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French Art History Festival: Austrian Cultural Diplomacy on Display
Austria was the guest country at this year's renowned “Festival of Art History,” which attracted up to 10,000 visitors and took place at the Palace of Fontainebleau, around 70 km south of Paris. The importance of cultural diplomacy for Austria was once again emphasized.
June 10, 2025
Austria Designates Special Envoys for Austrian Candidacy for the United Nations Security Council
For quite some time now, the new federal government has pursued a more active role in international diplomacy, and a defined goal is a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28. Being elected requires a two-thirds majority vote from the United Nations General Assembly, and therefore, the federal government designated special envoys to advocate for Austria.
June 8, 2025
Susanne Raab Elected as New Director General of ICMPD
Representatives of the 21 ICMPD member states have elected Susanne Raab, a former ÖVP Integration Minister, in Stockholm to succeed Director General Michael Spindelegger, who is stepping down at the end of the year. This means that after nearly 10 years, the organization in Vienna will have new leadership, albeit Austrian once again.
June 7, 2025
International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action
The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.
June 4, 2025
Austria Recruiting U.S. Researchers: Science Committee Discusses Simplified Appointment Procedures
The Austrian Parliament's Science Committee is considering a draft law that would facilitate the appointment of professors without a competitive application process. The aim is to attract researchers from the U.S. who want to leave their home country due to political developments under President Donald Trump.
June 4, 2025
ICMPD and Ireland Intensify Cooperation on Migration Policy
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Ireland have further deepened their cooperation in the field of migration policy. During an official visit, ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy to discuss common priorities.
June 3, 2025
Planned Messenger Surveillance in Austria: Between Security Needs and Fundamental Rights Protection
The debate surrounding state surveillance of encrypted digital communications in Austria is heating up once again. The latest draft bill from the Ministry of the Interior on so-called “messenger surveillance” has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and parts of the governing coalition under the NEOS. After several previous attempts failed in recent years, the current attempt also appears to be in jeopardy.
June 3, 2025
New Leadership Team Elected at the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) elected a new Bureau for the coming term at its 143rd session. Turkish forensic scientist and professor H. H. Sevil Atasoy was appointed as the new president of the board. She succeeded the previous incumbent, Prof. Jallal Toufiq, who thanked the meeting for the trust and support he had received during his term of office.
June 2, 2025
Signa Insolvency: Creditors Demand €11.7 Billion, Sale of Luxury Real Estate Underway
Following the collapse of the real estate group Signa, founded by René Benko, creditors have filed claims totaling €11.7 billion. The insolvency administrator of Signa Prime Selection AG (SPS), Norbert Abel, is working to sell the remaining assets to satisfy creditors.
June 2, 2025
EU and UK Ambassadors to Austria Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
At the first EU-UK summit since Brexit in London, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a comprehensive security and defense partnership. The meeting focused on joint support for Ukraine, and the respective ambassadors in Vienna proudly announced this partnership in Austria as well.
May 29, 2025
“Tea for Harmony” in Vienna: Chinese Embassy Invites Guests to Intercultural Tea Salon
The elegant premises of the Chinese Embassy hosted the “Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salon on International Tea Day. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, business, science, and culture enjoyed an evening dedicated to the millennia-old Chinese tea culture—a symbol of harmony, modesty, and exchange between civilizations.
May 29, 2025
After 17 Years, ams-Osram Wins Multi-Million Dollar Legal Dispute in the USA
The Styrian-Bavarian semiconductor manufacturer ams-Osram has achieved a historic legal success: After almost two decades of litigation in the United States, the company has finally prevailed in a case concerning stolen trade secrets. With a legally binding judgment and a subsequent settlement of around 52 million US dollars, one of the longest and most significant commercial disputes in the industry has come to an end, with a significant signal on the protection of intellectual property.
