Alexander Van Der Bellen
New Panda Ambassadors in Vienna: Chinas “Fluffy Diplomats” Renew Friendship with Austria
The two giant pandas “Lan Yun” and “He Feng” were officially welcomed to Schönbrunn Zoo with much media attention and political prominence. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Li Hongzhong, Vice President of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, participated in the ceremony - a strong diplomatic signal in a globally complex time.
May 18, 2025
80 Years of Liberation of Mauthausen: Diplomacy, Remembrance and the Reminder of History
Over 20,000 people commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, with high-ranking guests including the Spanish royal couple, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani.
May 14, 2025
Meet Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Vienna's diplomatic stage has a new prominent representative: Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong has been Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna for some time now.
May 13, 2025
Pope Francis Deceased: Expressions of Grief From Austria
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the Vatican confirmed, the Holy Father succumbed to the consequences of a stroke. The world is mourning the loss of a head of the Church who championed social justice, interreligious dialogue, and a church of closeness like no other. Many voices of grief and condolences have also been heard from Austria.
April 21, 2025
Meet Egypt's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Meet Mohamed Ibrahim Nasr Salem, Egypt's new Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.
April 10, 2025
Meet Andrew Williams: New Zealand's New Top Diplomat in Austria
Andrew Williams took up his post as New Zealand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Presentative to the International Organization in Vienna. His impressive career in the diplomatic service and his expertise in international law make him a prominent figure on the international stage.
March 20, 2025
Meet Vietnam's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang takes office as Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Austria. His diplomatic career demonstrates extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Meet Vietnam's top diplomat in Vienna.
March 14, 2025
Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Austria
With the appointment of Dr. Gürsel Dönmez as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Austria, an experienced political associate of Erdogan takes up his post in Vienna. He presented his credentials to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and officially began his mission in Austria.
March 6, 2025
A New Chapter for Austria: The Faces of the Federal Government 2025
The inauguration of the new federal government marks the beginning of a new era in Austrian politics. For the first time, a three-party coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, led by Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), is in power. He is joined by Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). The new government has 21 members in total. But who are the people who will steer the country's destiny in the coming years?
March 3, 2025
Austria's New Federal Government Sworn In: A Coalition of Compromises
After a historic five-month struggle to form a government, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) were sworn in together with their ministerial teams by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna's Hofburg Palace. The coalition, which seems unusual at first glance, promises a pragmatic approach, but key points of contention have been postponed for the time being.
March 3, 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
ÖVP and SPÖ Achieve Breakthrough in Budget Negotiations
In the ongoing coalition talks between the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) without a mandate to form a government, a significant agreement has apparently been reached. According to several media reports, the two parties have been able to agree on a joint budget for the coming years. Official confirmation is still pending, but there are increasing signs that the negotiations are entering the home straight.
February 20, 2025
Coalition Negotiations in Austria Failed: Political Future Uncertain
Austria is facing a political turning point: after weeks of negotiations, talks between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) have broken down. The talks thus met the same fate as those between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS. With the collapse of the negotiations, the question now arises as to how things will continue politically and whether a new election is inevitable.
February 12, 2025
Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen Calls on Diplomacy for Unity
In his traditional speech at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps in Vienna's Hofburg, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the challenges of the current global situation. He emphasized the need for closer international cooperation, warned against increasing disinformation, and called for greater efforts to combat the climate crisis.
February 5, 2025
Austria Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation
January 27, 2025, marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. This milestone was being observed with solemn ceremonies in Austria and at the historic site in Poland, where world leaders, Holocaust survivors, and dignitaries gathered to honor the victims and reinforce the commitment to remembrance.
February 5, 2025
Coalition Negotiations Between FPÖ and ÖVP Enter Decisive Phase
The coalition negotiations between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) are reaching a critical juncture. According to party sources, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker are meeting today and tomorrow in a smaller circle for discussions. The goal is to overcome unresolved issues and lay the foundation for a joint government. However, differences remain significant.
