Latest News
Viennese Air Quality Is at a Good Level
The City of Vienna implements measures to improve air quality in various areas that affect air quality. The measures seem to be working since the air quality in the city is at a good level.
January 4, 2023
Czech Foreign Minister States That Austria's Schengen-No Was Unexpected
Czech Presidency Europe was briefly troubled by Austria's No to Schengen enlargement regarding Bulgaria and Romania. For Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Austria's "no" vote regarding Romania's and Bulgaria's Schengen accession came "suddenly".
January 4, 2023
Wiener Linien Are Reducing Their Driving Schedules
The public transport company in Vienna Wiener Linien will be reducing their frequency of driving and thinning out their schedule. This is happening because the company is suffering large personnel shortages and therefore need to stabilize the situation.
January 4, 2023
India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Visits Vienna
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Vienna. It was the first visit of an Indian Foreign Minister to Austria in 27 years and the fifth meeting with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in the past twelve months.
January 3, 2023
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer Will Represent Austria at Former Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral
Several Kings and Queens, Nobles, Heads of State, and Clergy are expected to attend the former pope Benedict XVI’s funeral. Former president Heinz Fischer will represent the Austrian state.
January 3, 2023
Falling Gas Prices Will Be Visible in Months
Since the beginning of December, gas prices have decreased significantly in the European market. Gas prices went relatively low through control of prices and mild winter temperatures. However, the consumer will feel this decrease in several months.
January 3, 2023
Exhibition of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Albertina
ALBERTINA presents "Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Retrospective" the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat for the first time in Austria. An exhibition of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Albertina lasts only until 08.01. 2023.
January 3, 2023
Robert Menasse Wins the Bruno Kreisky Award for the Political Book 2022
The Bruno Kreisky Award for the Political Book 2022 will reward several persons and organizations for their outstanding work in the fields of equality, democracy, solidarity and tolerance. Austrian author Robert Menasse is honored this year for the political book.
January 2, 2023
The European Single Market Generally Appreciated by Austrians
A survey commissioned by the Austrian Society for European Politics (OeGfE) displayed that Austrians are generally and pragmatically satisfied with the four freedoms of the European Single Market. The European Single Market is 30 years old now, so Austrians can serve this as a review of the market.
January 2, 2023
The Rising Cost of Living Is the Biggest Concern for Austrians
A study conducted by the Institute for Empirical Social Research (IFES) on behalf of the trade union GPA shows that – among other things – the rise of living cost are causing the biggest headaches for Austrians. Other subjects of worry are the worsening of the healthcare system and the rising gap between the poor and rich.
December 31, 2022
OSCE Opens a Women’s Education and Support Center in Uzbekistan
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) project coordinator in Uzbekistan opens a women’s education center in the Tashkent region. This center will be responsible for promoting gender equality throughout the region.
December 30, 2022
Austria Promotes Energy Research with 17 Million Euros
The Climate and Energy Fund promotes innovations for clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. The aim is to strengthen Austria as a location for innovation and to improve export opportunities for the domestic economy. A total of 17 million euros is available for the program, endowed from the funds of the Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK).
December 29, 2022
Mask Obligation in Vienna's Public Transport Remains
While the Corona measures have been softened further at the Austrian federal level, Vienna is sticking to its stricter rules. The mask requirement on public transport in Vienna will be maintained into the year to come.
December 29, 2022
French Ambassador Gilles Pécout in Austria Visits Linz
As part of the initiative "Das Land tagt mit der Welt" ("The country meets with the world") by the President of the Provincial Parliament, Peter Binder, an event was held to "promote more internationality and cosmopolitanism in Upper Austria. The French ambassador to Austria, H.E. Gilles Pécout, arrived from Vienna as a guest of honor.
December 28, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and United Kingdom Strengthen Cooperation on Space Sustainability
As part of a new project to strengthen space sustainability, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership. A broad range of activities will be undertaken to raise awareness and build capacity related to the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.
December 28, 2022
Austrian Integration Fund Upgrades its Supply for German Courses
The Austrian Integration Fund will extend the supply for courses of German courses from A1 to C1 level for immigrants and refugees. The courses are intended to assist immigrants in their Job seeking opportunities since learning German is a cornerstone for getting into the Austrian Job Market.
December 28, 2022
Austria Gives 3 Million Euros as Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon
The Austrian government will increase its humanitarian and financial aid to Lebanon since the country in the Middle East is going through a severe economic crisis and at the same time is harboring a high number of refugees. The aid will go through UNHCR, CERF and the NGO Geneva Call.
