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Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations in Vienna

Talal Alfassam, Kuwait's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Talal Alfassam, the new permanent representative of Kuwait to the International Organizations in Vienna.
August 29, 2022



IAEA Finally Sends Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power


After months of negotiations and back and forth, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine is finally setting off from Vienna. The mission itself is headed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Agency is proud of the diplomatic success.
August 29, 2022


Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Calls for EU-27 to Stand Together for European Electricity Price Cap

Given the sharp rise in energy prices, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is calling for a European electricity price cap to "finally" put a stop to "this madness that is currently taking place on the energy markets. According to Nehammer. this is only possible through a European solution.
August 29, 2022


High Representative Josep Borrell at European Forum Alpbach

The theme of "The New Europe" is the focus of this year's European Forum Alpbach. One of the most prominent guests is Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During his appearance, he spoke about the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine and the future challenges for the European Union.
August 28, 2022


Vienna Humanities Festival at Vienna City Hall Focusing on Threats to Democracy and War in Ukraine

In this year's Vienna Humanities Festival, the theme is "The Age of Uncertainty – Zeitenwende" which focuses on the war in Ukraine and the crisis of democracy. The 25 lectures and talks will take place from 27.9.- 2.10. at Vienna City Hall.
August 28, 2022


Meeting between French President Macron and IAEA Chief Grossi

French President Emmanuel Macron received the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. The meeting between the two dignitaries focused on the threat posed by Russia's war against Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities. Macron assured the IAEA Director General of France's support in the IAEA's upcoming mission to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.
August 28, 2022


Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference Ends Without Result

The four-week Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in New York ended inconclusively. The conference failed to implement its disarmament commitments in the face of strong opposition from nuclear-armed states. In the end, Russia vetoed even the minimal result of a joint final declaration. Austria also reacted with disappointment to the inconclusive ending.
August 28, 2022
Meeting between Austria's Chancellor Nehammer and Italy's Prime Minister Draghi in Merano Canceled

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the second South Tyrolean autonomy statute, the meeting between Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will not take place as planned.
August 25, 2022


Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in and Around Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Last week was turbulent for the most important matters of diplomacy in Vienna. The war in Ukraine, the European Forum Alpbach or the efforts of international organizations in Vienna towards peaceful solutions shows once again how multifaceted diplomacy is. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 25, 2022


Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Causes a Stir with a Tweet About Russia and Putin

Former Foreign Minister and FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl, who danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018, caused a stir with a tweet about the Ukraine war. Kneissl, who was considered to have good connections to Russia, was even on the supervisory board of the Russian oil company Rosneft until May.
August 25, 2022


Climate Bonus and Anti-Inflation Bonus Come Earlier

The payment of the climate and anti-inflation bonus announced by the Austrian federal government will start in September. Because of inflation and the climate bonus, in 2022 all adults who have a main residence in Austria for at least six months will receive €500 and children €250, regardless of their citizenship and age.
August 25, 2022


Rosatom and IAEA Negotiate over Inspection for Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Russia's atomic energy agency Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have discussed details of a possible IAEA inspection at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian troops. IAEA Chairman Rafael Grossi and Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev exchanged "detailed views on all issues related to the planned IAEA mission," according to a Rosatom statement.
August 24, 2022


Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the European Forum Alpbach 2022

Through its work, the European Forum Alpbach also functions as an interactive, open think tank and a source of inspiration for Austrian politics. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is attending the European Forum Alpbach in Tyrol.
August 24, 2022



Ukraine Hosts Crimean Platform While Russian Invasion


The format, which was launched in 2021 to counter diplomatically the Russian annexation of Crimea, takes place this year virtually in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This year's Crimea Platform summit was attended online by many international guests, including OSCE's Helga Maria Schmid and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
August 24, 2022


OSCE's Dilemma over Bosnia and Herzegovina’s General Elections

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 2 October parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OSCE mission is taking place in a country deeply scarred by war, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.
August 24, 2022
Islamic Religious Community in Austria Concerned about Attacks on Religious Places of Worship

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) appeals to take crimes such as acts of vandalism and attacks against places of worship seriously.
August 23, 2022


UNIDO and Japan Cooperation for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa

The Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), which will be held on 27 and 28 August, 2022, in Tunis, is approaching. A series of TICAD8 official side events will be held online from 23 to 26 August by the Vienna-based United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
August 23, 2022


Ars Electronica Festival 2022 on Art as a Theater of War

Together with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ars Electronica's "Welcome to Planet B" festival offers artists who are threatened, persecuted and oppressed because of the political dimension of their works a space on its online platform entitled "State of the ART(ist)".
August 23, 2022