February 3, 2025
Meet the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Austria
Matthieu Peyraud, France's Ambassador presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. Meet Matthieu Peyraud the ambassador of the French Republic to Austria.
January 21, 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
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
Austria in Pursuit of Compromises for the Next Government
After the 2024 National Council elections, exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ will now begin to pave the way for a new government in Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer with forming a government, even though the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl received the most votes. This decision led to criticism from the FPÖ, which continues to see itself as an important player in the political process.
October 24, 2024
Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism
Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.
October 20, 2024
Stalemate after National Council Elections: Van der Bellen Calls for Revived Talks
Following the national elections in Austria, the country finds itself in a political impasse. President Alexander Van der Bellen declared in a speech that he would not give any party the task of forming a government at present due to the stalemate that has arisen. The FPÖ, which emerged from the election as the strongest force with 28.8%, is currently unable to find a coalition partner, as both the ÖVP and the other parties (SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens) refuse to cooperate with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.
October 15, 2024
Vienna Receives Slovakian President: Deepening Relations and Discussion on Sanctions
Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini visited Austria as part of his official inaugural visit. It was his fourth bilateral trip to one of Slovakia's neighboring countries, having previously visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.
September 11, 2024
Austria's Olympic Splendor in Paris 2024: A Balance Between Tradition and Surprises
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are history, and Austria can look back proudly on its sporting achievements. On Tuesday, the successful Olympic athletes were honored in the Vienna Hofburg by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.
August 18, 2024
Indian Prime Minister Modi in Vienna: A Historic Visit to Strengthen Relations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Austria and was officially received by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Austria. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi emphasized the deep bond based on shared values such as democracy and the rule of law.
July 10, 2024
Official Visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria
The official visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria began with a festive reception at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen warmly welcomed his counterpart and emphasized the long tradition of close cooperation between the two countries. The reception took place with military honors, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between Hungary and Austria.
July 7, 2024
Schwarzenegger's Climate Conference in Vienna: "Austrian World Summit" Calls for Concrete Measures
The "Austrian World Summit" (AWS) took place in Vienna for the eighth time. Host Arnold Schwarzenegger and several prominent guests emphasized the urgency of concrete climate protection measures. Around 700 international visitors, including high-ranking politicians and experts, gathered in the Vienna Hofburg to discuss the future of a clean energy supply and the fight against climate change.
June 20, 2024
30 Years of the WKÖ Export Prize: Austrian Companies Honored for Top Performance
Austria's export industry has achieved impressive successes over the last 30 years. EU accession in 1994 played a key role in this, paving the way for a more than five-fold increase in goods exports. Despite challenging framework conditions, the 63,700 domestic export companies achieved a record value of 200 billion euros in goods exports and 83 billion euros in services exports last year.
June 18, 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
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
Brigitte Bierlein is Dead: Austria Mourns the Loss of its First Female Chancellor
Brigitte Bierlein, Austria's first female chancellor, has died at the age of 74. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) announced the news of her death, of which Bierlein had been a member for around 16 years. She succumbed to a short, serious illness. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Bierlein as an outstanding personality who had served the country faithfully in many functions.
June 3, 2024
Remembering the Past, Preserving the Future: Liberation Ceremonies in Mauthausen and Melk
In an impressive gathering, thousands of people commemorated the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its satellite camps to keep the lessons of history alive and fight against forgetting. International delegations, including high-ranking representatives from politics and society, gathered to underline the importance of law and justice and to honor the victims of National Socialism.
May 8, 2024
Meet India's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Shri Shambhu S. Kumaran, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Shambhu S. Kumaran, the permanent representative of the Republic of India to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
April 28, 2024
Austria at 20 Years of Slovenia's EU Membership Under the Sign of Enlargement
At a time of profound changes and challenges in Europe, Slovenia is celebrating a significant anniversary of its EU membership. The celebrations were accompanied by a meeting of European heads of state, more specifically Slovenia's neighbors, who discussed the future of the Union and enlargement policy.
