Sponsored Content
Latest News
Who Is the New UNIDO Director-General Dr. Gerd Müller?
During the 19th session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference, which concluded last Friday, Dr. Gerd Müller, formerly Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Federal Republic of Germany, was confirmed as the new Director General for a period of four years. Gerd Müller of Germany succeeds Li Yong of China. Review Dr. Müller's background and CV.
December 7, 2021
Austria's Mandatory Vaccination Bill on the Table
The first draft of Austria's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination bill is now available, and it details fines for the unvaccinated beginning in March 2022. Learn how much the fines could be and who may qualify for an exemption from compulsory vaccination.
December 6, 2021
New Austrian Federal Chancellor Sworn In
The former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer was today sworn in as the new Austrian Federal Chancellor by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). The offices of Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Education Minister and State Secretary in the Federal Chancellery were also filled. Read on to find out who occupies these offices.
December 6, 2021
Results of the Nineteenth Session of the General Conference of UNIDO
The 19th session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference has taken place at a critical juncture, following the UN Secretary-General’s call for a “Decade of Action” and as countries all over the world strive to recover from the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Also, after eight years at the helm of UNIDO, and in accordance with the two-term limit of UNIDO’s Constitution, Li Yong stood down as Director General during the General Conference.
December 6, 2021
State of Emergency in Vienna: Numerous Demonstrations against Anti-Corona Measures
Vienna was once again subject to demonstrations against measures taken by the Austrian government to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Read about the massive demonstrations and clashes with police in Austria's capital.
December 6, 2021
What IAEA Meeting Attendees at the Vienna International Center Should Be Aware Of
The latest information regarding COVID-19 measures, as recommended by VIC Medical Services for all persons entering the VIC, is provided on this page.
December 3, 2021 · Updated: December 6, 2021; 07:33
With Omicron Spreading, Many Countries Consider a Vaccine Mandate like Austria
The Omicron variation has reignited the debate over and the introduction of mandatory vaccination. The challenges, remain immense, even as some governments are trying to speed up their vaccination campaigns and are considering a vaccine mandate in the face of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Whether Omicron will lead to the wealthier countries rethinking things remains undecided.
December 6, 2021
Meet the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna, Ms. Nerys Jones
The Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna is Ms. Nerys Jones. Learn more about her extensive career in the foreign service and what she does for the embassy.
December 3, 2021
Austrian Government Reshuffle: Who Are the Newcomers?
Following the resignations of Sebastian Kurz and Gernot Blümel over serious corruption allegations, and of Alexander Schallenberg, the new Chancellor Karl Nehammer has presented his provisional government team. Who are the new faces in Austrian domestic and foreign policy?
December 3, 2021
New Austrian Chancellor is former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer
Karl Nehammer has been unanimously appointed new party leader and federal chancellor by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) federal party board.
December 3, 2021
Additional Millions for the Fight Against Terrorism, Armed Conflict, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Austrian government has decided to provide millions of euros to help Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, and Jordan deal with the humanitarian crises they are facing. Read how this aid will be allocated and why Austria believes it is necessary.
December 3, 2021
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the British Embassy Building in Vienna
The British Embassy building in Vienna has a rich history stretching back to the late 19th century. Read the captivating story of this beautiful building.
December 3, 2021
Austrian Government Crisis: Finance Minister Blümel Also Resigns from Office
The resignation of Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) leader Sebastian Kurz triggers a major government reshuffle. Following Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg's resignation, Finance Minister Gernot Blümel, a longtime companion of Kurz, also announced his resignation via Facebook video this evening. Karl Nehammer is expected to take over the roles of party leader and chancellor.
December 2, 2021
Austro-French Vaccine Company Valneva's Covid-19 Jab under EU Review
The EU's medicines agency EMA launched an accelerated review of a Covid-19 vaccine by Austro-French biotech firm Valneva. Recently the European Commission agreed to buy as many as 60 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine. The deal would allow EU member states to purchase almost 27 million doses from Valneva in 2022, and an additional 33 million in 2023.
December 2, 2021
Austria's Chancellor Schallenberg to Resign as well
Alexander Schallenberg "makes his office as Chancellor available".
December 2, 2021
OSCE Summit in Stockholm: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Meets Austria's Linhart
Amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is meeting with Foreign Minister Linhart at the annual Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Stockholm, Sweden. Read about their meeting as well as Linhart's agenda for the summit.
December 2, 2021
Following Kurz's Resignation: Austrian Government Reshuffle Imminent
Following the resignation of former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from all political activities, major personnel changes are imminent within the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Austrian government. Who will become or remain chancellor, who will become party leader, who will become Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) club chairman, who will become or remain foreign minister? There are rumors that Interior Minister Karl Nehammer could become chancellor and Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg could return to the post of foreign minister.