December 27, 2022
Russia Bans Oil Export on Countries with Gas Price Cap
Russia has responded to the west’s decision to cap gas prices as a measure to brake the rising energy prices. This was an expected move as Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized this cap numerous times.
December 27, 2022
Austrian Government Reviews the Year 2022
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler made a review and concluded the year 2022 with a positive and determined outlook for the following year. The subjects of the past year were the recovery from the pandemic, the energy crisis, inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
December 25, 2022
Overall View of New Year’s Eve Markets in Vienna
Vienna’s new year’s eve markets will be active this year by offering a variety of entertaining products. The Markets will be open from December 27 to December 31 in 211 different locations.
December 24, 2022
Abu Dhabi-based ADNOC Acquires OMV Shares from Sovereign Wealth Fund Mubadala
There is a change in the ownership structure of the Austrian oil and gas group OMV. Long-time core shareholder Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, sells its 24.9 percent stake in OMV to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), also a state-owned company. The state holding company ÖBAG announced that it had been informed of the change in ownership.
December 23, 2022
Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Vienna
Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Thailand's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador, Vilawan Mangklatanakul, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the International Organizations in Vienna.
December 23, 2022
Austria Increases Fund for International Food Aid
The Austrian Ministry of Agriculture will increase funding for international food aid significantly. The Austrian Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig traveled to Libanon to observe the situation.
December 23, 2022
Multiple Integration Projects Will Be Promoted in Austria
67 integrational projects will be promoted through a common European fund in Austria until 2024. 28 Million Euros of this fund will go to Austria for integrational purposes.
December 22, 2022
Russian Permanent Representative to UN in Vienna Says Soon Agreement with IAEA on Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
At Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, there have again been several powerful explosions, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. An agreement on a protection zone is being fiercely discussed but has yet to be reached. The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and Moscow expect significant progress in this direction.
December 22, 2022
Foreign Minister Schallenberg and his Slovenian Counterpart Travel to Montenegro on Behalf of the EU
On behalf of the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Foreign Minister Schallenberg and his Slovenian colleague Tanja Fajon traveled to the previous model country among the accession candidates. It is currently going through a constitutional crisis.
December 21, 2022
Wirecard Fraud Began Before 2015
The massive Wirecard scandal began way before it was known, according to a case witness. Specifically, the fraud began way before 2015 however, the deeds in this time period are not taken into consideration.
December 21, 2022
Austria's Nobel Anton Zeilinger Laureate Receives Honor from President
Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger was awarded the "Grand Decoration of Honor in Silver with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria" by Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen.
December 21, 2022
First Austrian State Prize for Women Awarded
Austria's Minister for Women Susanne Raab ceremoniously presented the first Austrian State Award for Women in Vienna. Among others, the Austrian women's soccer team received the Austrian State Prize for Women, which is endowed by the Ministry of Women's Affairs.
December 20, 2022
Gas Pipeline Explodes in Russia
A Russian gas pipeline, which also exports gas to Austria, exploded while repair work was being done there. The explosion occurred in the Chuvashia region and killed three people.
December 20, 2022
New International Institute for Media in Vienna Holds First Event on Fake News at Hofburg Palace
The newly founded "International Institute for Media (IIM-Vienna)" has set itself the task of counteracting state-controlled disinformation and making known the information wars that are going on in secret. The new think tank invites to the event "The armies of trolls and astroturfers" at the Hofburg.
December 20, 2022
Minister Edtstadler Pushes for Registration of Migrants in Hungary
Austrian Minister of Europe Karoline Edtstadler pushes for the initial registration of migrants in Hungary before they enter Austria. This is seen as a preemptive measure against the rising numbers of illegal migrants in Austria.
December 20, 2022
City of Vienna Names Parental Work and Promotion for German Language as Key Points for Integration
Education is a key element for a successful integration in society. That is why the City of Vienna has presented recommendations regarding the challenges of Education in the city. The focus lies more on parental work and promotion of learning the German language.
December 19, 2022
On Saint Nicholas Day, Ukranian Music Band Kalush Orchestra Visited the Largest Ukrainian School in Austria
Ukranian music band Kalush Orchestra, whom also won the Eurovision Song Contest this year, performed on a Ukranian saturday school in Vienna on a beneficiary basis to congratulate the kids in school for the St.Nicholas Day.
December 19, 2022
Espionage in Vienna: Russian Spy Exposed
A Greek citizen of Russian descent allegedly spied on state secrets for Russia in Vienna. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution unmasked the 39-year-old son of a former diplomat as a Russian spy. During the house search, the police also found listening devices, as well as other compromising materials.
