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Schallenberg Reallocates Foreign Positions
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has entrusted several envoys and current ambassadors with new positions abroad. More than 20 Austrian embassies or Consulate Generals will have new leadership and three cultural forums will see a change in management.
February 24, 2021
Čaputovà and Van der Bellen Demand Sustainable Relaunch After Covid-19
The Slovak President Zuzana Čaputovà met Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen virtually in order to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, Austrian aid to Slovakia and the climate crisis. Both head of states demand that the "relaunch of the economy in the EU must be sustainable" after the Covid-19 crisis.
February 19, 2021
Swedish and Austrian Integration Minister Discuss Political Islam
The Swedish Minister of Justice and Integration Morgan Johansson and his Austrian counterpart Susanne Raab met virutally to discuss the topics of extremism and political Islam. After the terror attack in Vienna in November 2020, Austria's Integration Minister has met several responsible minister from other countries in order to exchange views on possible counter-measures.
February 17, 2021
Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award
The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.
February 16, 2021
WKO: Austria Needs to End Lockdown in March
After the recent announcement of Austria's federal government to have restaurants, hotels and the cultural sector closed until Easter, the heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) demand opening steps for March. They emphasize that all the current tools, such as mass testing, entry tests and stricter distance rules, would allow a safe gradual opening of the currently closed sectors.
February 16, 2021
Deadline for Austrian "Reemployment Promise" Gets Extended
To further support the hard hit Austrian economy, the Minister of Labor and Minister of Tourism have decided to extend the deadline for the so-called "reemployment promise". This allows employers to lay off their employees and agreeing to re-hire them, once the sector is allowed to open up again. The affected employees receives unemployment benefits without any placement activities by the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice.
February 15, 2021
Vienna - Salzburg: Frequent Intervals Will Be Maintained
The important rail connection between Vienna and Salzburg will keep having regular intervals due to an emergency award by the Austrian Ministry of Climate Protection. The ministry will continue to order trains from the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn in order to assure a frequent rail connection until April 7.
February 15, 2021
Naturalizations in Austria Decline Heavily
The number of naturalizations in Austria has also been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. After nine years of constantly rising numbers, naturalizations have decreased by 15.2 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. Almost 9,000 people have gained Austrian citizenship, a third of them having Bosnian, Serbian or Turkish citizenship before naturalization.
February 12, 2021
European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna
The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.
February 11, 2021
Austrian Museums Highlight UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Austria's Ministry of Arts and Culture together with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Austria have presented the project "17 Museums x 17 SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals", which will focus on 17 Austrian museums each focusing on one of the SDGs developed by the United Nations.
February 11, 2021
WKO: Austria's Tourism Industry Needs Every Possible Help
The chairman of the division responsible for tourism in the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, Robert Seeber, demands all possible help for the hard-hit Austrian tourism industry. Seeber emphasizes the need for urgent measures, so the tourism sector can once again "act as an economic locomotive and employment engine to boost the entire national economy."
February 10, 2021
Olga Neuwirth Receives Wolf Prize 2021
The Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth has received the Wolf Prize 2021 in Music. The composer can now compare herself with other laureates of the prize such as Paul McCartney, Placido Domingo, and Stevie Wonder. Andrea Mayer, Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture, congratulates Neuwirth on the prize and on "being able to successfully assert herself in the male-dominated world of music."
February 10, 2021
Coronavirus in Austria: What Are the New Rules?
As of February 8, the Austrian COVID-19 measures have been relaxed again. The exit restrictions apply again only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, there are still contact restrictions. Retailers, schools and museums are allowed to open again, although only under stricter conditions. Body-related service providers such as hairdressers are also allowed to offer their services again, but only on presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test result.
February 9, 2021
Austrian Government Warns of Travel to Tyrol
Due to the latest information on the South African Covid-19 mutation in Tyrol, the federal government has issued a travel warning for the province. All non-essential travel should be avoided and the government urges those who have been to Tyrol in the past two weeks to get tested.
February 8, 2021
Free Coronavirus Antigen Tests in Austria's Pharmacies: How Does It Work and Where Are You Getting Them?
Approximately 450 Austrian pharmacies are now offering free coronavirus antigen tests. Following is how it works and a list of all participating pharmacies.
February 8, 2021
Covid-19: Austria Offers Admission of Portuguese Patients
To alleviate the current health crisis in Portugal, Austria accepted to admit ten patients that will be treated in Vienna and other provinces. Due to the slightly improved situation in Austrian intensive care units, the Portuguese Covid-19 patients and other patients with serious illnesses will be transfered to hospital in Austria.
February 5, 2021
Austrian "Stopp Corona" App Connected to Other EU Countries
The "Stopp Corona" app by the Austrian Red Cross goes international. The app has been connected to EU-wide data matching and will thus communicate with currently 11 other warning apps. This allows for an interconnected warning system that is important for travel abroad within the European Union.
