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Vienna's "Traincademy" Uses Modern Simulators and VR for Driver and Rail Jobs Training
The new Traincademy in Vienna offers training courses for train drivers and other rail jobs using modern simulators and VR technology. With some estimating that thousands of rail employees will be needed in the coming years in Austria alone, the Traincademy wants to offer high-quality training to those looking for careers in the industry. Read more about the new Traincademy and the future of the rail industry.
October 13, 2021
Messe Wien Celebrates 100 Years
Messe Wien, the largest trade fair in Vienna, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this fall. To celebrate the occasion, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig attended a presentation of a new book that details the one-hundred-year history of the Messe Wien. Read about the new book and the significance of Messe Wien.
October 13, 2021
President of Georgia, Salomé Zourabichvili, in Austria
The President of Georgia, Salomé Zourabichvili, recently visited Austria and was hosted by President Van der Bellen at the Vienna Hofburg. The two heads of state discussed various issues, including the current political crises in Georgia and Austria. Read about the visit and what the presidents said at their joint press conference.
October 13, 2021
Gartenbaukino: Reopening of the Iconic Viennese Cinema
The Gartenbaukino in Vienna is finally reopening after being closed for nearly a year and undergoing roughly seven months of renovation. Read about the renovation of this iconic Viennese cinema and look at some of the upcoming events from its program for 2021/2022.
October 12, 2021
"Never Forget": New Memorial by Arik Brauer for Victims of the Nazi Regime Unveiled at Vienna Airport
High-ranking representatives from politics and business emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of the countless victims of the Nazi regime among the concentration camp prisoners and forced laborers at Concentration Camp Wien-Schwechat-Heidfeld (the site of today's Vienna Airport) who were forced to build aircraft there.
October 12, 2021
EU Justice Commissioner Reynders and Justice Minister Zadić Share Concerns Over Rule of Law in Poland
The EU Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynders, was hosted by Austrian Minister of Justice Alma Zadić for a working meeting in Vienna. The two discussed various issues, including their shared concern regarding the rule of law following the Polish Constitutional Court's ruling on the primacy of national law over EU law. Read about their meeting and the increased tensions surrounding the Polish court's decision.
October 12, 2021
Wiener Linien: 3,000 New WienMobil Bikes in Vienna in 2022
Wiener Linien has announced that its new bike-sharing service "WienMobil Rad" will be replacing "Citybike Wien" in 2022. They also announced there will be more bikes available in more locations. Read about the new bikes, how much they will cost, and where they can be found in Vienna.
October 8, 2021
Embassy Building “Palais Nassau” in Russian Possession for 130 Years
To mark the 130th anniversary of the Russian acquisition of the "Palais Nassau" in Vienna for embassy purposes, Russian Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij presented a special postage stamp and stamp block and ceremoniously stamped them. The ambassador also gave a brief speech on the occasion. Read more about the event and the embassy.
October 7, 2021
Austrian-Japanese Society Hosts the 5th Japanese Film Days in Vienna
After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austrian-Japanese Society (ÖJG) will host the fifth "Japannual" Japanese Film Days in Vienna at the Film Casino in Margareten. With over 20 films included this year, the festival brings a broad overview of current film events in Japan to Vienna. Read more about the festival, some of the movies included this year, and how to get tickets.
October 5, 2021
Modigliani in Vienna on the 100th Anniversary of his Death
To mark the 100th anniversary of Amedeo Modigliani’s death, the Albertina Museum in Vienna is honoring him with an exhibition including around 130 works. The exhibition includes works from three continents and some pieces from his counterparts, including Pablo Picasso. Read more about the new exhibition, learn about Modigliani, and view some examples of the works that are now on display.
October 5, 2021
Military Surveillance of 50 Embassies in Vienna Still Required
The Austrian Council of Ministers has extended the cooperation between the military and the police for protecting the embassies in Vienna to help relieve the police during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the cooperation and what Austrian Interior Minister Nehammer and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner said about its extension.
October 4, 2021
Klimaticket: Austrian Low-Priced Public Transport Ticket Launches on 26 October
After long and intensive negotiations, a "milestone" has now been reached for public transport and climate-friendly mobility throughout Austria, Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler was pleased to announce the launch of the "Klimaticket" (climate ticket) from October 26, 2021. With the ticket, public transport users will in future be able to travel throughout Austria for one year for 1,095 euros. A joint ticket for the entire eastern region (Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland) is also available at 915 euros per year.