April 24, 2024
FPÖ Distances Itself from Friendship Treaty with "United Russia"
In a press conference, the Third President of the National Council, Norbert Hofer, clarified that the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) relativizes the friendship treaty concluded with the United Russia party in 2016. This comes in light of the recent accusations of an espionage affair involving the FPÖ.
April 14, 2024
Traditional Inaugural Visit of the Swiss Head of State to Vienna: Deepening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria
Swiss President Viola Amherd met with her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. During geopolitical uncertainty and European challenges, the bilateral talks focused on European security policy, relations with the EU, and the planned Ukraine peace conference.
April 10, 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
Meet Cyprus Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Andreas Ignatiou, Cyprus Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Andreas Ignatiou, the permanent representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
March 7, 2024
Escalation after Navalny's Death: Diplomatic Aftermath Between Austria and Russia
The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has not only caused international outrage but has also led to a diplomatic dispute between Austria and Russia. An investigation into Navalny's death amidst unjust imprisonment has been also requested by the OSCE in Vienna.
February 20, 2024
Austria and Montenegro Strengthen Relations: EU Accession by 2028 in Sight
During an official visit to Vienna by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of Western Balkan integration into the EU, with Montenegro leading the way. Given the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a "realistic prospect of accession" for these countries is now "more important than ever".
February 8, 2024
Austrian President Van der Bellen Visits Pioneering Integration Project "NACHBARINNEN in Vienna"
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of integration and empowerment during his visit to the sewing workshop of the "NACHBARINNEN in Wien" association. The association, known for its successful work with migrant women, relies on the principle of self-empowerment and role models from their own culture to bring women and families with a migration background out of isolation.
February 7, 2024
Austria-Ghana: New Embassy and Strengthened Partnership
In the spirit of deepening bilateral relations, Austria and Ghana have reaffirmed their desire to intensify economic and political cooperation. At an official meeting in Vienna, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Ghanaian counterpart Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the planned opening of an Austrian embassy in Accra later this year as a symbolic step towards promoting bilateral relations.
February 5, 2024
Austria United in Remembrance: Joint Remembrance on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
In an impressive sign of solidarity and remembrance, representatives of the Jewish Community, Roma, Austria's political leaders, and members of the democratic opposition came together in Vienna to commemorate the millions of victims of the Shoah.
January 30, 2024
New Year's Reception of the Austrian Federal President for the Diplomatic Corps
In a speech during the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the need to create a more peaceful and just world. In a world marked by crises, natural disasters, and wars, he called for unity and dialog.
January 23, 2024
Meet Israel's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
David Roet, Israel's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, David Roet, the permanent representative of the State of Israel to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
January 22, 2024
60 Years of the Documentation Archive of Austrian Resistance
The Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW), an important institution in the reappraisal of Austria's Nazi past, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1963 by former resistance fighters and victims of Nazi persecution as well as committed academics, the DÖW has played a central role in researching and communicating the history of resistance against the Nazi regime.
January 15, 2024
Van der Bellen in New Year's Address: Call for More Dialog and Confidence
In his New Year's address, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called on Austrians and all those living in Austria for more confidence and constructive dialog.
January 1, 2024
Greece and Austria: Shared Values and Visions for the Future
Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic, paid an official visit to Austria, invited by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. This visit symbolizes not only the deep cultural and political ties between the two countries but also their joint efforts in areas such as climate protection, security, and European integration.
December 12, 2023
Austria and Slovenia Support Moldova's EU Aspirations
In a remarkable gesture of solidarity and commitment to European integration, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar recently visited Moldova and met with President Maia Sandu.
November 17, 2023
Austria Intensifies its Fight Against Anti-Semitism: New Legal Reforms and Culture of Remembrance
On the occasion of the Remembrance Day of the November protests and at a time of global unrest and growing anti-Semitic tendencies, Austria has taken decisive steps to intensify the fight against anti-Semitism. This commitment manifests itself in a series of initiatives ranging from the reform of existing laws to the promotion of an active culture of remembrance.
November 13, 2023
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