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Alexander Schallenberg
Alexander Schallenberg's Farewell from Politics: “There Can not be a Perpetrator-Victim Reversal”
After almost six years in government, Foreign Minister and two-time interim chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is leaving the political stage. In a farewell interview, he talks about his time in office, the geopolitical challenges under Donald Trump, and his plans for the future.
March 4, 2025
Glitter, Waltzes and Celebrities: The Vienna Opera Ball 2025 as a Social Highlight
The Vienna State Opera was again transformed into a magnificent ballroom and offered over 5,000 guests a glittering ball night that lasted until the early morning hours. This year, the Vienna Opera Ball 2025 was dedicated to the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, the “Waltz King”, and offered a glamorous mix of top-class artistic performances, celebrity guests, and festive elegance.
February 28, 2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Addresses Ukraine and Global Challenges
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg joined his EU counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine, assessing developments in the Middle East, and reviewing strategies for stability in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
February 24, 2025
Austria Strengthens Commitment to IAEA in Tackling Nuclear Security Challenges
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss pressing global nuclear issues. Their talks covered Iran’s nuclear program, security risks in Ukraine, and the IAEA’s role in international disarmament efforts.
February 23, 2025
Schallenberg Reaffirms Strong Support for Ukraine on War’s Third Anniversary
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg underscored Austria’s unwavering support for Ukraine. During a visit to the Ukrainian Saturday School in Vienna, he expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian community and reiterated Austria’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
February 23, 2025
Deadly Knife Attack in Villach: 14-Year-Old Killed, Five Injured
A shocking knife attack in Villach, Austria, has left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured. The attack, which occurred on the afternoon of February 15, was carried out by a 23-year-old Syrian man who, according to authorities, may have been radicalized through online platforms.
February 17, 2025
Chancellor and Minister Schallenberg Attended Munich Security Conference
The 61st Munich Security Conference, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, served as a crucial platform for global leaders to address pressing international security challenges. Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the event, engaging in high-level discussions on key geopolitical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
February 16, 2025
AI Action Summit in Paris: Strengthening International Cooperation
The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10 and 11, brought together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of AI. As artificial intelligence continues to shape economies, industries, and societies worldwide, the summit aimed to establish a collaborative and ethical framework for its development. At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and State Secretary for Digitalization Claudia Plakolm participated in the discussions.
February 12, 2025
Chancellor and Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met with "Friends of the Western Balkans" Group and Prime Minister Meloni in Rome
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed Austria's commitment to regional stability and European unity during meetings in Rome. Engaging with both the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Schallenberg emphasized the strategic importance of EU enlargement and the necessity of fostering robust bilateral relations with key European partners.
February 10, 2025
Minister and Chancellor Schallenberg Met with his Luxembourgian Counterpart
Austria and Luxembourg have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a rule-based international order. This was the central theme of a recent bilateral meeting between Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel in Vienna. The discussions underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation in addressing pressing global issues.
February 6, 2025
Austria Welcomes the World: FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2025 Kick Off in Saalbach
Saalbach-Hinterglemm has once again become the epicenter of the alpine skiing world as the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2025 officially begin. With athletes, fans, and officials from across the globe gathering in the Austrian Alps, the event promises thrilling races, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of winter sports excellence.
February 4, 2025
Schallenberg Attended EU-Summit Calling for Unity in Trade and Security Policies
European leaders gathered in Brussels for an informal EU summit to discuss pressing issues related to security, defense, and transatlantic relations. Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg emphasized the need for a united European stance amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in response to potential trade disputes with the United States.
February 3, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu Completed First Official Visits
Türkiye's top diplomat, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). He will take office at the beginning of 2025 and will lead the world's largest regional security organization during a time of global crises and geopolitical tensions. The unanimous election of the 57 OSCE member states underlines the international trust in his many years of experience and diplomatic expertise.
January 29, 2025
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Meets Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg in Vienna
Austria's Foreign Minister and interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg received his Australian counterpart Penny Wong for a bilateral working meeting in Vienna. This high-level visit marks another milestone in the strategic cooperation between Austria and Australia, which has been steadily deepening since the signing of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation (ASCo) in 2021.
January 28, 2025
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg Awarded “Arms Control Person of the Year”
A significant success for international diplomacy: Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the Austrian Foreign Ministry have been named “Arms Control Person of the Year” in 2024 by the renowned US Arms Control Association (ACA). This prestigious award recognizes the special commitment of Schallenberg and his team to the regulation of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) as well as the organization of the Vienna conference “Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation”.