May 27, 2025
Austria Wants to Position Itself as a Safe Haven for International Science
Given the increasing restrictions on academic freedom in the U.S.A., the Austrian federal government has adopted a comprehensive package of measures to support international researchers and students. The Council approved the Minister's package and aims to strengthen Austria as an attractive and secure location for science.
May 27, 2025
Meet Khadra Ahmed Dualeh, Somalia's New Ambassador in Vienna
Khadra Ahmed Dualeh presented her credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She takes office as the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations in Vienna and at the same time assumes the office of Ambassador for Austria and Switzerland.
May 26, 2025
Acquittal for Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in False Statement Trial
The Vienna Higher Regional Court (OLG) acquitted former Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the charge of making false statements in connection with the Ibiza Investigation Committee. The judgment of the Vienna Regional Court from February 2024, which provided for an eight-month conditional prison sentence, was thus overturned.
May 26, 2025
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
New Natural Gas Well in Upper Austria: ADX Expands Exploration Area in Molln
The Australian-Austrian energy company ADX Energy has received approval from the Austrian authorities to significantly expand its exploration area in the Upper Austrian district of Kirchdorf an der Krems. The measure relates in particular to the so-called Welchau area in the municipality of Molln, which had already come into focus last year with an initial well.
May 23, 2025
Vienna Signals Support for Serbia's Accession to the Schengen Area
Serbia is currently stepping up its diplomatic efforts to join the Schengen area. During an official visit to Vienna, Serbia's Minister for European Affairs, Nemanja Starović, emphasized that his country's accession to Schengen is not only a strategic goal, but is also in Europe's security policy interests. Austria once again signaled its support for Serbia's European integration ambitions - both concerning the EU and the Schengen area.
May 22, 2025
Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
May 22, 2025
China's Ambassador Qi Mei Deepens Bilateral Relations with Austria
Ambassador Qi Mei used May 2025 to intensify diplomatic and cultural rapprochement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Austria. In addition to political meetings at the highest level, important educational and cultural events also took place, underlining the efforts of both countries to strengthen their cooperation in the long term.
May 21, 2025
The MQ Summer Stage 2025 Kicks Off with Art, Music and Social Reflection
The MQ Summer Stage started its new season with a powerful mix of performance, music, and public art. The main courtyard of Vienna's MuseumsQuartier will once again be transformed into a stage for a diverse, freely accessible cultural program until the end of September - a venue that brings art, society, and the public together in a special way.
May 21, 2025
Thai Anantara Celebrates Debut in Austria with New Luxury Resort in Vienna
With the reopening of the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, the Thai hotel group Anantara Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in Austria in May 2025. The historic building on Schottenring, originally designed by architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World Exhibition, has been extensively renovated over the past 18 months and repositioned as an urban luxury resort.
May 20, 2025
Alfred Stern Leaves OMV in Summer 2026: End of an Era of Change
Alfred Stern, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of OMV, will not extend his contract beyond August 31, 2026. The 60-year-old top manager announced this decision to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Lutz Feldmann. This marks the end of a term of office characterized by far-reaching strategic upheavals, geopolitical challenges, and ambitious sustainability goals.
May 20, 2025
Meet the New Georgian Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze in Vienna
Alexander Maisuradze is the new Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of his country to the international organizations in Vienna. The experienced diplomat formally presented his credentials to the Austrian president and several leading representatives of multilateral diplomacy in the Austrian capital.
May 19, 2025
Austria's Foreign Minister Launches EU Initiative for Ceasefire in Ukraine
In a foreign policy move, Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) and 14 other EU member states have launched a diplomatic initiative to end the war in Ukraine. The action aims to pressure Russia into an immediate ceasefire and the start of serious peace negotiations — a move that raises both hope and skepticism.
May 19, 2025
Vjosa Osmani Awarded in Vienna with Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, was honoured with the prestigious Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize at a ceremony held by the Pan-European Union in Vienna. The award recognizes her commitment to European integration and her dedication to peace, democracy, and transatlantic partnership.
