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OSCE Asian Partners Conference: Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Common Challenges
The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference held in Vienna has brought together participants to discuss synergies and opportunities for cooperation with a particular emphasis on strengthening dialogue between the OSCE and Asia.
July 23, 2023
Plants as Climate-Friendly Air Conditioning: City of Vienna Promotes Greening of Buildings
The positive effect of green buildings on the climate is undisputed. To promote the implementation of green buildings, the City of Vienna provides generous subsidies of up to € 20,200. Interested parties can obtain free advice on this subject from Eco Counselling (DIE UMWELTBERATUNG) in Vienna.
July 23, 2023
Salzburg Summit: International Conference Brings Together Top Politicians, Scientists and Business Leaders
July 26, 2023, marks the start of the 4th Salzburg Summit, a high-profile international business and future conference that will take place on the fringes of the renowned Salzburg Festival. The event will be formally opened by EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn and the President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), Georg Knill. In light of recent global challenges, including a war on European soil and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the summit is dedicated to the goal of a sustainable future for Europe amid uncertainty.
July 23, 2023
Controversy Surrounds Jan Marsalek's Letter in Wirecard Scandal Trial
In connection with the Wirecard scandal trial, a letter from Jan Marsalek, a former Wirecard board member, is causing controversy. Marsalek, who has been on the run for three years, contacted the Munich Regional Court in writing through his lawyer.
July 19, 2023
State Secretary Tursky Emphasizes Goal of European Chip Sovereignty at Austrian Company AT&S
During his visit to Leoben, Florian Tursky, the State Secretary for Digitization and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Finance, was given an insight into the new research and production center of the global high-tech group AT&S, which is currently being realized at the company's headquarters.
July 19, 2023
Austrian Government Aims to Increase Skilled Immigration and Address Labor Shortages
The Austrian government, led by Economy and Labor Minister Martin Kocher, plans to attract a minimum of 15,000 skilled workers from non-EU countries to Austria annually by 2027 through the Red White Red card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) program.
July 18, 2023
Exploring Vienna's Sustainable Solutions: Unusual Excursion Tips by MA 48
Waste prevention and waste separation as well as a clean city are among the central goals and concerns of street cleaning in Vienna (MA 48). MA 48 invites all interested parties to visit its facilities free of charge.
July 18, 2023
OSCE Monitoring Reveals Instances of Torture and Sexual Violence in Ukraine
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has released a new report summarizing its continuous monitoring of international law violations following Russia's military attack in Ukraine.
July 17, 2023
Austrian Museum Award for the Sigmund Freud Museum
The renowned Sigmund Freud Museum has been awarded the Austrian Museum Prize 2023, Secretary of State for Art and Culture Andrea Mayer announced today. The award, which is endowed with 20,000 euros, is presented annually by the Museum Advisory Board of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service, and Sport for outstanding achievements in the field of museum work.
July 17, 2023
OMV's Polyolefins Business Cooperation: Concerns Raised as Greens Question Borealis' Future
Austrian energy company OMV has decided to pursue negotiations with ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, on potential cooperation of their polyolefins business. This reinforces certain concerns of the critical voices on the OMV-ADNOC deal.
July 16, 2023
Foreign Ministers of Slavkov Format Countries Hold Talks with Key Political Actors in North Macedonia
Foreign Ministers Jan Lipavský, Miroslav Wlachovský, and Alexander Schallenberg held talks with representatives of the government, parliament, and parliamentary opposition in Northern Macedonia. The aim of the ministers' visit within the framework of the Slavkov format countries was to support North Macedonia on its way to the European Union and to listen to the views of key political actors.
July 16, 2023
Austria on the Way to Innovation Leader in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2023
Austria has improved to sixth place in this year's European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and is thus on the right track to becoming an innovation leader.
July 13, 2023
Saving the Historical Habsburg Clothing Brand
The insolvency of the renowned Salzburg-based clothing manufacturer Habsburg in May came as a shock to lovers of the fine label of down-to-earth solidity. Two experienced entrepreneurs from the fashion and lifestyle industry have made the rescue of Habsburg their personal affair of the heart and have thus committed themselves to the continuation of the brand.
July 12, 2023
OMV Secures Additional European Gas Transmission and Pipeline Capacities until 2028
The listed oil and gas group OMV has successfully secured additional European gas transport capacities and gas pipeline capacities. This measure serves to secure Austria's gas supply and enables OMV to meet its delivery obligations in the medium term.
July 12, 2023
EU Commission Expresses Concerns About Austria's Judicial System
In its published rule of law report, the EU Commission expressed several concerns about Austria. In principle, the independence of the Austrian judicial system is highly regarded, the country-specific document states.
July 12, 2023
Wealth of the Richest Austrians Grows Despite Global Trends
In its latest issue, the business magazine "trend" publishes its annual ranking of the "100 richest Austrians". In contrast to some global studies, which show a slight decline in the ownership of the super-rich, Austria shows a different development. The assets of the 100 wealthiest individuals and families increased by five percent to a total of around 210 billion euros.