January 15, 2025
Austria Confirms Brussels Budget Negotiations and Resilience of International Partnerships
Over the past few days, Austria has been at the center of European attention in several respects. While Finance Minister Gunter Mayr presented a new budget path in Brussels, interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg focused on strengthening international relations during his inaugural visit to the EU. Both developments are crucial for Austria's role within the European Union.
January 13, 2025
Alexander Schallenberg Takes Over the Chancellery and Focuses on Continuity
Following the resignation of Karl Nehammer on January 10, 2025, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has entrusted the previous Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg with the continuation of the business of the Federal Chancellery and the chairmanship of the provisional Federal Government. Schallenberg, who already served as Chancellor from October to December 2021, will remain Foreign Minister. He sees his new role as a responsibility to ensure stability in a difficult political phase and to lead the country until a new government is formed.
January 12, 2025
Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.
December 18, 2024
Austria and Nauru: Working Together to Tackle Global Challenges
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Nauruan counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Vienna for a bilateral meeting. Topics such as climate change, the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security issues took center stage.
December 17, 2024
OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture
The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
December 12, 2024
Reforms as the Key to the Future of the EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Road to Membership
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, for a working meeting in Vienna. The meeting focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession process, bilateral relations, and current foreign policy issues. The message was clear: reforms are the key to the country's EU future.
December 11, 2024
Austria Halts Asylum Procedure for Syrians: Consequences and Reactions
One day after the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Austria and many other European countries drastically revised their asylum policies for Syrian citizens. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum procedures and to review existing grants of asylum. This also applies to family reunification, which will be temporarily halted. Germany, Italy, and Great Britain have also taken similar steps.
December 11, 2024
Concert Night at the Austrian Foreign Ministry: Music as a Bridge between Cultures
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg hosted a special concert evening at the Palais Niederösterreich under the motto “The unifying power of music”. For the second time, this event, organized by the Foreign Ministry's “Dialogue of Cultures” task force, was an impressive example of how art and music can build bridges and promote dialogue.
November 26, 2024
1,000 Days of War: Austria Steps Up Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine and Moldova
Tuesday, November 21, 2024, marks the 1,000th anniversary of the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg condemned the “brutal war of aggression in violation of international law”, which has plunged Ukraine into a humanitarian and economic crisis for 1,000 days.
November 19, 2024
Against Forgetting Political Prisoners in Belarus: “Connection” at Playhouse Vienna
Belarusian artist Maryna Yakubovich presented her solo performance “Connection” at Schauspielhaus Wien. This one-woman play focuses on the courageous resistance against political oppression in Belarus and sheds light on the dramatic situation of the opposition. The performance occurred as part of the Artists Solidarity Program Europe (ASoP) of the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
November 13, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg and Ukraine's Sybiha with Talks on Solidarity and Peace
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha met in Vienna. This visit marked a key moment in Sybiha's first trip abroad, during which he represented Ukraine in neighboring countries. Having already visited Romania, Sybiha's tour now took him to Austria, where the focus was on support for Ukraine and the international peace process.
September 24, 2024
IAEA Holds 68th General Assembly in Vienna
The 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna has begun, providing an important platform for exchanges between member states on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. In addition to discussing global issues of nuclear safety and climate change, numerous heads of state and government are taking the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.
September 17, 2024
Austria Opens Embassy in Ghana: Strengthening Relations, Promoting Security and Economic Potential
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to the Ghanaian capital Accra to open the new Austrian embassy and deepen bilateral relations between Austria and Ghana. In addition to the opening ceremony, the agenda included meetings with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, and representatives from both countries' business and cultural sectors.
September 15, 2024
International Headquarters Vienna: Economic Importance and Future Potential
A recently published study by the economic research institute WIFO on behalf of the Austrian Foreign Ministry illustrates the significant financial impact of international organizations in Austria.
July 31, 2024
North Macedonia and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Economic Partnership
Austria and North Macedonia have further deepened their close relations in a diplomatic meeting. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his North Macedonian counterpart Timčo Mucunski met in Vienna to discuss various topics, including economic cooperation, migration, security, and EU enlargement.
July 28, 2024
Austria Calls for a Reorientation of EU Policy Towards Syria
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is calling for a fundamental reorientation of EU policy towards Syria and is receiving support from seven of his EU colleagues from Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
July 23, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Opposes Boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has firmly opposed a boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency, despite the controversial solo actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently traveled to Moscow without an EU mandate. Schallenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional working relationship within the EU.