October 1, 2021
U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Latest Austrian Approaches
In furtherance of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Austria has created the SDG Dialogue Forum Austria. This new annual event is intended to promote partnerships as described in SDG 17 of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Read about this new event and what Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler said at its first meeting at the Natural History Museum Vienna.
September 30, 2021
OPEC's World Oil Outlook 2021 Launched in Vienna
OPEC's flagship annual publication, the World Oil Outlook 2021, was launched via videoconference in Vienna. OPEC forecasts 6% increase in global oil demand in 2021. Learn about the specific highlights of this year's World Oil Outlook.
September 29, 2021
Forum Österreich-Russland: New Austrian-Russian Friendship Society Founded
Recently the constituent general assembly of a new Russian-Austrian friendship society, the FÖR - Forum Österreich-Russland (Forum Austria-Russia) took place. The association, registered as a non-governmental organization, is headed by Dr. Richard Schenz and Dr. Christoph Matznetter, both former members of the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society (ORFG - Österreichisch-Russische Freundschaftsgesellschaft). The patronage has been taken over by the Ambassador of Russia in Vienna, H.E. Dmitrij Ljubinskij.
September 28, 2021
United Nations Vienna: Newton's Space Sapling Planted
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs was provided with a special apple tree grown from seeds which were taken into space, and the Ambassador of the UK, Corinne Kitsell and UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo planted the sapling which can be seen by visitors to the Space Exhibition at the VIC.
September 28, 2021
New Permanent Representative of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents Credentials
The new Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations (Vienna), Troy Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the Agency headquarters in Vienna and to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
September 28, 2021
Joint Vienna Institute: Patrick Imam Succeeds Holger Flörkemeier
Patrick Imam joined the JVI - Joint Vienna Institute as Deputy Director. Having joined the International Monetary Fund (a party to the Agreement for the Establishment of the JVI) in 2005, he has held positions in the Middle East and Central Asia as well as the African Department (Zimbabwe and Madagascar), the IMF Institute and the Monetary and Capital Markets division. His predecessor Holger Flörkemeier was the JVI Deputy Director for the last four years. On the occasion of his departure, the JVI interviewed him and asked him to share his experience and views on the JVI.
September 28, 2021
Fair for Art Vienna 2021: The Red Carpet for Art
As an important art fair in Vienna's cultural autumn, "Fair for Art Vienna" sends an important signal for the art market and Vienna as an important city of culture. "Fair for Art Vienna" proved last year that a fair of its format can be held safely and successfully thanks to a well thought-out hygiene and health concept. Safety will also be a top priority in 2021.
September 27, 2021 · Sponsored Content
What Is the Legal Status Quo of the Afghan Embassy in Vienna?
The last de facto ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Austria, Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari, no longer represents an existing government, but wants to remain Afghanistan's ambassador in Vienna after the Taliban's violent takeover of Kabul. She justifies this by saying that the illegitimate Taliban government cannot recall her and that Austria must first recognize the Taliban in order to legitimize her recall. Some members of the Austrian Parliament have now submitted an inquiry to Alexander Schallenberg, through which the status quo is to be determined.
September 24, 2021
UN Vienna: Gulf Cooperation Council Appoints New Permanent Observer
The new Permanent Observer for the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf, the Saudi Arabian Ali Abdulla Ebrahim Ali Aljawder, presented his credentials to the UN in Vienna.
September 24, 2021
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Malaysia
The new Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mr. Ikram bin Mohd Ibrahim, presented his credentials to the various heads of the international organizations in Vienna. Learn more about Mr. Mohd Ibrahim and his career before becoming the permanent representative.
September 24, 2021
Iran Nuclear Talks to Continue in Vienna
Discussions regarding the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, are set to continue in Vienna. This has been confirmed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, also announced to the IAEA Board of Governors that Iran has agreed to allow IAEA inspectors to service the agency’s monitoring and surveillance equipment in Iran and replace their storage media. These developments come as US President Joe Biden has publicly expressed interest in returning to the agreement that his predecessor unilaterally withdrew from.
