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Alexander Van der Bellen
Meet Cynthia Chidiac, Lebanon’s Bridge Builder in Times of Crisis
Amid a period of diplomatic realignment, Lebanon has sent an experienced lawyer and diplomat to Vienna. Cynthia Chidiac, Lebanon’s new Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations, presented her credentials some time back. Her appointment marks the start of an ambitious diplomatic mission that combines legal expertise with an international network.
March 18, 2026
Meet Francesca Camilleri Vettiger: From Strasbourg to Vienna as Malta’s Top Diplomat
She is considered one of Malta’s most prominent young diplomats, yet her rise to the highest echelons of international politics has not been without controversy. Francesca Camilleri Vettiger officially assumed her new role in Vienna — another milestone in a career that is advancing at a breathtaking pace.
March 17, 2026
Austrian President Van der Bellen on a High-Level Mission to Rome
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen used his recent trip to Rome to send a strong signal for diplomatic dialogue and cultural ties. The two-day visit focused on working meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and a highly anticipated private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
March 11, 2026
The Middle East Powder Keg: Between Rocket Attacks, Oil Price Shock, and Nuclear Uncertainty
Following massive U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran and Iranian counterstrikes in the region in the Emirates, Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, and Oman, the international community is facing a severe test. While Tehran laments damage to its nuclear program, the IAEA urges caution. In Austria, the government is preparing for the economic consequences, while thousands of citizens are stranded in the crisis region.
March 2, 2026
El Salvador's New Ambassador to Vienna Sets a New Tone
With a series of high-profile meetings and the presentation of official letters of credence, Kennedy Obed Reyes Lazo has begun his mission as Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador to Austria and the international organizations in Vienna. The young diplomat has an ambitious agenda, ranging from the fight against corruption to space cooperation.
February 26, 2026
IGGÖ and Austria as Bridge Builders Through Interfaith Dialogue
From Vienna to the provinces: the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan is increasingly becoming a platform for social cohesion in Austria. While Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen sent a strong signal for diversity at the interfaith Iftar in Cobenzl Castle, the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) emphasized the importance of internal cohesion at its internal Muslim fast-breaking ceremony.
February 26, 2026
Mafelile Christina Molala Takes Over as Lesotho's Ambassador in Berlin, Moscow, and Vienna
With an impressive track record in international economic development and a clear vision for the digital future, H.E. Mafelile Christina Molala has taken up her post as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho. From her official residence in Berlin, she now oversees diplomatic affairs for much of Central and Eastern Europe.
February 15, 2026
Broadway Glamour and Tearful Drama: The 68th Vienna Opera Ball as a Stage for World Politics and Emotions
The 68th Vienna Opera Ball once again transformed the State Opera House into the nation's “living room” – a night of diplomatic finesse, Broadway glamour, and unexpectedly deep emotions. While the usual celebrity hustle and bustle prevailed outside on the red carpet, the celebration inside had a special theme: confidence.
February 13, 2026
Russia's New Ambassador Andrei Grosov Criticizes Vienna
On Russian Diplomatic Staff Day on February 10, the newly accredited Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria, Andrei Grosov, spoke out in no uncertain terms. He accused the EU, and Austria in particular, of “reinterpreting history” and applying dangerous double standards in its dealings with National Socialism.
February 5, 2026
A Diplomat for Times of Crisis: Estonia's Arti Hilpus Strengthens European Alliances
In a time of growing geopolitical tensions, Estonia is relying on experience. Arti Hilpus, one of the Baltic states' most prominent diplomats, has played a key role in recent months. Following his accreditation in Vienna in the fall of 2025, he has now formally taken up his duties in Switzerland. At the heart of his mission: European security and unwavering support for Ukraine.
February 1, 2026
Meet Ingrīda Levrence, Latvia's Top Diplomat in Vienna
Ingrīda Levrence, one of Latvia's most distinguished diplomats, is taking over as ambassador to Austria. The renowned Europe expert and multiple ambassador brings impressive international experience from Beijing to Brussels to Vienna to further strengthen bilateral relations in politically turbulent times.
January 29, 2026
“Former Friend”: Van der Bellen Settles Scores with the U.S. in Diplomatic Hofburg Speech
At the traditional New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke clearly about the current world situation. In particular, the actions of the U.S. in Venezuela and the threats against Greenland led to a notable escalation in diplomatic rhetoric.
January 21, 2026
Switzerland and Austria Underline Security Partnership in Turbulent Times
It is a living tradition with new urgency: at the start of the new year, Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited the federal capital, Vienna. But behind the diplomatic protocols of the inaugural visits, there was a clear message this time: in view of global crises and a changed world situation, the two neutral neighboring states are seeking close cooperation—especially in their joint security and defense policy.
January 19, 2026
Austria and Italy Together With UNODC Urge Global Alliance Against Organized Crime
The threats posed by transnational organized crime are more complex, interconnected, and dangerous than ever before. In light of these developments, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have called for renewed global solidarity.
November 26, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”
Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.
November 19, 2025
25 Years of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation: Transatlantic Bridge for Science and Innovation
The Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary at TUtheSky at the Vienna University of Technology. Under the motto “25 Years of Transatlantic Exchange,” the foundation brought together high-ranking representatives from politics, science, diplomacy, and numerous alumni to honor a quarter-century of successful transatlantic knowledge transfer between Austria and the United States.
November 13, 2025
Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.
