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Austria's External Trade Deficit 2023 has Fallen Sharply
Austria recorded a remarkable reduction in its foreign trade deficit in 2023. As the latest figures from Statistics Austria show, the deficit fell by around 90 percent from 20.59 billion euros in 2022 to just 2.02 billion euros. This decrease is mainly due to cheaper energy imports, especially gas.
June 25, 2024
Malta Launches OSCE Conference on the Security Implications of Climate Change
A high-level conference on climate change was held in the Maltese capital Valletta, organized by the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This conference aims to examine the security implications of the climate crisis for the OSCE area and to emphasize the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle this global challenge.
June 25, 2024
Swiss Novartis Opens Fastest Cell Culture Facility in Tyrol
Novartis opened a state-of-the-art cell culture facility for the production of monoclonal antibodies in Schaftenau, Tyrol.
June 24, 2024
One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges
The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.
June 24, 2024
IAEA Chief Grossi Visits Peru: Agreements on Nuclear Technology for Food Security, Mining and Lithium
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, signed agreements with Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea to promote nuclear technology use in food security, health, and environmental protection.
June 21, 2024
Intensification of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Austria: Visit of Popșoi to Vienna
The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, is in Vienna to hold important talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, while the OSCE is holding talks in Chișinău with Moldovan state officials. These visits are part of Popșoi's wider efforts and travels across Europe to intensify cooperation between Moldova and the EU and Moldova's European aspirations.
June 21, 2024
Schwarzenegger's Climate Conference in Vienna: "Austrian World Summit" Calls for Concrete Measures
The "Austrian World Summit" (AWS) took place in Vienna for the eighth time. Host Arnold Schwarzenegger and several prominent guests emphasized the urgency of concrete climate protection measures. Around 700 international visitors, including high-ranking politicians and experts, gathered in the Vienna Hofburg to discuss the future of a clean energy supply and the fight against climate change.
June 20, 2024
Europa-Forum Wachau 2024: A Commitment to the Future of Europe
This year's Wachau European Forum, which traditionally takes place in Göttweig and Krems, opened with the title "Rebooting Europe". The forum focused on key topics such as innovation, research, and health to make Europe fit for the future.
June 20, 2024
Signa Group Stabilizes After Insolvency: Former CFO Retires
Following the collapse of the real estate group Signa, the former CFO Manuel Pirolt sees the company stabilized and announces his resignation.
June 20, 2024
25 Years "Partnership for Peace Consortium": Anniversary Celebration and Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
NATO Headquarters in Brussels hosted an important celebration on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes (PfPC). At the invitation of the German Minister of Defense, high-ranking representatives of the "Stakeholder Nations" came together to pay tribute to the successes and future goals of the consortium.
June 20, 2024
Moscow Announces Enhanced Revision of its Nuclear Doctrine
Russia's nuclear doctrine, particularly concerning its large arsenal of non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNW), has become one of the most pressing issues in Euro-Atlantic security. Russia is planning to revise its nuclear doctrine, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced. This decision is of course being made against the backdrop of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reactions of the West.
June 18, 2024
30 Years of the WKÖ Export Prize: Austrian Companies Honored for Top Performance
Austria's export industry has achieved impressive successes over the last 30 years. EU accession in 1994 played a key role in this, paving the way for a more than five-fold increase in goods exports. Despite challenging framework conditions, the 63,700 domestic export companies achieved a record value of 200 billion euros in goods exports and 83 billion euros in services exports last year.
June 18, 2024
OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Reaffirms Peace Efforts at Ukraine Summit in Switzerland
The Ukraine peace summit on the Bürgenstock in Switzerland emphasized the OSCE efforts under the leadership of Ian Borg, while Russia was conspicuous by its absence and strict negotiating conditions.
June 17, 2024
Austria's Common Tones in Times of War and Conflict
Five musicians with Israeli, Arab, and Persian roots from Daniel Barenboim's West Eastern Divan Orchestra performed at Palais Niederösterreich, under the auspices of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting the unifying power of music amid global crises and conflicts.
June 17, 2024
Farewell to Brigitte Bierlein: A Role Model for Generations
Austria has bid farewell to Brigitte Bierlein, the country's first female chancellor, who passed away at the beginning of June. The funeral services began with a solemn requiem in St. Stephen's Cathedral and ended with the burial at Vienna's Central Cemetery. Bierlein was not only honored as an outstanding lawyer and politician, but also as a courageous and far-sighted woman who was always ready to take on responsibility.
June 16, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Receives Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, in Vienna for the first time. Amid the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Schallenberg emphasized the need to deepen relations with the Central Asian states. The main focus of the meeting was on strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in the economic sphere.
June 16, 2024
30 Years of the EU Referendum: A Success Story for Austria
On June 12, 1994, a groundbreaking referendum was held in Austria, in which two-thirds of the population voted in favor of joining the European Union. This decision laid the foundations for a new era of economic, political, and social integration of Austria in Europe. Since its official accession on January 1, 1995, the country has changed considerably and has since benefited from EU membership in many ways.