July 11, 2023
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting at the invitation of his Italian counterpart. The meeting was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Antonio Tajani, Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, and Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. The talks focused on important issues such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the rapprochement of the Western Balkans with the EU, and the fight against illegal migration.
July 11, 2023
EU Skepticism in Austria Underpinned by Eurobarometer Survey
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, Austrians continue to be among the biggest EU skeptics in Europe. Only 35 percent regard the EU as a whole as "positive," while the EU average is 45 percent. Just under a third of respondents in Austria are in favor of EU enlargement, while across Europe half are in favor.
July 10, 2023
U.S. Ambassador Victoria Kennedy Hosts Independence Day Reception
U.S. Ambassador Victoria Kennedy hosted a festive reception at her residence to mark Independence Day. The event was attended by numerous friends and partners to celebrate this significant day together.
July 10, 2023
OSCE High-Level Climate Conference Highlights Cross-Border Cooperation
Addressing climate-related challenges and security risks through enhanced cross-border cooperation took center stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, held at the Hofburg in Vienna. Among those attending the conference were high-level representatives of the OSCE participating states and partners for cooperation, climate security experts and practitioners, and representatives of international organizations.
July 9, 2023
Insights into the Situation of Ukrainian Women Displaced in Austria
In the summer of 2022, the Austrian Institute for Family Research at the University of Vienna, on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), surveyed displaced women from Ukraine for the first time about their living situation and future plans in Austria. The results showed that at that time 90 percent of the respondents felt very well off and had an impressive level of professional qualifications. A new study now provides new insights into the situation of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria.
July 9, 2023
Viennese International Economic Institute: Growth in Eastern Europe Weaker than Expected
The Central and Eastern European EU member states recorded weaker economic growth in the first quarter of this year, according to a recent study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW).
July 6, 2023
Austria's State Security Agency to Take Stronger Action Against Disinformation
The Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence (DSN) has reportedly called for the introduction of penalties for spreading "fake news" in order to curb the spread of conspiracy theories.
July 6, 2023
Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Sabotage at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Kyiv and Moscow have voiced accusations against each other regarding possible acts of sabotage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Kremlin described the situation as tense, while Ukraine again accused Russia of planting explosive devices at the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency also continues to express concern.
July 5, 2023
Franco-Austrian Cooperation for Clean Water in Eastern Europe
France's Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, spearheaded a round table discussion in Vienna as part of the "EU4Environment-Water Resources and Environmental Data" program. This initiative, funded by the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency, and the Artois-Picardie Water Agency (France), aims to support Eastern Partnership countries in their journey towards European standards for water resources and environmental data management.
July 5, 2023
Security Review Conference Convened by OSCE Chairpersonship
The OSCE Chairpersonship organized the Security Review Conference in 2023 to address the security crisis and promote multilateral engagement. High-level representatives gathered to assess security threats, including the humanitarian impact of Russia's war against Ukraine.
July 4, 2023
Selling of Turmoel Fuel Business to the Polish Group Orlen
The Austrian-based Doppler mineral oil group has sold its Turmöl fuel business to the partly state-owned Orlen mineral oil group from Poland, Orlen announced. As a result, the Turmöl service stations are switching to a large international group.
July 4, 2023
Vienna's Universities and the EU: Funding for "Circle U." and "ENGAGE.EU" Alliances
The European Commission continues its funding for European university alliances, supporting the efforts of Vienna's universities. Both the Circle U. Alliance and the ENGAGE.EU Alliance receive financial support for their innovative projects under the European University Initiative.
July 4, 2023
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Strengthens Economic Ties with Austria During First Europe Trip
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met for working talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. The visit of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister to Vienna underlines the interest of both countries in further strengthening economic relations and intensifying cooperation at the geopolitical level.
July 4, 2023
Iran Nuclear Talks: U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Put on Leave
The U.S. special envoy to Iran, Robert Malley, was officially placed on leave yesterday, the U.S. State Department announced. He will be replaced by Abram Paley, who will take over the duties for the time being.
July 2, 2023
Austria and Portugal Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his Portuguese counterpart João Gomes Cravinho for a meeting in Vienna. The talks focused on intensifying political and economic cooperation and strengthening foreign policy cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, they emphasized the unity of the EU member states in the face of the Russian war of aggression and exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans.
July 2, 2023
Journalists' Associations Protest Against Exclusion at OPEC Event
Journalists' associations have protested the renewed exclusion of international press representatives from an OPEC event in Vienna. According to an open letter from the Association of Foreign Press, the Concordia Press Club, and the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), reporters from the Reuters and Bloomberg news agencies and the "Wall Street Journal" were denied accreditation.
June 29, 2023
Diplomatic Trip to Styria: Between Business Location and Chocolate Paradise
After a break of several years due to COVID - Pandemic, the traditional diplomatic excursion finally took place again. This time, the ambassadors based in Austria had the opportunity to get to know the many facets of the local culture, innovative strength, and culinary delights in Styria.
June 29, 2023
Austria Stresses Need in Fight Against Illegal Migration Despite Rejection of Higher EU Budget
Dealing with irregular migration, increasing the EU budget as well as foreign and economic policy considerations were the focus of the Parliament's EU Main Committee today. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer reiterated his opposition to a higher EU budget, but at the same time stressed the great need for funding in the fight against illegal migration.