December 19, 2022
IAEA Arrives in Iran Capital for New Nuclear Negotiations
A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has arrived in Tehran. On the agenda of the IAEA team are new negotiations with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) as well as representatives of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear program appear to be dragging on and on.
December 18, 2022
EU Delegation in Vienna Organized Charity Gala "#EU4UKRAINE
The EU Delegation to the International Organizations in Vienna organized for the third time the EU Multilateral Christmas Charity Gala. The Kalush Orchestra, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) winner from Ukraine, also came to MuTh for the EU Multilateral Christmas Charity Gala in favor of Ukraine and performed together with the Janoska Ensemble, the Chorus Juventus of the Vienna Boys Choir.
December 18, 2022
Qatar Celebrates National Day Same Day as World Cup Final
Qatar celebrates its most important holiday of the year through a bunch of events annually. This time, it is more of a special occasion, since on the same day as the national day the Fifa World Cup Final is also held in Qatar, which boosts the celebratory atmosphere in the country.
December 18, 2022
Moldovan Christmas Charity Concert in Vienna
Moldovan musicians from Vienna will play a charity concert that will promote Moldovan Christmas traditions while supporting orphan children and children from vulnerable low-income families. The Christmas carols will be related to Areas in Moldova and accompanied by ancient Moldovan folklore.
December 16, 2022
Austrian Government Will Expand Subsidies on Housing and Heating
The Austrian government wants to challenge the rising energy prices and help low-income persons by subsidizing their home and their heating. People who are eligible for those subsidies can get up to 330 Euros.
December 15, 2022
Austrian Parliament Passes Resolutions Regarding Iran and Ukraine
The Austrian Parliament has passed several resolutions concerning worldwide human rights issues such as hunger in Ukraine and women’s rights in Iran.
December 15, 2022
Project "Christmas together with Ukraine" in Vienna
Children from different regions of Ukraine visited Vienna for a Christmas concert. The project "Christmas with Ukraine" is held on the route Uzhhorod-Budapest-Vienna-Bratislava-Prague-Warsaw-Uzhhorod. Despite air raids and the bombing of cities, the children prepared and currently present a bright Christmas performance.
December 15, 2022
Vienna New Year's Eve Trail Will Return this Year
The Vienna New Year's Eve Trail will take place again this year after a break of two years due to the Covid pandemic. The City of Vienna has now announced the first details of the program. It is also the 31st edition of the popular event, which was last held in 2019 and is one of the largest New Year's Eve celebrations in Europe. Read more about New Year's Eve in Vienna!
December 15, 2022
OPEC Plus Marks Sixth Anniversary
The Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC member countries and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing countries turned six years old. As the oil cartel engaged in diplomatic celebrations, OPEC reaffirmed its expectations for global oil demand in 2023.
December 14, 2022
Minister Schallenberg at the European Foreign Affairs Council
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Brussels for the European Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) to meet with his counterparts from the other EU-member states. The main focus of the agenda was Iran.
December 14, 2022
Austrian President Van der Bellen Visited Slovenia
Re-elected Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen traveled to Slovenia for an official visit with his counterpart Borut Pahor. Besides discussions around the common issues in Slovenian, Austrian and European politics, this visit was also a farewell meeting between "personal friends", as Pahor is leaving office.
December 14, 2022
Symbolic Act of Handover in St. Stephen's Cathedral on the Occasion of the Swedish EU Presidency
Sweden's next year's Presidency of the Council of the European Union was acclaimed by the Swedish Embassy with a unique event at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. On the occasion of the traditional Swedish Festival of Lights, St. Stephen's Cathedral hosted a concert featuring a Lucia procession to symbolize the transfer of the EU presidency.
December 13, 2022
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Visits Vienna
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani came to Vienna for a meeting with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit of Tajani asked for the opportunity to consolidate cooperation and talks with Vienna on the main bilateral issues (especially in the fields of economy, energy and infrastructure), European and international, starting with the migration issue.
December 13, 2022
Innsbruck's Old Town Boasts One of the Most Enchanting Small Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas Markets are a wonderful way to spend time with your family and friends during this wholesome period of the year. Sometimes it can be hard to choose the right one. However, there is one Christmas Market that stands out.
December 12, 2022
Austrian Parliamentarians Report on Visit to Ukraine
During a press conference representatives of the Bilateral Parliamentary Group Austria-Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine reported on their visit to war-torn Ukraine. Members of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the Green Party and the NEOS took part in the trip.
December 12, 2022