French Investor Meridiam Establishes Joint Venture with Magenta Telekom for Glass Fiber Expansion in Austria

Magenta Telekom and French investor Meridiam have agreed to establish a strategic partnership for Austria's largest private fiber expansion initiative. By 2030, the companies will invest 1 billion Euros in the roll-out of more than 650,000 new high-speed Internet connections for households and businesses.
August 23, 2022


ICARST 2022: Applying Radiation Science and Technology in Everyday Life

The International Conference on Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST) organized by the IAEA will be held this week in Vienna. Determining the presence of microplastics in environmental samples, removing pesticides from agricultural soil and studying how to grow tomatoes in outer space are all possible thanks to radiation techniques and will be discussed.
August 22, 2022


Low Satisfaction with Democracy in Austria

According to a survey called Democracy Radar by the Austrian Democracy Lab (ADL) of Danube University Krems and the University of Graz, Austrians' satisfaction with their democracy remains low. According to the ADL, only 61 percent of respondents believe that democracy in Austria functions very well or rather well.
August 22, 2022



Exhibition of the Biographies of Ukrainian Women in the House of Austrian History


The House of Austrian History (hdgö) presents the exhibition "My Voice Means Something", starting August 23. It focuses on the biographies of twelve Ukrainian women and their different ways of dealing with Russia's invasion.
August 22, 2022


Opening of the European Forum Alpbach 2022

The 77th Forum was officially opened by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also gave a speech in the course of the opening. After more than two Corona years, the Forum is held again in full capacity and is marked by the war in Ukraine.
August 22, 2022


Czech Republic and Slovakia Remember Prague Spring

The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic commemorated the Warsaw Pact invasion of the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (CSSR) on August 21, 1968. Especially with the background of Russia's current attack on Ukraine, this day is of special significance.
August 21, 2022



Russian Permanent Representative is Cited to the Austrian Foreign Ministry


Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, reportedly commented in response to a tweet by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the U.S. for arms deliveries, saying "No mercy for the Ukrainian people!" The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now summoning Ulyanov to "resolutely stand up against such inflammatory statements."
August 21, 2022


Weekly Briefing: New Economic Developments

The Find out more about this week's developments. The war in Ukraine is also making itself increasingly felt in the Austrian economy. In Vienna, there are new developments in the day-to-day business of diplomacy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 18, 2022


Vienna Increases Fees for Public Services

The City of Vienna increases the fees for water, sewage, waste disposal as well as the prices of parking tickets. The adjustment of tariffs for municipal services is made in Vienna based on the applicable valorization law.
August 18, 2022


University of Vienna Hosts 13th International Finnougrist Congress

From August 21 to 26, 2022, the 13th International Finnougrist Congress, or CIFU (Congressus Internationalis Fenno-Ugristarum), will be held at the University of Vienna. It is the most important international event of Finno-Ugristics. More than 300 scholars from 19 countries will exchange ideas on current topics from linguistics to literature and cultural studies.
August 17, 2022


Austria's Gas Storage Facilities Almost 60 Percent Full

As a result of the war in Ukraine, contingency plans are being put in place in Europe, as well as in Austria, to secure gas supplies. Gas storage facilities in Austria are 59.83 percent full. This means that a total of 57.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas is stored in domestic storage facilities.
August 17, 2022


International Organisations in Vienna: What is the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response?

The United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) is based in Vienna and aims to communicate the application of space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response. Learn more about this international organisation in Vienna!
August 17, 2022


Alexander Van der Bellen's First Term in Office: A Presidency With Many Ups and Downs

A final chapter of the first term of the Austrian President is approaching. On 9 October, Alexander Van der Bellen will contest Austria's 14th federal presidential election and will attempt to defend his office. At Vindobona, we take this opportunity to look back on the first term of the President.
August 17, 2022


What Happens to Russian Refugees Coming to Austria?