February 5, 2021
Technology Oscar for Austrian Software
This year's "Oscar" awards have already an Austrian winner. Christoph Sprenger, a software developer who works in New Zealand, has written code which simulates realistic hair, fire and collapsing buildings. Together with two colleagues, the Salzburg native will receive the "Technical Achievement Award".
February 4, 2021
WKO Heads: Easing of Lockdown Was Necessary
Both, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce's (WKO) President, Harald Mahrer, and Secretary General, Karlheinz Kopf, are pleased by the government's decision to open the retail sector and body-related service providers again. They furthermore demand a clear perspective for industries that are yet to be opened.
February 4, 2021
Pahor and Van der Bellen Demand European Cooperation
The Slovenian President Borut Pahor and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen met virtually to discuss current issues, especially the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against the climate crisis. Both heads of state stressed the importance of European and, in fact, global cooperation in both matters.
February 2, 2021
British in Vienna: First Residence Permit Handed Out
The first British citizen living in Vienna has received her approved residence permit. After the UK has left the EU on December 31, 2020, about 12,000 Britons living in Austria will need to apply for a residence title by the end of 2021. British Ambassador to Austria Leigh Turner is pleased by the processing of the Austrian officials so far.
February 1, 2021
New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps
Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.
January 29, 2021
Anschober Provides Update on Covid-19 Mutations
As of January 28, 2021, Austria has confirmed 149 cases of the Covid-19 mutation from the UK and three cases of the South African mutant. Through sampling of wastewater treatment plants, the mutations of the virus have also been observed in the wastewater of the Austrian population.
January 29, 2021
European Battery Initiative Launches With Austrian Participation
The European Commission has approved a EUR 11.9 billion large-scale battery project. Austria will play a decisive role in this initiative having involved six companies. The aim of the project is to create a competitive, innovative and sustainable value chain for batteries and thus working towards achieving the European Green Deal.
January 28, 2021
Myanmar Ambassador Receives President of Austrian-Myanmar Society
U Min Thein, Ambassador-designate of Myanmar to Austria received President of Austrian-Myanmar Society Prof. Dr. Andreas Moritz (Head of the School of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna) and Vice-President Mr. Philip Schönthal (Myanmar Honorary Consul-General to Austria) at the Myanmar Embassy.
January 28, 2021
Investment Subsidy Program Gets Extended
The Austrian government has announced an extension of the investment period for which subsidies will be granted. The high demand for the subsidy shows that many companies are hoping for a quick recovery from the current pandemic, which secures important jobs and strengthens Austria as a business location.
January 25, 2021
Austria Extends Lockdown Until February 7
The Austrian government has announced an extension of the current lockdown until at least February 7, 2021. Due to only a very slow decline in Covid-19 cases and the virus mutations from Great Britain and South Africa, which are more contagious and spread actively through the EU, the lockdown was extended and wearing a FFP2 mask in public transport and stores will be mandatory.
January 22, 2021
Brexit Agreement: Austria's Economy Significantly Better Off
The Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) has issued a study in which the effects of the post-Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union was compared to a no-deal scenario. The results of the study show that the Austrian economy be happy with the negotiated agreement.
January 14, 2021
WKO: Vaccination in Austrian Businesses Possible
Austria's companies could be used as part of the vaccination strategy. This is what many major companies and Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce suggest. The readily available infrastructure could provide testing and vaccination facilities for up to 500,000 employees in the various industries.
January 12, 2021
Speaker of Swedish Parliament Met Sobotka
The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlén met virtually with his Austrian counterpart, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka. The main topics of the meeting comprised the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, parliamentary security and foreign relation issues.
January 12, 2021
Austria Provides Medical Treatment for Kosovar Patients
An impactful gas explosion in Kosovo left more than 40 people injured, several of them needing urgent intensive medical treatment. After the Kosovar government approached the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg reacted immediately and promised to help.
January 11, 2021
Member of Expelled Ephrussi Family Receives Austrian Citizenship
Since September 1, 2020, about 950 persons from all over the world have obtained Austrian citizenship through a new regulative that allows descendants of victims of the Nazi regime to regain Austrian citizenship. Victor de Waal, a member of the famous and widespread Ephrussi family has now been informed by Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig about his successful application.
January 8, 2021
Austro-American Society Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The Austro-American Society (ÖAG) celebrated it 75th anniversary on January 6, 2021. The Austrian Ambassador to the USA, Martin Weiss, the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, and the heads of the ÖAG used this occasion to underline the goals of the society's. These comprise the strengthening of the Austro-American relations in the aspects of social, economic, cultural and public life.
January 7, 2021
Austrian Lockdown Continues Until January 24
The initially planned "free-testing" to escape the lockdown will not be possible. The opposition parties have resisted this intention by the government, which now means an extension of the current lockdown until January 24. Whether or not schools will return to their normal operations on January 18 has not been decided yet.
