Newsletter: Vienna International News

Think Tank: Concerns About EU Sanctions Against Russian Oil and Gas

For some time now, the business community has been complaining about the lack of information on how gas and oil will be distributed sensibly in the event of a supply freeze from Russia. The Austrian Economic Research Institute (WIFO) is also concerned about the future of the energy supply and discusses possible solutions.

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica Strive for Artistic Freedom

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica created a Virtual Space for artistic freedom. In times of crisis, there is clear support for artists and artistic freedom.

IWM Permanent Fellow Timothy Snyder Receives Tryzub "Friend of Ukraine" Award

Timothy Snyder, IWM Permanent Fellow, has received the Tryzub Award for Friends of Ukraine. The award was presented to him by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada for his contributions in support of Ukraine and democracy.

OPEC Holds Special Workshop on Climate Change: "Challenges and Opportunities for Energy-Exporting Developing Countries.”

The Vienna-based Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently hosted the fifth Climate Change Technical Workshop under the theme "The first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement: challenges and opportunities for energy-exporting developing countries." OPEC hosted the event ahead of the 21st OPEC Climate Change Coordination Meeting, which will be held on May 31, 2022.

Canada and Austria Strengthen Transatlantic Relations

During a recent visit to Canada by the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution, the focus was on strengthening transatlantic relations and cooperation in the fight against disinformation. The visit, during which she met, among others, Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti, took place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Austria.

Austrian Chancellor Had a Phonecall With Putin

Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it was about "green corridors" and the exchange of prisoners. The phone call was very intense. The focus was on issues of humanitarian aid, food security and prisoner exchange. Austria wants to mediate between Moscow and the West.

OSCE Condemns Intimidation and Detention of OSCE Staff in Donetsk and Luhansk

The OSCE recently condemned the ongoing allegations against the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), who are currently in Russian custody. The OSCE called for the immediate release of the four national mission members detained in Donetsk and Luhansk.

Planning Conference for EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna: Strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy

This week, representatives of ten EU states met at the planning conference for the EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna. The aim was to coordinate jointly in the future and to participate with military forces in the new intervention force. Participants included Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary and Croatia. The aim of the conference is to coordinate international cooperation and plan joint exercises.