September 24, 2021
Paris and Vienna Share Focus on Climate Protection
Paris and Vienna, two of the largest cities in Europe, now share a focus on protecting the environment. To see how Paris is working to deal with climate change and how Vienna can learn from it, a Viennese delegation visited Paris to view some projects aimed at countering climate change. Read more about the projects that Paris and Vienna are implementing to protect the cities from the harmful effects of the changing climate.
September 23, 2021
American Photography at the Albertina: Trevor Traina Back in Vienna
Former U.S. Ambassador to Austria Trevor Traina was at the opening of the new exhibition "American Photography" at the Albertina Museum in Vienna. Mr. Traina holds one of the largest private collections of photographs in the world, and he loaned some of these pieces to the Albertina for the exhibition. "American Photography" includes photographs from 1945 to the present and focuses on everyday motifs that had previously been considered unworthy of portrayal. Read more about the exhibition and view a selection of photographs included in the exhibit.
September 22, 2021
Vietnamese Business Delegation in Vienna
The Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, and a high-ranking business delegation recently attended a business forum in Vienna with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) Vice-President Richard Schenz. The forum included discussions about the dynamic Vietnamese economy and why it is an ideal location for Austrian companies and investors to diversify in Asia.
September 22, 2021
Travel from Austria to the U.S. - Biden's New Policy Will End the Need for National Interest Exceptions
As announced by Biden and the White House around the UN General Assembly, as of early November it will again be possible for all adult foreign nationals, i.e. including Austrians and other foreign nationals entering the U.S. via Vienna, to enter the U.S., thus also eliminating the need for national interest exemptions (NIE). More details in the article.
September 22, 2021
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the International Organizations in Vienna
The new Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe, Stuart Harold Comberbach, presented his credentials to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
September 22, 2021
International Luxury Travelers to Visit Vienna
The Vienna Tourist Board (WienTourismus) is targeting international luxury travelers in a fall advertising campaign across Europe and the USA in an attempt to boost Vienna's tourism industry. This campaign will include advertising for culinary events in Vienna like "Feed Your Soul," it will market Vienna as a destination for business meetings, and it will target Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. Read more about Vienna's various offers aimed at international luxury travelers.
September 22, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Vienna Once Again Adopts a Special Approach
Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig announced at a press conference that as of October 1, Vienna's regulations will differ from those of the rest of Austria, namely that 2G will apply to night-time catering and larger events. What does this mean?
September 21, 2021
New Permanent Representative of Lithuania Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna
The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the International Organizations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. Vaidotas Verba, presented his credentials to the heads of the United Nations Office Vienna (UNOV), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Learn more about Ambassador Verba.
September 20, 2021 · Updated: September 20, 2021; 17:01
Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Sweden, New Zealand, Chile, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Maldives and Barbados
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the eight newly accredited Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Sweden, New Zealand, the Republic of Chile, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Maldives, and Barbados to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.
September 17, 2021
New Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Presents Credentials
The new Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Rovshan Sadigbayli, presented his credentials to the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. He is also the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learn more about the new ambassador.
September 17, 2021
Meet the New Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic
The new Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tolendy Makeyev, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Makeyev is also the Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learn more about him.
September 17, 2021
IAEA’s 65th Annual General Conference
IAEA’s 65th annual General Conference (GC) takes place from 20 to 24 September 2021 in Vienna. The meeting draws high level representatives from the IAEA’s 173 Member States.
September 17, 2021
Opening of the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting 2021 in Vienna
The IAEA Board of Governors met physically this week under the chairmanship of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the Plenary Hall of the M-Building at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), and discussed the topics listed below.
September 17, 2021
Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Austria
The new Ambassador of Sweden to Austria, H.E. Ms. Annika Markovic, presented her credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Markovic is also the Ambassador of Sweden to Slovakia and the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the International Organizations in Vienna. Learn more about her.
September 16, 2021
Ambassador of New Zealand Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna
Mr. Brian Hewson, the Ambassador of New Zealand to Austria, presented his credentials to the international organizations in Vienna, making him the new Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the International Organizations in Vienna. Read about his background and what New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said about his appointment.
