russia

Russia has announced that it will expel four Austrian diplomats. In addition to the expulsion of the Austrian diplomats, the Austrian ambassador in Moscow, Werner Almhofer, was also cited to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This comes as a kind of retaliation after Vienna itself expelled four Russian diplomats a few weeks ago.
February 16, 2023


New Year’s Reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Austrian Presidential Chancellory

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen hosted the New Year's reception for the Diplomatic Corps in the Ceremonial Hall of the Vienna Hofburg. Van der Bellen used his speech to clarify Austria's diplomatic goals and Austrian Neutrality.
February 16, 2023


Austrian Security Policy Handbook Presented in Japan

To increase knowledge of the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) and thus lay the groundwork for cooperation, the Austrian Common Security and Defense Policy Handbook was translated into several Asian languages. This handbook has now been presented in Japan.
February 15, 2023


Austria Celebrates 2023 Anniversary Year to the Preservation of Historical Monuments

In 1923, the Austrian Monument Protection Act was passed by the National Council. In the anniversary year 2023, the Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments invites you to a series of events throughout Austria that present the diversity and variety of Austrian monuments and the people behind them.
February 15, 2023


Migrant Smugglers Got Caught in Vienna

Police officers from the Schwechat police and the Vienna police, in cooperation with the Vienna public prosecutor's office, managed to track down and break up a group of Indian smugglers.
February 14, 2023


OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani Visits Moldova

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani visited Moldova. The country needs the support of the OSCE as it could be next on Russia’s list after Ukraine.
February 14, 2023


Japanese Embassy in Vienna Organized Reception On the Occasion of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor

A reception was held at the Ambassador's Residence on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's birthday. This was the first national holiday reception in three years after the Corona-related cancellation. About 250 guests attended, among them former Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer as the guest of honor. Additionally, it was exciting for diplomacy that Ambassador Ryuta used his speech at the reception to outline Japan's foreign policy goals.
February 14, 2023


Vienna Media Art Festival CIVA 2023 Goes Into its Last Round

The Viennese media art festival "Contemporary Immersive Virtual Art" (CIVA) will enter its third and last round from February 17 to 26. Under the title "Intangible Care", this year's ten-day event will be dedicated to our psyche, with free admission.
February 14, 2023


Markus Braun Denies Any Acknowledgment in the Wirecard Trial

The Austrian businessman Markus Braun is the main defendant in the whole Wirecard-Scandal. Now he testified for the first time in court. He denied any acknowledgment of alleged crime in the company, which contradicted the testimonials of key witness Oliver Bellenhaus.
February 13, 2023


Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Criticized Austria

Russia's Ambassador to Vienna Dmitry Lyubinsky detects an erosion of Austria's neutrality status and sees a "huge minus sign" in front of Russian-Austrian relations. However, Lyubinsky also spoke of maintaining contacts with influential people in Austria.
February 13, 2023


Ministers of German Speaking Countries in Vienna

The economic ministers of the German-speaking countries, namely from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein met in Vienna to discuss several economic measures from the past and for the future.
February 13, 2023


AACC and Vienna Economic Forum Signed a Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) to enhance mutual relations and strengthen cooperation.
February 13, 2023


Combating Human Trafficking and Money Laundering Discussions Occurred at the Ministry of Finance

The Austrian Ministry of Finance invited several experts on the human trafficking and money laundering issue. They discussed possible solutions to these problems and the ministry's help in it.
February 12, 2023


U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Received Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Washington, D.C., as a sign of the strong transatlantic partnership. In the first bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers, the two discussed cooperation on the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Western Balkans, the expansion of Austria's Strategic Partnership with the United States, and the Turkish earthquake disaster.
February 12, 2023


Federal Police Director Emphasizes Importance of EU External Border Protection

Austrian Federal Police Director Michael Takács took part in the “Effective Management of EU Borders” conference in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. The conference had two central themes: protecting EU external borders and combating smuggling.
February 12, 2023


Austria Wants to Accelerate the Integration of Displaced Persons into the Labor Market

The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF/AIF) want to accelerate the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. A letter will be sent to displaced persons encouraging them to contact ÖIF and AMS in order to find employment.
February 12, 2023


