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Vienna Media Art Festival CIVA 2023 Goes Into its Last Round
The Viennese media art festival "Contemporary Immersive Virtual Art" (CIVA) will enter its third and last round from February 17 to 26. Under the title "Intangible Care", this year's ten-day event will be dedicated to our psyche, with free admission.
February 14, 2023
Markus Braun Denies Any Acknowledgment in the Wirecard Trial
The Austrian businessman Markus Braun is the main defendant in the whole Wirecard-Scandal. Now he testified for the first time in court. He denied any acknowledgment of alleged crime in the company, which contradicted the testimonials of key witness Oliver Bellenhaus.
February 13, 2023
Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Criticized Austria
Russia's Ambassador to Vienna Dmitry Lyubinsky detects an erosion of Austria's neutrality status and sees a "huge minus sign" in front of Russian-Austrian relations. However, Lyubinsky also spoke of maintaining contacts with influential people in Austria.
February 13, 2023
Ministers of German Speaking Countries in Vienna
The economic ministers of the German-speaking countries, namely from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein met in Vienna to discuss several economic measures from the past and for the future.
February 13, 2023
AACC and Vienna Economic Forum Signed a Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) to enhance mutual relations and strengthen cooperation.
February 13, 2023
Combating Human Trafficking and Money Laundering Discussions Occurred at the Ministry of Finance
The Austrian Ministry of Finance invited several experts on the human trafficking and money laundering issue. They discussed possible solutions to these problems and the ministry's help in it.
February 12, 2023
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Received Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg
Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Washington, D.C., as a sign of the strong transatlantic partnership. In the first bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers, the two discussed cooperation on the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Western Balkans, the expansion of Austria's Strategic Partnership with the United States, and the Turkish earthquake disaster.
February 12, 2023
Federal Police Director Emphasizes Importance of EU External Border Protection
Austrian Federal Police Director Michael Takács took part in the “Effective Management of EU Borders” conference in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. The conference had two central themes: protecting EU external borders and combating smuggling.
February 12, 2023
Austria Wants to Accelerate the Integration of Displaced Persons into the Labor Market
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF/AIF) want to accelerate the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. A letter will be sent to displaced persons encouraging them to contact ÖIF and AMS in order to find employment.
February 12, 2023
EU Is Planning the Withdrawal From the Energy Charter Treaty
The European Union wants to exit from the Energy Charter Treaty since the contract is not compatible with the energy transition. Austria is examining its exit from the treaty since November.
February 9, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Emphasizes Migration Subject in the EU
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the EU summit has called for more financing for EU border protection. He also called for more control on irregular migration at EU level.
February 9, 2023
Embassy of Iran Organized a Reception for the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran
On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Slovakia, together with H.E. Mohsen Naziri Asl, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, hosted a reception at the Ambassador's Residence in Vienna.
February 9, 2023
Austria's Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Kogler Against Russia's and Belarus's Participation in the 2024 Olympics
Unlike the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC), Austria's Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler is strictly against Russia's and Belarus's participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. According to Kogler, "it is simply unacceptable for Ukrainian athletes to compete against Russian and Belarusian athletes in the fight for medals."
February 9, 2023
Austria Obligated to Grant Visas Says OSCE
The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has decided in a parliament assembly that Austria must grant visas to all visiting member states, including Russia. The visas for the Russian Delegation have caused quite some controversy in the last week however, the visa issues seem to be settled.
February 8, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Threatens to Block Summit Declaration Because of Migration Issues
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has threatens to block a summit declaration of all EU heads of state. The reason for this is that the Chancellor is opinionated that the EU does not put enough work into the issue of migration.
February 8, 2023
Vienna Belvedere Hosts 34th World Tour Guide Day
The World Day of Tour Guides, which has been held annually since 1989, will take place in 2023 on February 17 and 19 in cooperation with the Belvedere. An extensive and free program will be offered on two days at all three locations of the Belvedere.
February 8, 2023
City of Vienna Seeks Community Communicators
Vienna is a city of many nations and the city is always trying to strengthen social cohesion and togetherness. More than 60 people are already active as community communicators in Vienna, volunteering their time to improve dialog and exchange between the City of Vienna and various immigrant groups. Now the project starts in the 2nd round.