July 10, 2024
Politicians Debate Austrian Foreign Policy in Times of Global Change
Austrian foreign policy was the focus of a topical debate with Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg during the Federal Council session. Under the title "Austria's Foreign Policy in a Time of Global Change", the Federal Councillors discussed the challenges and direction of Austrian neutrality as well as the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
July 8, 2024
Indonesian Foreign Minister in Vienna For Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and Recognition of Palestine
During her visit to Vienna, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd, and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. Ms. Marsudi's agenda included supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and strengthening bilateral relations with Austria.
July 4, 2024 · Updated: July 5, 2024; 15:21
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Vienna on Close Economic Relations
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf to Vienna for a working visit. During the talks between the two foreign ministers, particular attention was paid to the joint fight against illegal migration and the expansion of economic cooperation, especially in the field of green hydrogen.
July 4, 2024
One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges
The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.
June 24, 2024
Intensification of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Austria: Visit of Popșoi to Vienna
The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, is in Vienna to hold important talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, while the OSCE is holding talks in Chișinău with Moldovan state officials. These visits are part of Popșoi's wider efforts and travels across Europe to intensify cooperation between Moldova and the EU and Moldova's European aspirations.
June 21, 2024
Austria's Common Tones in Times of War and Conflict
Five musicians with Israeli, Arab, and Persian roots from Daniel Barenboim's West Eastern Divan Orchestra performed at Palais Niederösterreich, under the auspices of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting the unifying power of music amid global crises and conflicts.
June 17, 2024
Farewell to Brigitte Bierlein: A Role Model for Generations
Austria has bid farewell to Brigitte Bierlein, the country's first female chancellor, who passed away at the beginning of June. The funeral services began with a solemn requiem in St. Stephen's Cathedral and ended with the burial at Vienna's Central Cemetery. Bierlein was not only honored as an outstanding lawyer and politician, but also as a courageous and far-sighted woman who was always ready to take on responsibility.
June 16, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Receives Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, in Vienna for the first time. Amid the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Schallenberg emphasized the need to deepen relations with the Central Asian states. The main focus of the meeting was on strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in the economic sphere.
June 16, 2024
30 Years of the EU Referendum: A Success Story for Austria
On June 12, 1994, a groundbreaking referendum was held in Austria, in which two-thirds of the population voted in favor of joining the European Union. This decision laid the foundations for a new era of economic, political, and social integration of Austria in Europe. Since its official accession on January 1, 1995, the country has changed considerably and has since benefited from EU membership in many ways.
June 12, 2024
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin: Focus on the Future of Europe
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Berlin to discuss various European and international issues. His visit focused on the excellent bilateral relations between Austria and Germany, trade, and important decisions at the European level.
June 9, 2024
Austria Supports International Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
In an urgent joint statement, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and numerous other countries, including Austria, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
June 6, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg Visits Saudi Arabia: Exchange on Middle East Conflict and Economic cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Saudi Arabia as part of his latest visit to the Middle East and met with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The talks focused on the Middle East conflict and the intensification of economic relations between the two countries.
May 23, 2024
Brenner Transit Dispute: Austria and Italy Go to European Court
The long-running dispute over the anti-transit measures on the Brenner route between Austria and Italy continues to escalate: the European Commission has cleared the way for Italy to take Austria to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
May 16, 2024
High Turnover of Russian Embassy Staff in Austria
The Austrian authorities are at the center of a sensitive security debate as diplomatic relations with Russia are strained by high staff turnover and serious allegations of espionage. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg addresses these issues in light of new parliamentary questions.
May 13, 2024
Commemoration and Diplomacy: Austria's Schallenberg, Italy's Tajani and Brazil's Vieira in Imola
In a moving ceremony in Imola, which marked the 30th anniversary of the deaths of Formula 1 icons Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, thousands of fans, political heavyweights, and family members came together to commemorate the deceased racing drivers. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, who himself once witnessed the tragic events, played a central role in the celebrations, which combined emotional and diplomatic themes, together with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
May 6, 2024
Vienna Conference Ended with Call for Regulation of Autonomous Weapons Systems
The call for stricter rules for autonomous weapons systems is growing louder, especially after the first international conference on this topic, which took place in Vienna from April 29 to 30, 2024. Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Foreign Minister, emphasized the urgency of establishing clear international rules for the use of autonomous weapons.
May 6, 2024
20 Years of EU Enlargement: Austria Looks at the Success Story of European Integration
Exactly 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, a historic enlargement of the European Union came into force. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus became member states, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Europe. This fifth round of enlargement marked a milestone for the countries involved and a significant change for Austria, as Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Society for European Politics emphasize.
May 5, 2024
Vienna Hosts Major International Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems
The historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna will be the center of global attention as it hosts the international conference entitled "Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation." The Vienna Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems will take place from April 29 to 30, 2024.
April 28, 2024
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