EU Is Planning the Withdrawal From the Energy Charter Treaty

The European Union wants to exit from the Energy Charter Treaty since the contract is not compatible with the energy transition. Austria is examining its exit from the treaty since November.
February 9, 2023


Chancellor Nehammer Emphasizes Migration Subject in the EU

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the EU summit has called for more financing for EU border protection. He also called for more control on irregular migration at EU level.
February 9, 2023


Embassy of Iran Organized a Reception for the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Slovakia, together with H.E. Mohsen Naziri Asl, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, hosted a reception at the Ambassador's Residence in Vienna.
February 9, 2023


Austria's Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Kogler Against Russia's and Belarus's Participation in the 2024 Olympics

Unlike the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC), Austria's Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler is strictly against Russia's and Belarus's participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. According to Kogler, "it is simply unacceptable for Ukrainian athletes to compete against Russian and Belarusian athletes in the fight for medals."
February 9, 2023


Austria Obligated to Grant Visas Says OSCE

The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has decided in a parliament assembly that Austria must grant visas to all visiting member states, including Russia. The visas for the Russian Delegation have caused quite some controversy in the last week however, the visa issues seem to be settled.
February 8, 2023


Chancellor Nehammer Threatens to Block Summit Declaration Because of Migration Issues

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has threatens to block a summit declaration of all EU heads of state. The reason for this is that the Chancellor is opinionated that the EU does not put enough work into the issue of migration.
February 8, 2023


Vienna Belvedere Hosts 34th World Tour Guide Day

The World Day of Tour Guides, which has been held annually since 1989, will take place in 2023 on February 17 and 19 in cooperation with the Belvedere. An extensive and free program will be offered on two days at all three locations of the Belvedere.
February 8, 2023


City of Vienna Seeks Community Communicators

Vienna is a city of many nations and the city is always trying to strengthen social cohesion and togetherness. More than 60 people are already active as community communicators in Vienna, volunteering their time to improve dialog and exchange between the City of Vienna and various immigrant groups. Now the project starts in the 2nd round.
February 7, 2023


Education Minister Polaschek Visited Sweden

Education Minister Martin Polaschek emphasized the importance of science on his visit to Sweden. He especially praised Swedish society for having such a high trust in science and is seeking some Swedish strategies to take them to Austria.
February 7, 2023


Minister Schallenberg Visits the USA

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the USA, where he will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Austria is a relevant geostrategic partner to the U.S. in many areas such as Western Balkan politics or the Ukraine subject.
February 7, 2023


Austria Supports Earthquake Victims in Turkish-Syrian Border Area

The devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria left devastation and over 6000 people dead. The search for survivors in the rubble continues, among other things with numerous international aid. Austria is also sending aid with 82 soldiers and 3 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) for relief organizations. NGOs in Vienna, meanwhile, are asking for monetary donations.
February 7, 2023


Austrian Government Considers Rent Cap

In consideration of a looming rent increase in April, the coalition parties Austrian Peoples Party (OEVP) and the Green Party are now also interested in a possible rent cap.
February 6, 2023


Schallenberg Defends his Stance Regarding the Russians

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has defended his position to allow the Russian delegation to enter the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by trying to keep a communication channel open.
February 6, 2023


Austria's Agriculture Minister Totschnig against Mercosur Agreement

Austria's Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig is against ratification of the Mercosur trade agreement. In his opinion, the agreement with South America would put domestic farm families and supplies under pressure.
February 6, 2023


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna

Holger Federico Martinsen, Argentina's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen, the new permanent representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna.
February 6, 2023


New Film Incentive Model in Austria: HBO Shoots New Series Project "The Palace" in Vienna

The Vienna Film Commission is now increasingly promoting international film and series productions in Vienna and Austria. A new film funding model has been in place for some time and has now brought the first international project to the city. The new series from HBO with Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet called "The Palace" had its shooting start in Vienna.
February 5, 2023


Slovak President Čaputová Received Austrian President Van der Bellen

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová received Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Bratislava. Among other things, they discussed further aid to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.
February 5, 2023


Austria’s Plan for Gradually Dropping COVID Mitigations

June 30 is going to be the date when all COVID-19 Measures Will Drop in Austria. Health Minister Johannes Rauch and Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler confirmed this in a press conference.
February 4, 2023