June 12, 2024
Ukraine's Economic Potential: Analysis by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies
In a new comprehensive study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) and the Bertelsmann Foundation, Ukraine is recognized as having enormous economic potential.
June 12, 2024
Russia Expels ORF Correspondent Maria Knips-Witting
In a surprising diplomatic escalation, Russia has withdrawn the accreditation of ORF correspondent Maria Knips-Witting and ordered her to leave the country as quickly as possible. This measure was described by the Russian side as a “forced measure” and explained as a reaction to the withdrawal of the accreditations of two Russian journalists from the state news agency TASS in Austria. Knips-Witting has been reporting from Moscow since January 2024.
June 11, 2024
Austrian FPÖ Demands Right to Appoint Austrian EU Commissioner
Shortly after its triumphant success in the EU elections, the Freedom Party of Austria appears strong and confident. Now the FPÖ is emphatically demanding the right to appoint the Austrian EU Commissioner.
June 11, 2024
Shift to the Right in the EU and its Impact on Austria and Europe
The recent EU parliamentary elections have shown a clear shift to the right across Europe, particularly in Austria, where the FPÖ celebrated historic successes. These results put the political stability and future direction of the EU to the test.
June 10, 2024
Austria Promotes Key Projects for Renewable Energies in Central Asia
High-ranking representatives from Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East as well as private investors are gathering in Vienna at the invitation of the World Bank to hold the International Energy Investment Forum. The event is being held in cooperation with the government of the Kyrgyz Republic and other international financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
June 10, 2024
Shield 24: Largest Austrian Armed Forces Exercise in a Decade
From June 10 to 21, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces will be conducting the most comprehensive military exercise of the last ten years. Around 7,500 soldiers and civilian staff will take part in “Schutzschild 24”, supported by international forces from Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
June 9, 2024
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin: Focus on the Future of Europe
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Berlin to discuss various European and international issues. His visit focused on the excellent bilateral relations between Austria and Germany, trade, and important decisions at the European level.
June 9, 2024
Unrestricted Access to the Labor Market for Ukrainian Refugees in Austria Decided
Ukrainians who have fled the war should be able to participate in the Austrian labor market permanently and without restrictions. The Social Affairs Committee of the National Council today pushed the extension of the “Red-White-Red Card Plus” towards a final decision in plenary. The governing parties ÖVP and Greens, as well as the NEOS, voted in favor, while initiatives by the NEOS and FPÖ on immigration were postponed.
June 6, 2024
Austria Supports International Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
In an urgent joint statement, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and numerous other countries, including Austria, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
June 6, 2024
UN in Vienna to Get Monumental Mural to Promote Sustainable Development
An impressive art project will enrich the skyline of Vienna when a giant mural is created on one of the towers of the Vienna International Center (VIC). In collaboration with the Calle Libre Street Art Festival and the UN family in Vienna, the artwork aims to highlight the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping our common future.
June 5, 2024
Austria, Lithuania, and Latvia Join Forces to Strengthen Europe's Cyber Defense
Austria is intensifying its cyber defense by participating in the PESCO project “Cyber Rapid Response Team” initiated by Lithuania. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner signed this agreement at the meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, together with Latvia, and in the presence of Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
June 5, 2024
Strengthening Economic Relations Between Austria and Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Minister of Economy, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, visited Vienna and met with the Austrian Federal Minister of Labor and Economy, Martin Kocher. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as part of the 9th Saudi-Austrian Joint Committee, which aims to strengthen further and diversify economic relations between the two countries.
June 5, 2024
China's Ambassador Qi Mei On Cooperation Between China and Austria
China and Austria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971. Chinese Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei spoke about the biggest milestones in cooperation, current challenges, and future potential.
June 5, 2024
Brigitte Bierlein is Dead: Austria Mourns the Loss of its First Female Chancellor
Brigitte Bierlein, Austria's first female chancellor, has died at the age of 74. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) announced the news of her death, of which Bierlein had been a member for around 16 years. She succumbed to a short, serious illness. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Bierlein as an outstanding personality who had served the country faithfully in many functions.
June 3, 2024
UNHCR Calls for Increased Efforts Against Statelessness in Austria
Ten years after the UN Refugee Agency's (UNHCR) #IBelong campaign launched, which aimed to end statelessness by 2024, an estimated ten million people worldwide still live without citizenship. The UNHCR also sees a considerable need for action in Austria.
June 3, 2024
OPEC+ Extends Production Cuts Until 2025
Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met in Riyadh on the sidelines of the 37th OPEC and Non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM). During the meeting, the participating countries decided to extend the existing production cuts until the end of 2025.
June 2, 2024
Former French President François Hollande Signs the Golden Book of the City of Vienna
Former French President and Social Democrat François Hollande signed the Golden Book of the City of Vienna. Mayor Michael Ludwig and high-ranking representatives of the City of Vienna received the former head of state and his delegation in the Red Salon of City Hall.
