Newsletter: Austrian Acts of Balance between Iran and Israel and in Domestic Policy

Israel - Austria Relations: Lifting of Sanctions Against Kneissl is Nearing

Diplomats

According to information in the daily newspapers "Die Presse" and "Der Standard" on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Israel plans to lift its ban on contacts with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl. Netanyahu ordered Israeli authorities in December 2017 to refrain from contacts with FPÖ ministers. Although Kneissl is not a party member, she has been nominated by the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ. However, the official Israeli contact ban will continue to apply to FPÖ government members.

Nuclear Controversy: Iran Seeking Austria's Support

Austria's EU Presidency, the future of the nuclear agreement and the desire to strengthen bilateral economic and cultural exchange were the focus of a visit by Iranian parliamentarians to the Austrian Parliament.

Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner Confirmed as Party Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria

Pamela Rendi-Wagner, former Minister of Health and Women's Affairs, was nominated new party leader by the SPÖ party executive. This is the first time that a woman has assumed the position of SPÖ chairman. Andreas Schieder made room for Rendi Wagner, Thomas Drozda takes over the federal management from Max Lercher. Who is Rendi-Wagner and what will she do?

Freedom of the Media: Opposition Attacks Interior Minister Kickl

The opposition criticises the e-mail from Interior Minister Herbert Kickl (ÖVP), which is referred to as a "Gleichschaltungs" e-mail and would be a direct attack on democracy, freedom of opinion and freedom of the press.

IAEA: What Did the 62nd General Conference at the VIC in Vienna Achieve?

Nearly 2,600 participants attended this year’s event at VIC Vienna International Centre, including delegates from 153 of the IAEA’s 170 Member States, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the media. By the end of the 62nd IAEA General Conference, 91 Member States have pledged to the Technical Cooperation Fund for 2019. While not all Member States use the opportunity of the General Conference to pledge their contribution, a pledge by so many countries – over 53% of all IAEA Member States – represents a record. The total Technical Cooperation Fund Target for 2019 is 86.2 million euros.

Security Expenses at Kneissl's Wedding Amounted to Euro 223,000

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the state expenses for the large police contingent for the security of Russian President Vladimir Putin at Kneissl's wedding in August amounted to almost 222,750 euros.

Thomas Drozda Appointed New Federal Managing Director of Austrian Social Democratic Party

The former cultural manager, who was brought back into politics by Chancellor Christian Kern, will accompany the new party leader, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, as Federal Managing Director of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ).

Andreas Schieder Resigns as SPÖ Parliamentary Club Chairman

In the course of the crisis and the restructuring of the Austrian Social Democrats (SPÖ), Mr. Andreas Schieder has thrown in the towel by resigning today as club chairman.

Alexander Labak Leaves: Casinos-Austria Seeking New CEO

At yesterday's meeting of the Casinos Austria Supervisory Board, the Management Board presented plans for modernising and strengthening the casino business in Austria and internationally. However, a bang came from CEO Alexander Labak, who will leave the company at the end of 2019.

ACV Austria Center Vienna: More than 100,000 International Participants for the First Time

Last year, Austria’s largest congress centre brought more than 100,000 international participants to Vienna for the first time. The venue also once again exceeded the record revenue figure from the previous year.

Macedonia's Name Dispute with Greece: Macedonians in Austria Cast Their Votes

The Macedonians will decide next Sunday on a bilateral agreement between Athens and Skopje, which can pave the way for the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia to NATO and EU membership. Greece, which claims the name Macedonia for its northern region, should be made satisfied with "North Macedonia". The Macedonian foreign voters can vote for the referendum at the diplomatic representations of their country (diplomatic representations in Austria see below). Voters will be asked "Do you support EU and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?"

Claude Monet: The French “Master of Light” at the Albertina

Claude Monet (1840–1926) stands like no other painter for the impressionist style, and as the French “Master of Light”, he was also a central pioneer of 20th-century painting. The Albertina is devoting a large monographic exhibition to Claude Monet’s treatment of color, which has seen little examination to date, as well as to the painter’s passionate fascination with the world of plants and water in the garden of his country home in Giverny.

A Treasure Trove of Knowledge: 650 Years of Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria, with more than 12 million items in its various collections. The library, one of the country’s most venerable cultural and academic institutions, is currently celebrating its 650th anniversary. During the Austrian Empire, from 1867 in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, the library was one of the most comprehensive universal libraries in the world when it was named the Vienna Court Library until the end of the First World War.

Wiener Wiesn: Celebrate the Oktoberfest the Viennese Way

From now on the Wiener Wiesn welcomes you on the festival site on the Kaiserwiese in the Vienna Prater. The Wiener Wiesn Festival is one of Austria's largest traditional and folk music festivals. It has been held annually since 2011. During 18 days until 14 October, the event offers numerous highlights for visitors. The party is for young and old. The focus will be on Austrian customs and traditions, Austrian cuisine and folk music. A good opportunity to get to know Austrian customs, timeless traditions and an original sociability, lived by cheerful people with a colourful variety of dialects. Put on your dirndl or leather trousers and celebrate in lovingly decorated tents, cosy pub gardens, rustic alpine huts and in the atmospheric Wiesndorf.