February 7, 2023
Education Minister Polaschek Visited Sweden
Education Minister Martin Polaschek emphasized the importance of science on his visit to Sweden. He especially praised Swedish society for having such a high trust in science and is seeking some Swedish strategies to take them to Austria.
February 7, 2023
Minister Schallenberg Visits the USA
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the USA, where he will meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Austria is a relevant geostrategic partner to the U.S. in many areas such as Western Balkan politics or the Ukraine subject.
February 7, 2023
Austria Supports Earthquake Victims in Turkish-Syrian Border Area
The devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria left devastation and over 6000 people dead. The search for survivors in the rubble continues, among other things with numerous international aid. Austria is also sending aid with 82 soldiers and 3 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) for relief organizations. NGOs in Vienna, meanwhile, are asking for monetary donations.
February 7, 2023
Austrian Government Considers Rent Cap
In consideration of a looming rent increase in April, the coalition parties Austrian Peoples Party (OEVP) and the Green Party are now also interested in a possible rent cap.
February 6, 2023
Schallenberg Defends his Stance Regarding the Russians
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has defended his position to allow the Russian delegation to enter the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by trying to keep a communication channel open.
February 6, 2023
Austria's Agriculture Minister Totschnig against Mercosur Agreement
Austria's Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig is against ratification of the Mercosur trade agreement. In his opinion, the agreement with South America would put domestic farm families and supplies under pressure.
February 6, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna
Holger Federico Martinsen, Argentina's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen, the new permanent representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna.
February 6, 2023
New Film Incentive Model in Austria: HBO Shoots New Series Project "The Palace" in Vienna
The Vienna Film Commission is now increasingly promoting international film and series productions in Vienna and Austria. A new film funding model has been in place for some time and has now brought the first international project to the city. The new series from HBO with Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet called "The Palace" had its shooting start in Vienna.
February 5, 2023
Slovak President Čaputová Received Austrian President Van der Bellen
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová received Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Bratislava. Among other things, they discussed further aid to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.
February 5, 2023
Austria’s Plan for Gradually Dropping COVID Mitigations
June 30 is going to be the date when all COVID-19 Measures Will Drop in Austria. Health Minister Johannes Rauch and Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler confirmed this in a press conference.
February 4, 2023
New Study Shows Social Media Is a Primary News Source for the Youth
A study carried out by the Institute for Youth Culture Research and Cultural Education on behalf of the Austrian Institute for Applied Telecommunications and ISPA - Internet Service Providers Austria as part of the EU initiative Saferinternet.at showed that the youth’s primary news source is social media, while at the same time, they do not trust the news.
February 4, 2023
Open Letter to Austria to Disinvite Russian Delegation
Over 80 representatives from 20 different countries have asked Austria in an open letter to disinvite members of the Russian delegation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly concerning the anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
February 2, 2023
President Van der Bellen Reassured Support for Ukraine
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reassure Austria’s support for Ukraine. He also visited several humanitarian organizations doing their best they can to help and rebuild Ukraine.
February 2, 2023
Australian Embassy in Vienna Celebrated its National Holiday "Australia Day"
Every year, Australia Day celebrates contemporary Australia and acknowledges the country's history while reflecting on what it means to be Australian. This year, the Australian Embassy in Vienna was able to celebrate their nation's national day without corona restrictions and in person.
February 2, 2023
Austria Expels Four Russian Diplomats
Austria expels four Russian diplomats. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry, according to a statement. The four diplomats are accused of "incompatible actions" with their diplomatic status. This expulsion, however, goes beyond espionage and incompatible acts, according to experts.
February 2, 2023
Austrian Parliament Implements EU Directive for Better Protection of Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are to be better protected in Austria in the future. After a delay of more than a year, the Austrian Parliament today passed a new Whistleblower Protection Act and accompanying amendments to the law, thus implementing a corresponding EU directive.
