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Alexander Schallenberg
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.
Yesterday
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
Austria and Costa Rica Strengthen Cooperation in the Field of Disarmament
Against the backdrop of the upcoming Vienna Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met his Costa Rican counterpart Arnoldo André Tinoco in Vienna. The meeting marked an important step in the deepening of bilateral relations and joint disarmament efforts between the two countries.
April 28, 2024
Switzerland's Cassis and Austria's Schallenberg Focus on Neutrality and Security Policy
At a time when geopolitical tensions are increasing worldwide, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis met in Bern to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations, the neutrality of both countries, and their common security policy.
April 28, 2024
Escalating Tensions: EU Responds to Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel
Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated following the recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel, prompting an international response, particularly from the European Union. An urgently convened virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, took place to discuss the situation and possible steps to be taken.
April 17, 2024
Vienna to Host Austria's Honorary Consular Conference 2024
The Austrian capital Vienna was the center for the Honorary Consular Conference 2024, attended by around 200 honorary consuls from all over the world. The meeting, which takes place from April 10 to 12, is the first of its kind since 2015 and serves as a platform for the exchange and further development of consular practice.
April 14, 2024
Focus on Closer Cooperation and EU Enlargement: C5 Foreign Ministers Meet in Ljubljana
The foreign ministers of the so-called Central 5 Group (C5) - consisting of Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia - met in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for a landmark meeting. This meeting marks another significant step in Central European diplomatic cooperation, which goes beyond mere neighborly assistance and focuses on the region's key challenges and opportunities.
March 26, 2024
Harmony and Dialogue at the Interreligious Iftar in Vienna
In an impressive demonstration of unity, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), Ümit Vural, hosted an unprecedented interfaith iftar. The event, which took place in the historic Palais Niederösterreich, brought together representatives of different religious communities and personalities from politics, science, and diplomacy.
March 20, 2024
Deepening Austrian-Kazakh Relations: Focus on Economic and Political Cooperation
At a time characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Austria and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their intention to raise bilateral relations to a new level. The working visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Vienna marks an important milestone in the cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on the economy, politics, and security.
March 18, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vienna: Commitment to Global Challenges
At a time of global uncertainty and increasing challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's visit to Vienna sent a strong message of international cooperation and diplomatic dialog. During his stay in the Austrian capital, Blinken tackled several key issues ranging from the fight against synthetic drugs to nuclear security and continued support for Ukraine.
March 17, 2024
Austria Expels Two Russian Diplomats and Austrian Ambassador in Moscow is Summoned
After Austria recently declared two Russian diplomats undesirable persons, Russia is now summoning Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This indicates a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. So far, a total of eleven Russian diplomats have been expelled from Austria since 2020
March 14, 2024
Austria and Turkmenistan Sign Cooperation Agreement
In a step towards deepening their bilateral relations, Austria and Turkmenistan have signed a new cooperation agreement for the years 2024-2025. The meeting in Vienna between Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov focused on topics of mutual interest, including political-diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic relations, energy issues, and cultural exchanges.
March 12, 2024
Austria and Italy Chief Diplomats Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Foreign Ministers of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, and Italy, Antonio Tajani, undertook a joint trip to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to support the country in its efforts to join the EU. This trip underlines the continued commitment of the European Union, in particular Austria and Italy, to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.
March 5, 2024
Austrian Diplomacy in Crossfire: Schallenberg's Journey Through the Middle East
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which reached a new level of escalation following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2024, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg embarked on a significant diplomatic mission. His trip, which lasted three days, took him through Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and finally Lebanon - all hotspots in a region marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises.
March 4, 2024
Vienna Hosts Meetings for Belarusian Opposition Leader
In a diplomatic engagement, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader, for a pivotal discussion in Vienna. This meeting, which took place within the framework of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, brought the key figure of the Belarusian opposition to Vienna to address the OSCE and the European Community under the symbolic presence of the Austrian and EU flags.
February 28, 2024
Two Years of War in Ukraine: Solidarity and demands for peace from the international community in Vienna
Two years after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community remains alarmed and united in its support for Ukraine. The ongoing violence against civilians, including children, and Russia's violation of international human rights norms have sparked concern and outrage around the world. The OSCE and international representatives have spoken out strongly, calling for an end to the war.
February 26, 2024
Austria and USA Launch New Exchange Program for Young Professionals and Students
In a new step to deepen transatlantic relations, Austria and the United States have launched a new Working Holiday Program (WHP) that offers young people from both nations the opportunity to experience each other's culture, everyday life, and the working world.
February 21, 2024
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