September 14, 2021
Jewish Museum Vienna: Restitution to Ephrussi Family after Decades
The Jewish Museum Vienna has restituted the Franz Adam painting “Camp Scene from 1848 in Italy” to the Ephrussi family. Following the authorization by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, ownership of the painting was returned to the heirs of Viktor Ephrussi. The painting was in the Museum of Military History in Vienna after being confiscated from Viktor Ephrussi by the Nazis. Read more about the painting's history and its restitution to the Ephrussi family.
September 14, 2021
The 250th Anniversary of the Vienna Stock Exchange
The Vienna Stock Exchange recently celebrated its 250th anniversary since it was founded by Maria Theresa. Minister of Finance Gernot Blümel congratulated the stock exchange on its anniversary and advocated for the implementation of a government program and retention periods to incentivize Austrians to invest in the domestic economy. Minister Blümel and Vienna Stock Exchange CEO Christoph Boschan both advocated for educating the public on financial topics. Read more about the Vienna Stock Exchange and what the pair said on its anniversary.
September 14, 2021
Jewish Museum Vienna: Barbara Staudinger to Succeed Danielle Spera After 12 Years
Dr. Barbara Staudinger has been unanimously selected to succeed Dr. Danielle Spera as the managing director of the Jewish Museum Vienna. Dr. Spera has served as the director of the museum since 2010, and her contract will expire in June 2022. Read more about Dr. Staudinger and some of the responses to her selection.
September 13, 2021
Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Austria: H.E. Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz
The new Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Austria, H.E. Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. In September 2021 he was named the Chairperson of the Group of 77 (G-77) Vienna Chapter.
November 7, 2018 · Updated: September 13, 2021; 11:00
100 Speakers of Parliament Meet in Vienna
Over 100 speakers of parliament met at the Austria Center Vienna for the Fifth World Conference of the Speakers of Parliament. President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka spoke about the international community finding internal solutions to global problems. Duarte Pacheco and Martin Chungong, the President and Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), defended democracy and human rights and spoke about the robustness of parliaments during the COVID-19 crisis.
September 10, 2021
Vienna Economic Forum: Ambassador of Romania Becomes New Member of the Ambassadors Committee
The Romanian Ambassador in Vienna, H.E. Emilian Hurezeanu, was welcomed as a new member of the Ambassador Committee of the Vienna Economic Forum.
September 9, 2021
Back to School: 82 Percent of Austrian Teachers Vaccinated
As the school year begins, statistics show that 82 percent of Austrian teachers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a much higher proportion than that of the general population, which is 65 percent fully immunized. The willingness to vaccinate varies by federal state, type of school, gender, and age group. Read more about the results of the study, such as where each federal state ranks on the list.
September 9, 2021
Women on the Boards of Austrian Listed Companies: Only 14 out of 192
A study shows that women are still significantly underrepresented on the boards of Austrian companies on the Vienna Stock Exchange. The number of female board members in Austria's listed companies has decreased by one woman compared to the beginning of 2021, leaving the total at 14 out of 192. Read more about the details of the study.
September 6, 2021
Think Thank IWM Welcomes 25 New Fellows
Vienna-based Think Thank IWM - Institute for Human Sciences (Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen), whose board of patrons includes among others George Soros, Joschka Fischer, Karel Schwarzenberg and Erhard Busek, welcomes 25 new fellows who will spend the next months at the institute or who will support the institute from afar as non-resident fellows.
September 3, 2021
Number of Naturalizations in Austria Continues to Rise Despite Covid
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, naturalizations in Austria have increased in the first half of 2021. During this time Austria granted citizenship to 5,057 people. In the same period, however, Vienna experienced a decrease in the number of naturalizations. Read more about the details of this trend and how they vary among the federal states of Austria.
September 3, 2021
Number of Anti-Semitism Incidents in Austria Doubled
The Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) presented its semi-annual report for the first half of 2021. The report showed that the number of incidents had doubled from the same period of the previous year. It attributed the increase mainly to Israel-related anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 3, 2021
UNHCR Vienna Office: "Everyone has the right to citizenship"
The international community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. On the anniversary, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that "everyone has the right to citizenship." UNHCR also warned about the many dangers stateless people face, including lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines, lack of economic relief from a government, and much more.
September 2, 2021