The war in Ukraine did not only trigger a flight movement in the country under attack. A flight of smaller proportions is also noticeable from Russia. Read here at Vindobona how many Russians have applied for asylum in Austria and what their reasons for fleeing are.
August 17, 2022


Austria Celebrates the UN Humanitarian Day

Today marks World Humanitarian Day. World Humanitarian Day, is celebrated to honour the many people who have lost their lives in the service of humanity, as well as those who, day after day, make the lives of others easier in emergency situations.
August 17, 2022


Media Freedom in Russia: OSCE Condemns Continued Persecution of Russian Journalists

Recently, critical journalists were persecuted and imprisoned in Russia as a common practice. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, strongly condemns the continued practice of judicial persecution, which is hampering access to information and media freedom in the Russian Federation. After the recent criminal and administrative charges against journalists and media workers, Ribeiro emphasized that judicial persecution should not be tolerated.
August 17, 2022


Forest Fires in Bordeaux: European Community Supports French Fire Brigade

Devastating forest fires keep France at bay. After it seemed impossible to cope with the disaster on its own, the European Community was asked to help. Many states helped, including Austria.
August 17, 2022


Embassy of Turkey in Vienna Participated in the Program "100 Jahre Bildung für Wien"

Yusuf Yıldız, Counsellor for Education of the Embassy of Turkey in Vienna participated in the program "Come together 100 years of education" organized by the Vienna Directorate of Education on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Vienna Directorate of Education.
August 16, 2022


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations in Vienna

Mohsen Naziri Asl, Iran's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Naziri Asl, the new permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the International Organizations in Vienna.
August 16, 2022


Meet the New Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations in Vienna

Levent Eler, Turkey's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Levent Eler, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Turkey to the International Organizations in Vienna.
August 16, 2022


Trade Relations With the USA: Exports and Investments of Austrian Companies on a Strong Upswing

Austrian companies are increasingly exporting to the USA. It is already their largest overseas market and mutual bilateral investments are steadily increasing. Read on to find out what influences the positive growth dynamics and why Austrian products are in such demand in the US.
August 16, 2022


Space Diplomacy: Moldova Deploys First Satellite from International Space Station

The Republic of Moldova successfully deployed its first satellite, TUMnanoSAT, from the International Space Station (ISS). Under the KiboCUBE program, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) contributed to this achievement.
August 15, 2022


Grenada's Former Environment Minister to Become UN Climate Secretary

The former environment minister of the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, Simon Stiell, will be the new UN climate chief. The office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced today in New York that Stiell has been appointed to succeed Patricia Espinosa of Mexico, who held the post from July 20216 to July 16 this year.
August 15, 2022


Japanese Embassy in Vienna Invites to the Japanese Summer Festival

This summer, the Japanese Embassy in Vienna and the Japanese Society in Austria will be holding their annual Japanese Summer Festival. At the Japanese International School in Vienna, the festivities will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on 27 August.
August 15, 2022


Vienna's Luxury Shops Struggle with the Loss of Russian Tourists

During the past two decades, Russian tourists with purchasing power have enriched the city centre's luxury shops, but since the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, hardly anyone visits the Austrian capital. According to the latest statistics, fewer than one percent of tourists staying overnight in Vienna are Russians. Due to the loss of purchasing power, the tourism industry in Vienna suffers greatly.
August 15, 2022


Weekly Briefing: New Developments in Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Austria's embassy in Baghdad will reopen after being vacant since 1991. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will brief the United Nations Security Council about the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 11, 2022


Integration of Ukrainian Children into the Austrian Education System

The Austrian Minister of Education, Martin Polaschek, presented a comprehensive package of measures designed to provide a solid foundation for the integration of young Ukrainians into Austria's schools and universities.
August 11, 2022


Development Policy in Austria: Focus on Combating the Consequences of Pandemics and Poverty

Recently, the Foreign Minister presented an updated version of the goals of Austria's development policy to the Austrian Parliament. If you want to know which goals Austria is aiming for and what this year's focus will be, read on.
August 11, 2022


Diplomatic Relations With Iraq: Austria's Embassy in Baghdad to be Reopened

On 1 September, Austria's embassy in Baghdad will reopen after being vacant since 1991. Western diplomats had left the city at that time, including the Austrian ambassador.
August 11, 2022


Film Festival at the Vienna City Hall Square

Until September 4, 2022, Europe's largest cultural and culinary festival will once again be held in the heart of Vienna. At Vienna's Rathausplatz, you can look forward to a summer event with culinary delights and musical highlights.
August 10, 2022


New Dilemmas Around Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine

The nuclear safety and security situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant is getting more complicated since the shelling of the facility. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will brief the United Nations Security Council about the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant.
August 10, 2022


What Happened to the Russian Sberbank in Vienna after the Invasion of Ukraine?

The Russian bank Sberbank is one of the largest in Europe and has been hit hard by the European Union sanctions triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. To find out what happened to its Vienna branch and whether it can continue to do business in Austria, read on.
August 10, 2022