February 1, 2023
Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Are Important: Assistant Professor From Georgetown University Jamil Scott in Austria
Assistant Professor Jamil Scott from Georgetown University was present in Vienna at Amerika Haus and in Linz at Johannes Kepler University to talk about political behavior in different aspects.
February 1, 2023
Austria Stuck in a Dilemma at the OSCE
Austria may cause some controversy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna by letting sanctioned Russian politicians enter the country and granting them visas. Moreover, of all days, the Parliamentary Assembly will be held on February 23 and 24.
February 1, 2023
Premiere for the TechDiplomacy Talk at the Austrian Foreign Ministry
On the occasion of the Vienna visit of the United Nations Envoy for Technology, Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, a TechDiplomacy Talk was held at the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Read more about the premiere of the new format!
February 1, 2023
Austrian Parliament Passed Memorial Day Resolution Regarding Romani People and Sinti
The Austrian Parliament passed the resolution regarding a memorial day for the Romani people and Sinti. As in the original motion for a resolution by the coalition parties, it is proposed that the Roma and Romnja, Sinti, and Sintizze who were persecuted and murdered under the Nazi regime be commemorated on August 2nd.
January 31, 2023
Minister Edtstadler Met With Hungarian Minister Varga in Vienna
Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has met with the Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga in Vienna where they talked about current challenges such as illegal immigration and the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
January 31, 2023
First Steps Towards the Establishment of a Shoah Center in Vienna
According to Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna (IKG), a memorial similar to those in Israel and the U.S. should also exist in Austria. Minister of Constitution Karoline Edtstadler supports such steps towards the establishment of a Shoah Center in Vienna.
January 31, 2023
OSCE Condemns Russia’s Decision to Outlaw Independent News Outlet Meduza
Moscow continues its campaign against opposition Russian media with unabated vigor. The Riga-based web portal "Meduza" is banned completely in Russia. The OSCE denounced the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals.
January 31, 2023
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Will Visit Brussels
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit Brussels to meet with EU and NATO Officials.
January 30, 2023
Wikimedia Austria Awards Prize for Free Knowledge 2023 at Viennese Ball of Science
The Austrian Prize for Free Knowledge honors people and organizations that communicate knowledge under a free license. The award ceremony took place at the Vienna Ball of Science in the presence of Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler, Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler.
January 30, 2023
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Met with Chancellor Nehammer
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Welcomed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Vienna. Their main topic of discussion was migration and requesting EU regulations regarding the external borders.
January 30, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Visited Georgia
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has visited Georgia and expressed his support for the country’s EU integration. He also understood the complicated situation and showed comprehension regarding the Russia sanctions.
January 30, 2023
Thriller Surrounding Ex-Chief of Belarusian Raiffeisen Subsidiary
The head of the Belarusian Raiffeisen subsidiary Priorbank and ex-honorary consul of Austria in Belarus has now been released after a period of imprisonment. The Austrian diplomat Sergey Kostyuchenko, who is said to have made great contributions to bilateral relations between Minsk and Vienna, was a political prisoner of Alexander Lukashenko's regime over the last year.
January 30, 2023
French Ambassador to Austria Opens Exhibition for "Jean Egger - Revolutionary of Modern Painting" in Linz
The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, opened the exhibition "Jean Egger - Revolutionary of Modern Painting" in the Lentos Museum in Linz with a speech praising his influence on modern art.
January 29, 2023
IAEA Pushes for a Safe Zone in Zaporizhzhia
Due to recent attacks in Zaporizhzhia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once again called to establish a security zone at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
January 29, 2023
EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union is extending its economic sanctions against the Russian Federation for the aggression in Ukraine. The sanctions will be extended for a half year now.
January 29, 2023
Joint Commemoration of the Victims of the Shoah
On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, representatives of the Israeli Religious Community, the Roma, the Government of Austria, the Embassy of Israel in Vienna and the humanist parliamentary parties commemorated the victims of the Shoah.
January 29, 2023
International Vaccine Institute Opens an Austrian Office
International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international health organization dedicated to developing, delivering, and evaluating vaccines for global health, announced the opening of its Austrian Country Office.
January 26, 2023