June 28, 2023
Salzburg Europe Summit 2023 Taking Place this Year for the 19th Time
The annual Salzburg Europe Summit, Europe's leading event, will once again address the many challenges facing Europe in September in Salzburg. Among others, topics from war and the climate crisis to energy supply and social coexistence will be discussed.
June 28, 2023
Wirecard Trial: Entire Wirecard Asia Business Made Up
Wirecard's insolvency administrator, Michael Jaffe, has confirmed that the company's deal with supposed partners in Asia was completely fabricated, according to recent findings. This is according to Jaffe's fifth status report to the Munich District Court.
June 27, 2023
European Movement Austria Presents Reform Ideas for the EU Single Market
Europe has achieved a level of prosperity that no previous generation has experienced. The EU Single Market, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is the key to this success. The future of the Single Market was the focus of a panel discussion of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ) at THE LEO GRAND in Vienna.
June 27, 2023
Austria's Interior Minister Karner Refers to EU Entry Ban on Question of Asylum for Prigozhin
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has stated that the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has no prospect of asylum in Austria. Initially, Karner spoke of a case-by-case examination to answer a related question but later specified via a spokesman that Prigozhin was on the EU sanctions list and therefore not allowed to enter the country.
June 26, 2023
Unveiling Rimbaud's Journey: Discovering the Photographer-Poet at the French Embassy in Vienna
The French Embassy in Austria and the Institut français d'Autriche invite you to discover the artist Arthur Rimbaud in the light of this unknown chapter of his work. Read more about Arthur Rimbaud, the famous French poet, adventurer, and businessman. Today he is considered one of the most influential French poets.
June 26, 2023
European Local Councils Initiative Brings the EU to Austrian Innsbruck
More than 100 European local councilors take part in the initiative's annual conference as part of the 69th Austrian Municipal Day in Innsbruck. The event, which is integrated into the Austrian Municipal Day for the first time, emphasizes the close connection between the European and municipal levels.
June 25, 2023
European Forum Wachau: Building a Resilient, Green, and Competitive Europe
The event under the general theme "Building a Resilient, Green and Competitive Europe" takes place for the 27th time. This year, the Europa Forum Wachau invited top-class guests to discuss the most important European issues. Among others also the topic of illegal migration, the war in Ukraine, and the Euro-integration of the Western Balkan states.
June 25, 2023
Austria and Somalia Intensify Cooperation on Migration and Security in the Horn of Africa
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse arrived in Vienna for working talks with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. This visit marked an intensified effort by Austria to develop relations with African states. The talks focused on bilateral relations, particularly concerning illegal migration, the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, and the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
June 22, 2023
OMV Gives Final Investment Decision for Gas Project in Romania
OMV announced the final investment decision by OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy company in Southeast Europe, for the Neptune Deep natural gas production development project.
June 22, 2023
Mansion in Austrian Kitzbühel Bought by Sanctioned Russian Oligarch
Russian oligarch and confidant of President Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, is said to have financed a house in Kitzbühel, where Putin's daughter is also said to have spent time, according to media reports.
June 21, 2023
Austria Tumbles in Gender Equality Index
Austria has plummeted to 47th place out of 146 countries in the global ranking of gender equality published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
June 21, 2023
Austria Takes Responsibility: Recommendations for Dealing with Art Objects from Colonial Contexts Presented
At a press conference, State Secretary for Art and Culture Andrea Mayer, together with Jonathan Fine, Director of the Vienna World Museum, presented the recommendations for action of an international advisory panel on the handling of art objects from a colonial context in Austrian federal museums.
June 20, 2023
EU Culture Salon Invites to a Discussion on the Future of Europe with Caroline de Gruyter
On June 27, the EU Culture Salon, a new series of events organized by the Representation of the European Commission, will take place at the House of the European Union. The guest will be the renowned journalist and author Caroline de Gruyter, whose book "The Habsburg Empire - Inspiration for Europe?" has caused a sensation.
June 20, 2023
OPEC and Non-OPEC Participating Countries Agree on Crude Oil Production Adjustments
In a bid to maintain stability in the oil market, OPEC and non-OPEC Participating Countries have announced key decisions during the 35th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting held in Vienna. The meeting emphasized the commitment to achieving a stable oil market and providing long-term guidance for the industry.
June 19, 2023
Preliminary Presentation in Vienna of UN Study Results on Fast Fashion and Old Clothes
The Austrian-based foundation COMÚN and the Chilean study author, Beatriz O'Brien, exclusively show the disastrous consequences of "waste colonialism" in research ordered by the UN in the run-up to the "Austrian Consumer Dialogues: Textiles".
June 19, 2023
Austrian National Bank Publishes Macroeconomic Forecast for 2023 to 2025
According to the published forecast of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), the Austrian economy is expected to pick up speed in the second half of 2023, with GDP growing by 0.5 percent in 2023. Accelerated growth of 1.7 percent is forecast for 2024. Although HICP inflation will fall steadily after the highs at the beginning of the year, it will still be above average at 2.9 percent in 2025.
June 18, 2023