June 2, 2024
UNOOSA and Japan Support New Space Law Legislation Missions in the Philippines and Thailand
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan have announced a new phase of their cooperation under the Space Law for New Space Actors project. This successful cooperation, launched in 2021, will enable UNOOSA to provide continuous capacity-building and legal advisory services specifically tailored to the needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific.
May 30, 2024
Austria Signs Pact for Hydrogen Corridor
In a step towards a sustainable energy future, the energy ministers of Italy, Germany, and Austria have signed a joint declaration of intent to develop a hydrogen import corridor between the three countries.
May 30, 2024
Othmar Karas Warns Against Extremism and Emphasizes the Importance of the Political Center in Europe
Around two weeks before the EU elections, the outgoing first Vice-President of the European Parliament, Othmar Karas (nor ÖVP), issued an urgent warning about the dangers of "extremism and nationalism". At a press conference at the party headquarters of the South Tyrolean People's Party (SVP) in Bolzano, Karas emphasized the need for a strong "political center" characterized by cooperation and compromise.
May 27, 2024
Anti-Muslim Racism in Austria Reaches New High
The Documentation Center Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism (Documentation Center Austria) recently published worrying figures for the year 2023. A total of 1,522 cases of racist attacks on Muslims were recorded, which is the highest number since records began in 2015.
May 27, 2024
Franco-Armenian Concert in Vienna in Honor of Charles Aznavour
On May 23, 2024, Charles Aznavour, one of the greatest icons of French chanson, would have turned 100 years old. To mark this special occasion, the French and Armenian embassies joined forces to celebrate the impressive life and work of the French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and actor at the Theater Akzent in Vienna. This concert was a tribute to an artist whose music and influence have shaped generations of fans and artists.
May 26, 2024
Concordia Ball 2024: A Celebration of Freedom of the Press
On May 24, 2024, Vienna City Hall was transformed into the venue for the 124th Concordia Ball, at which the media industry, artists, and cultural figures as well as an international ball audience set an impressive example for freedom of the press. This year, the traditional ball, organized by the Concordia Press Club, was all about free journalism and diversity of opinion.
May 26, 2024
"Mozart at the Table": New Special Exhibition at Mozarthaus Vienna
Mozarthaus Vienna presents the special exhibition "Mozart at the Table" from May 24, 2024. This unique show offers fascinating insights into Mozart's private life and culinary experiences.
May 24, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg Visits Saudi Arabia: Exchange on Middle East Conflict and Economic cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Saudi Arabia as part of his latest visit to the Middle East and met with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The talks focused on the Middle East conflict and the intensification of economic relations between the two countries.
May 23, 2024
Supply Stop and Human Rights Allegations for OMV
OMV, Austria's leading energy company, is currently under immense pressure. Two developments could have a significant impact on the company and the Austrian energy market: the threat of Gazprom stopping gas supplies and serious allegations of involvement in war crimes against former OMV executives in Sudan.
May 22, 2024
Austrian Climate Ministry Supports Ukraine with Five Million Euros for the Reconstruction of Energy Infrastructure
The Austrian Federal Government has announced its support for Ukraine by releasing five million euros in aid to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This financial aid aims to promote the reconstruction of Ukraine's severely damaged energy infrastructure, which has been suffering from the devastating effects of the war for over two years.
May 22, 2024
Austria's Nehammer and Britain's Sunak On Asylum Procedures and Migration
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has received British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for an official visit to Vienna. The talks between the two Conservative heads of government focused on migration and geopolitical challenges. In a joint press statement, Nehammer and Sunak emphasized their agreement on the issue of asylum procedures in safe third countries and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships to combat illegal migration and save lives.
May 21, 2024
Russia Begins Nuclear Weapons Exercises Near Ukraine
Russia has begun nuclear weapons exercises near the Ukrainian border, once again issuing a stronger nuclear threat to the West. The exercises, which are taking place in the south of Russia, include training with tactical nuclear weapons, as announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
May 21, 2024
Austria's Constitutional Protection Agency Warns of Chinese Economic Espionage
The Austrian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has issued an urgent warning about Chinese industrial espionage. Small and medium-sized enterprises and research centers are particularly at risk.
May 20, 2024
FPÖ Wants Orban as EU Commission President
The top candidate of the Austrian right-wing party FPÖ is threatening to stop EU contributions under an FPÖ government and would like to see the Hungarian prime minister as EU Commission president.
May 20, 2024
Georgia in the Focus of the OSCE: Protests, Political Tensions and International Support
The political situation in Georgia remains tense as the population takes to the streets to protest against a controversial law and international actors pledge their support. During his visit to Georgia, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg, emphasized the importance of civil society and the organization's role in conflict resolution. At the same time, protests against the so-called "agent law", seen by many as a threat to the country's democratic structures and EU integration, are continuing.
May 16, 2024
Brenner Transit Dispute: Austria and Italy Go to European Court
The long-running dispute over the anti-transit measures on the Brenner route between Austria and Italy continues to escalate: the European Commission has cleared the way for Italy to take Austria to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
May 16, 2024
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