December 2, 2021
Sebastian Kurz Resigns from All Political Offices
Austria's former federal chancellor Sebastian Kurz (35) has resigned from all political posts. He is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption. It is rumored that Interior Minister Karl Nehammer or Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler may take over his role as leader of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). Chancellor and former foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg could also be replaced.
December 2, 2021
Staying Overnight in Vienna During Covid-Lockdown
During the current 4th Austrian Lockdown (November 22 to probably including December 12, 2021) overnight stays in Viennese hotels are allowed for business reasons, but not for personal reasons. Find out what the requirements for an overnight stay in a Viennese hotel are and what exemptions are possible.
December 2, 2021
City of Vienna Partner Lab Massively Expands Covid-19 Laboratory
The Lifebrain laboratory, which partners with the City of Vienna, is undergoing a massive expansion on its COVID-19 laboratory. This expansion comes just weeks after an unfair competition lawsuit brought against Lifebrain by the Vienna Medical Association was dismissed. Read about Lifebrain's lab expansion and legal issues.
December 1, 2021
Controversial Chinese 5G Network Operator Huawei Appointed New Austria CEO
The Mainland Chinese Harvey Zhang (38) has been appointed CEO of Huawei Technologies Austria, effective immediately. He replaces Jackie Zhang (38), who was appointed as the new Austria boss just a few months ago.
December 1, 2021
Vienna Ranked Fourteenth Most Expensive City in the World
While Tel Aviv is the most expensive city in the world and tops the Cost of Living Index 2021, Paris and Singapore are tied for second, followed by Zurich and Hong Kong in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Vienna comes in fourteenth place after Tokyo and jointly with Sydney. Damascus, Syria, was named the world’s cheapest city. See the full list of the world's most expensive cities to live in 2021.
December 1, 2021
Blinken Thanks Austria for Hosting Iran Nuclear Deal Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Austria for hosting the Iran nuclear deal talks on his first call with his Austrian counterpart, Foreign Minister Linhart. Read about this and what else Blinken and Linhart talked about on their first call.
December 1, 2021
Austrian Covid Data: Vaccination Protects 95 Percent from Hospitalization
A new study from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has shown that the COVID-19 vaccines offer about 95 percent protection against hospitalization from coronavirus. Read about this study and the efficacy of the vaccines.
December 1, 2021
Impact of the Corona Pandemic on Hospital Stays in Austria: 18% Fewer Inpatient Stays
The Corona pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of inpatient treatments, examinations and surgeries in Austrian hospitals: In 2020, hospital stays decreased by almost one fifth to 2.1 million compared to the previous year. In 26,500 cases, a COVID-19 disease necessitated a hospital stay.
November 30, 2021
The Percentage of Austrians Born Abroad Rises from 20% to 27%
Austria's population is growing and aging. In 2020, actually life expectancy has decreased by half a year. There are more seniors than under-20s. In 2022, the population is expected to reach nine million.
November 30, 2021
Austria Donated Unusable Covid Vaccine Doses to Bosnia and Herzegovina
It was recently reported that Bosnia and Herzegovina had to throw out an unknown amount of the 500,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccination doses that had been donated by Austria. Read more about this and the problem of global vaccine equity.
November 30, 2021
President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria Urges People to Vaccinate
Hans Dieter Pötsch, President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria (DHK), recently urged everyone to get vaccinated during the 66th General Assembly of the DHK. Read about Mr. Pötsch's urgent appeal and his outlook on economic relations between Germany and Austria.
November 30, 2021
Austrian Compulsory Vaccination Bill Provides for Fines of up to 7,200 Euros
Compulsory vaccination is to apply to everyone who has a residence or habitual abode in Austria and is over the age of 12. Those who do not comply with the vaccination obligation can be summoned. If they also fail to appear at a follow-up appointment, the draft law provides for penalties of up to 3,600 euros or four weeks' imprisonment. Who gets already punished for the second time, must pay 7,200 euros. The details below.
November 29, 2021 · Updated: November 30, 2021; 08:50
Beijing's Influence Towards Austria: Visit by Wan Gang, the High-Level Leader of the Overseas Chinese Voice
Wan Gang, a high-ranking Chinese politician, engineer and Chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party (Sub-organization of United Front of China) visited Austria to consolidate the network of benevolent institutions, agencies and patriotic overseas Chinese and to strengthen China's economic and political influence.
November 30, 2021
Covid Lockdown Controls: Already 386,000 Inspections and 3,700 Charges
Since the beginning of the intensive COVID-19 lockdown controls, the Austrian police have conducted 386,000 and filed 3,700 charges. Read about the strict enforcement of the latest Covid lockdown.