May 18, 2025
New Panda Ambassadors in Vienna: Chinas “Fluffy Diplomats” Renew Friendship with Austria
The two giant pandas “Lan Yun” and “He Feng” were officially welcomed to Schönbrunn Zoo with much media attention and political prominence. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Li Hongzhong, Vice President of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, participated in the ceremony - a strong diplomatic signal in a globally complex time.
May 18, 2025
“Austria is free” - 70 Years of the State Treaty: A Reminder and Mission in Turbulent Times
On May 15, 2025, Austria celebrated the 70th anniversary of the signing of the State Treaty of 1955 with a ceremonial act of state. The events took place both in parliament and in the palace gardens of the Upper Belvedere and commemorated the historic moment when Foreign Minister Leopold Figl proclaimed the words “Austria is free!”.
May 15, 2025
Commemoration, History and Geopolitics: Russia Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Vienna
The Russian Federation commemorated Austria's liberation from National Socialism in 1945 with a series of ceremonial events in Vienna and several Lower Austrian cities, focusing on the 80th anniversary of the capture of Vienna by the Red Army, which had made a significant contribution to the defeat of the Nazi regime. The Embassy of the Russian Federation used the occasion to celebrate historical commemoration on the one hand, but also to anchor its foreign policy narrative in the present.
May 15, 2025
80 Years of Liberation of Mauthausen: Diplomacy, Remembrance and the Reminder of History
Over 20,000 people commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, with high-ranking guests including the Spanish royal couple, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani.
May 14, 2025
UNOOSA and Singapore Agree on Cooperation in the Field of Space Law
The United Nations and Singapore have announced a new partnership under the “Space Law for New Space Actors” project. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) are working together to support the development of a national legal framework for space activities. This initiative aims to align Singapore's emerging space sector with international standards.
May 14, 2025
Meet Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Vienna's diplomatic stage has a new prominent representative: Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong has been Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna for some time now.
May 13, 2025
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Spain Ends Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation: Focus on Dialogue and Rule of Law
Spain ended its chairmanship under the most difficult of circumstances. When Spain took over the chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in January, the security situation in Europe was more tense than ever. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has now been raging for more than three years, trust between states is crumbling, military threats are increasing, and many international forums appear paralysed.
May 12, 2025
Swiss Defense Minister Pfister at TRIAS25 in Austria
With his first official visit abroad, the new Swiss Minister of Defense, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, sent a clear signal for intensified military partnership. He met his Austrian counterpart, Klaudia Tanner, at the Allentsteig military training area as part of the multinational exercise “TRIAS25”.
May 12, 2025
EU Ambassadors Meet Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger at the Polish Embassy in Vienna
The ambassadors of the EU member states gathered at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vienna for a meeting in the HoMs format with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting focused on the foreign policy priorities of Austria's new tripartite government and current security policy challenges in Europe.
May 11, 2025
Ex-Meinl Austrian Banker Peter Weinzierl in U.S. Pretrial Detention
The former CEO of the now-defunct Meinl Bank, Peter Weinzierl, is in custody in the United States. After years of investigations and complex extradition proceedings, the 59-year-old Austrian was transferred to a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York.
May 11, 2025
Austria Strengthens its Commitment to the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Gymnich Meeting
While the EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine at the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and discussed security policy decisions for Europe, the Austrian federal government also sent a clear signal: Wolfgang Anzengruber, an experienced economic and energy expert, was appointed national coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
May 8, 2025
Austria Plans Holocaust Museum: Government Launches Feasibility Study
The Austrian Federal Government unanimously approved a feasibility study for establishing a Holocaust Museum. This marks the start of a politically and socially significant process which - more than 80 years after the end of the Second World War - is intended to permanently anchor the memory of the systematic extermination of Jewish life by the Nazi regime in the center of the capital.
May 8, 2025
Joint European Police Raids on Benko in Austria, Italy, and Germany
In one of the largest cross-border raids in recent years, an international team of investigators has taken action against the imprisoned former real estate mogul René Benko and his Signa empire. Officials from Austria, Germany, and Italy simultaneously searched dozens of properties - including the Tyrol department store in Innsbruck, the Signa headquarters in Vienna's Palais Ferstel, and several warehouses and foundation offices.