November 11, 2025
Meet Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's Experienced Diplomat and Ambassador to Austria
Poland is relying on an experienced diplomat in Vienna in Zenon Henryk Kosiniak-Kamysz, who holds the office of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Austria, having already served as chargé d'affaires in Vienna since October 2024.
November 10, 2025
Van der Bellen Celebrates the “Good Compromise”, While Chancellor Stocker Calls for Courage and Resilience on National Day
On October 26, 2025, Austria celebrated its national holiday, marking two significant anniversaries: 70 years since the signing of the State Treaty and the establishment of neutrality, and 60 years since the national holiday was first observed. The celebrations, which traditionally began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Outer Castle Gate, were marked by powerful speeches by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker. The Austrian Armed Forces also held an impressive parade.
October 26, 2025
German President Steinmeier Opens New German Embassy in Vienna and Calls for “Reinventing Europe”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Austria. The focus of the visit was the official opening of the new German Embassy building in Vienna, accompanied by an urgent appeal to Europeans to reinvent the continent in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges.
October 26, 2025
Meet Portugal's New Top Representative in Vienna, Jorge Manuel da Silva Lopes
The experienced diplomat and former ambassador to Croatia takes on the key role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
October 21, 2025
Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border
The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.
October 20, 2025
Meet Simon Biedermann, Liechtenstein's New Ambassador in Vienna
The Principality of Liechtenstein has a new ambassador in Vienna. Diplomat Simon Biedermann has presented his credentials and now represents the Principality in Austria, Czechia, at the UN, and at the OSCE.
October 13, 2025
Meet Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil's Leading Diplomat in Vienna
Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia is Brazil's ambassador to Austria and Brazil's permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna (UNOV). An experienced diplomat and expert in international and multilateral relations, he enriches the diplomatic community in Vienna.
October 7, 2025
Meet Alison Grant, Canada's New Ambassador to Vienna
Alison Grant, Canada's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has presented her credentials to UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and, for Austria, to President Alexander Van der Bellen. With this appointment, Grant assumes an important dual mandate, serving simultaneously as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria and as Permanent Representative to all international organizations based in Vienna.
September 26, 2025
80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President
This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.
September 22, 2025
Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Welcomes Chinese Counterpart with Focus on Geopolitics and Trade
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vienna to deepen bilateral relations and discuss global challenges. The meeting, which was also documented by media representatives, underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
September 16, 2025
In Memoriam Hannes Tretter: Vienna Symposium “Emergency Democracy” Continues His Life’s Work
On September 24, 2025, a high-caliber panel of experts will gather in the attic of Vienna's Juridicum to commemorate the late lawyer and human rights expert Hannes Tretter and continue his life's work. The symposium “Emergency Democracy” is dedicated to the project of the same name, which was conceived in the last months of his life.
September 11, 2025
Austria and Slovenia: Diplomatic Efforts Following the “Peršmanhof Incident”
Relations between Austria and Slovenia, traditionally characterized by friendly cooperation, have been put to the test since a controversial police operation at Peršmanhof. The diplomatic response is currently evident on two levels: while Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is pushing for clarification with a symbolic gesture and clear words, representatives of both regions are simultaneously deepening practical cooperation in numerous areas.
September 10, 2025
European Forum Alpbach 2025 Breaks records and Looks to the Future of Europe
This year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) ended with a new record number of participants. Under the motto “Recharge Europe,” around 4,700 participants from 127 countries gathered to discuss the renewal of Europe and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the forum, which has established itself as one of the leading conferences on the future of Europe.
September 1, 2025
Hungarian Foreign Minister Sharply Criticizes Austrian President Van der Bellen
There is currently diplomatic tension between Vienna and Budapest after Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen criticized political developments in a “neighboring country” at the European Forum Alpbach. Although the president did not explicitly mention Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded with a sharp counterattack, accusing Van der Bellen of being involved in the failed formation of an FPÖ government in Austria.
August 31, 2025
Politics and Culture in Focus: Salzburg Festival 2025 Opens with International Guests and Political Debates
The 105th Salzburg Festival opened with high-ranking state guests and political debates. The focus was on the opening speech by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the keynote speech by award-winning journalist Anne Applebaum, and a state visit by Romanian President Nicușor-Daniel Dan.
August 4, 2025 · Sponsored Content
Austrian Government Opens Bregenz Festival 2025 with Appeal for Visionary and Responsible "Mindset"
The Bregenz Festival 2025 had been officially opened. The opening ceremony, which attracted high-ranking representatives from politics and culture, focused on Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler. Both argued in their speeches that we are living in a forward-looking and critical time, emphasizing the importance of showing courage and responsibility.
July 21, 2025
Meet Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, Iran's Ambassador in Vienna
H.E. Dr. Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recently presented his credentials to both the Austrian Federal President and the Slovak President, thereby officially commencing his diplomatic missions in both countries.
July 7, 2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vienna for the First Time Since the Start of the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his first official visit to Vienna since Russia launched its war of aggression in February 2022. Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were welcomed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, followed by a reception with military honors.
June 17, 2025
International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action
The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.
June 4, 2025
Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
May 22, 2025
Meet the New Georgian Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze in Vienna
Alexander Maisuradze is the new Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of his country to the international organizations in Vienna. The experienced diplomat formally presented his credentials to the Austrian president and several leading representatives of multilateral diplomacy in the Austrian capital.
May 19, 2025
Vjosa Osmani Awarded in Vienna with Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, was honoured with the prestigious Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize at a ceremony held by the Pan-European Union in Vienna. The award recognizes her commitment to European integration and her dedication to peace, democracy, and transatlantic partnership.
May 18, 2025
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
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