November 29, 2021
The Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Austria's Economy
The consequences of COVID-19 pandemic continue to determine economic activity in Austria and the banks’ higher resilience has been key to COVID-19 response.
November 29, 2021
Last Call for Britons in Vienna: Apply for Residence by End of 2021
The City of Vienna is reminding all British residents and their families that they must apply for a residence permit by the end of 2021 due to Brexit. Read about this fast-approaching deadline for Britons in Vienna.
November 29, 2021
Verdi's Nabucco to Be Performed at the "Oper im Steinbruch" in Summer 2022
The popular opera "Nabucco" will be returning to "Oper im Steinbruch" in the Summer of 2022. Learn more about the upcoming opera and how to reserve your tickets.
November 26, 2021
Travel and Covid: Austria Imposes Entry Ban on Southern African Countries
Due to the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, Austria has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini/Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Read about the new travel restriction and the variant causing it.
November 26, 2021 · Updated: November 26, 2021; 15:11
Naturalizations in Austria Up 21.1% Year on Year in the First Three Quarters of 2021
In the first nine months of 2021, Austrian citizenship was granted to 7,676 persons, including 1,131 persons residing abroad. With 368 naturalizations, the United States ranks fourth. Find out which other countries the new citizens come from.
November 26, 2021
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the America House in Vienna
The America House in Vienna is a beautiful mix of architecture and history. Learn more about the exquisite building at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 2 and the historical America House inside.
November 26, 2021
Homicides of Women by Family Members: Every 11 Minutes Worldwide, Every 11 Days in Austria
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, various findings were presented, including that the number of murders during the various waves of COVID-related mobility restrictions are particularly high.
November 25, 2021
Meet Leslie Hayden the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna
The Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna is currently Leslie Hayden. Ms. Hayden has had a distinguished career as a member of the foreign service. Learn more about her and her impressive accomplishments.
November 25, 2021
Explained: Compulsory Covid Vaccination for All in Austria as of February 2022
The Austrian government has announced that vaccination against COVID-19 will be mandatory as early as February 2022. Learn more about the new law and what it means for people in Austria.
November 25, 2021
Air Travel to Austria: How Does Entry Work During the Fourth Lockdown?
The current lockdown in Austria due to COVID-19 has yet again complicated entry regulations for travelers. Inform yourself of the latest entry requirements for air travelers arriving in Austria and testing options at Vienna International Airport.
November 25, 2021
IAEA Director General Presents Latest Report on Verification and Monitoring in Iran
In Tehran Mr. Grossi met with Mohammad Eslami, the Vice President of Iran and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
November 25, 2021
Salzburg Festival: Kristina Hammer Appointed New Festival President
The Swiss-Austrian marketing professional Kristina Hammer will be the new president of the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), taking over from long-term president Helga Rabl-Stadler.
November 25, 2021
Grossi to the IAEA Board of Governors "Extensive Negotiations to Address Iran’s Outstanding Safeguards Issues Proved Inconclusive"
When addressing the board of governors in Vienna, Grossi said, that getting to know the new Iranian officials was a positive element and this will certainly help.
November 24, 2021
Edtstadler at General Affairs Council: Mandatory Vaccination is Necessary
At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler stressed the need for mandatory vaccinations in Austria and coordination in the fight against COVID-19 at the European level. Read Edtstadler's expectations for the European Commission, her defense of compulsory vaccinations, and more.
November 24, 2021
Casinos Austria: Dutchman Erwin van Lambaart Appointed New CEO
The current head of Holland Casino, Erwin van Lambaart (58), will take over from Bettina Glatz-Kremsner the management of the partly state-owned gaming group Casinos Austria AG on April 1, 2022.
November 24, 2021
U.S. Senate Confirmed Victoria Kennedy to Be Ambassador to Austria
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Victoria Reggie Kennedy (67), the widow of the late senator Edward M. Kennedy, to be the US ambassador to Austria, sending her to Vienna to continue a Kennedy family diplomatic tradition. Read about Ms. Kennedy's memories as a descendant of Lebanese immigrants, about her first trip to Austria as a college student in the 1970s, and about what she wants to do to further strengthen and deepen U.S.-Austrian relations.
November 24, 2021
Crowdfunding Campaign of the Austrian National Library Exceeds Expectations
The campaign is aimed at the supply, restoration and long-term preservation of large-format illustrated volumes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
November 24, 2021
New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan Presents Credentials
Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ghada Waly. Read about Ambassador Wanghchuk and his discussion with Director-General Waly.
November 24, 2021
New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador Presents Credentials
The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mireya del Carmen Muñoz Mera, presented her credentials to the heads of the UNOV, IAEA, UNIDO, and the CTBTO. Learn more about the new permanent representative.
November 24, 2021
Fast News Search