May 7, 2025
EU Commission Initiates Several Infringement Proceedings Against Austria
The European Commission has initiated a series of infringement proceedings against Austria. Brussels sees considerable omissions in several areas - from customs and labor law to environmental law. Particularly explosive is a complaint before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) due to a far-reaching dispute of competence in the Danube Commission, which is steeped in tradition. Austria is therefore facing a wide range of accusations under European law.
May 7, 2025
Austria Raises a Further 1.5 Billion Euros via Federal Bonds
The Republic of Austria has successfully placed federal bonds with a total value of 1.5 billion euros on the capital market. According to the Federal Financing Agency (OeBFA), demand for the securities was once again high - a sign of continued confidence in the Republic's creditworthiness.
May 6, 2025
Reza Najafi Returned to Vienna as Iran's Permanent Representative
The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent a clear signal of continuity and diplomatic professionalism with Reza Najafi's return as its new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. Not so long ago, His Excellency presented his credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), marking the second time he has assumed this key diplomatic post at a time when the future of the international nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is once again at a diplomatic crossroads.
May 6, 2025
OSCE Conference in Vienna: Joint Strategies for Climate Security and Resilience
Under the motto “Resilient Together in a Changing Climate”, over 140 representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, partner countries, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Vienna. The event was organized as part of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship 2025 and was dedicated to strengthening resilience to the security challenges posed by climate change.
May 5, 2025
Erste Group Expands into Poland: Takeover of Santander Bank Polska worth Billions
The Austrian Erste Group Bank AG has announced a step towards expansion in Central and Eastern Europe. The bank is acquiring a 49 percent stake in Santander Bank Polska for around EUR 6.8 billion and a 50 percent stake in asset manager Santander TFI for a further EUR 200 million. This transaction made Erste Group the third-largest bank in Poland and expanded its customer base in the region to around 23 million people.
May 5, 2025
Concordia Ball 2025: An Anniversary Celebration for Freedom of the Press and Waltz Tradition
On May 23, 2025, Vienna City Hall will again be transformed into a glittering ballroom when the 125th Concordia Ball takes place. Organized by the Concordia Press Club, this traditional ball is dedicated to freedom of the press and at the same time honors Vienna's musical heritage.
April 29, 2025 · Sponsored Content
Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs
Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.
April 29, 2025
Vienna Welcomes Sainer's Vibrant 'Kolorganism' Exhibition at Künstlerhaus with the Support of the Polish Embassy
Venna’s historic Künstlerhaus became the stage for a striking encounter with contemporary art as it hosted the vernissage of Kolorganism, the latest exhibition by Polish artist Przemysław Blejzyk, widely known by his artistic moniker, Sainer. Organized as part of the International Cultural Programme accompanying Poland’s 2025 EU Council Presidency, the event drew a full house of art lovers, cultural figures, politicians, and diplomats, all eager to immerse themselves in Sainer’s colorful world.
April 28, 2025
Nuclear Dispute: Iran Urges Talks with Europe - Vienna and Oman as Key Factors
In the struggle to save the international nuclear agreement with Iran, Tehran wants to seek a meeting with the European signatory states before a possible new round of talks with the USA. According to diplomats, such a meeting could take place soon if the planned round of negotiations with the United States comes to fruition. In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to explain suspicious facilities near its suspected nuclear sites.
April 28, 2025
Vienna Election 2025: SPÖ Leads, FPÖ Surges, Coalitions Still Unclear
The results of Vienna’s 2025 municipal elections confirm major political shifts in Austria’s capital. While the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) maintained its leading position, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) posted historic gains. For expats and new residents of Vienna, the election reflects significant changes in the city’s political landscape that could influence future policies on housing, transport, and climate action.
April 28, 2025
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