January 4, 2021
Bosnia and Herzegovina Receives Support From Austria
The Austrian Foreign Ministry has decided to provide the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) with EUR 1 million for the humanitarian care of refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Foreign Minister Schallenberg is eager to support the affected people with rapid assistance directly in the area.
January 4, 2021
Brexit Agreement: Federation of Austrian Industries and WKO Welcome Agreement
With regard to the finalized Brexit negotiations, the Federation of Austrian Industries and Chamber of Commerce showed themselves relieved after the EU and the United Kingdom have finally come to an agreement which will regulate the relations between the leaving party and the member countries of the European Union starting from January 1, 2021.
December 28, 2020
German Wind Farms Sold to Austrian Energy Provider
Austria's Wien Energie managed to acquire 49 percent of the wind farm portfolio of the German Encavis in Austria. This deal will further reduce the CO2 emissions of the energy company and adds an additional 37 gigawatt hours of renewable energy for households in Vienna and the surrounding area.
December 23, 2020
WKO: Importance of Trade Agreements
The chairman of the Federal Board for Foreign Trade in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Karl Pisec, underlines the importance of international trade agreements for the European Union as well as for Austria. As an example to show benefits of trade agreements, he uses the EU's agreement with the Mercosur states and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia.
December 23, 2020
North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Visited Schallenberg
North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Osmani visited Vienna and met his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg to discuss the ongoing EU accession process of his country and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both parties are eager to start negotiations about the accession as soon as possible.
December 21, 2020
Portuguese Foreign Minister Met Schallenberg
Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos Silva welcomed his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg for a working meeting in Portugal's capital Lisboa. The two ministers met prior to Portugal's upcoming EU Presidency to discuss the key issues that will be addressed during that time. These include the transatlantic relations as well as relations with the African continent, accession negotiations with Western Balkan countries and the social and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
December 14, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
Czech President of the Parliament Met Sobotka
The Czech and Austrian Presidents of the Parliaments, Vondráček and Sobotka, met virtually to discuss the experiences of the pandemic and EU topics, such as the accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, the EU's financial framework and the EU budget negotiations.
December 1, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
Sobotka Supports North Macedonia's Path to EU
Talat Xhaferi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, met virtually with his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss the accession negotiation of North Macedonia with the EU, the terrorist attack in Vienna and the developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in both countries.
December 2, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
Third Lockdown Starts on December 26
The Austrian government has announced a third lockdown, starting on December 26 and lasting until at least January 18. Similar to the shutdowns before, all-day curfew will apply, stores and gastronomy will be closed, body-related services will not be open and distance learning will be implemented in the schools.
December 18, 2020
Swiss National Council President Aebi Met Sobotka
The Swiss National Council President Andreas Aebi and his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka met virtually for a first exchange. Aebi, who is in office since December 2019, and Sobotka talked about the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, vaccination strategies and the relations between the EU and Switzerland.
December 18, 2020
European Space Agency Appoints Austrian Director General
The European Space Agency (ESA) has appointed an Austrian as its Director General. Dr. Josef Aschbacher will be taking over the position as the head of the ESA in July 2021 and will serve for four years. The Austrian has worked for the ESA several decades already and will now enter the "cockpit" of the Agency.
December 17, 2020
Austria Helps: Covid-19 Accelerates Global Crises
The Austrian government has decided to increase its funding for the Foreign Disaster Fund and the Austrian Development Agency, which are both responding to ongoing crises in the world. In total, the two programs will be able to help people in need with over EUR 175 million in 2021, an increase of almost EUR 40 million compared to 2020.
December 15, 2020
Re-Invent the EU: Austria Discusses the European Union
The future of the European Union is at stake. Austrian politicians and EU experts discuss the future of the Union in Austria in order to "make Europe a little bit better every day". A series of debates, conferences and other events are initiated to make sure that Austria stays in the right track when it comes to its contribution to the European Union.
December 15, 2020
European Innovation Council Funds Austrian Projects
Two projects with Austrian-based research are involved in a new funding project of the EU's European Innovation Council. A total amount of EUR 74 million is distributed among 18 projects that research in cutting-edge technologies. Additionally to the funding, coaching and business development supported is provided by the Council.
December 14, 2020
WKO and IV: Need for "Climate Protection with Common Sense"
The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) demand appropriate framework conditions for climate-friendly behavior instead of the race for ever higher climate targets. Both Secretary Generals want "climate protection with common sense".
December 10, 2020
Ryanair to Close its Base in Vienna
The low-cost airline Ryanair will be closing down its base in Vienna. According to a leaked internal report, the parent company of Austrian Laudamotion, will move the base of its three Boeing planes to a not yet disclosed European airport and close down the base on Vienna's airport.
December 4, 2020
