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Alexander Van der Bellen


Holocaust Remembrance Day in Vienna: "We Remember"

On 27 January, the 74th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by the Red Army was celebrated. On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day various commemorative events were held in Vienna, among others by the Vienna Israelite Community at Heldenplatz.
January 29, 2019



Austria's State Leaders Receive Authoritarian Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi


Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Abd al-Fattah as-Sisi) also visited the Federal President, the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Parliament on the fringes of the EU-Africa Forum (High-Level Forum Africa-Europe), at which he received a EUR 350m commitment from the EIB to finance the expansion of the Cairo Metro. Every meeting emphasised that bilateral relations between Austria and Egypt were very good and that cooperation was to be extended. The former General, who is controversial because of his authoritarian style of government, had already made a clear rejection of the so-called "disembarkation platforms" in Egypt to the EU Council President Sebastian Kurz in Cairo during the summer.
December 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of Brazil to Austria: H.E. Mr. José Antônio Marcondes de Carvalho


The new Ambassador of Brazil to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. José Antônio Marcondes de Carvalho presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov and to the Director General of UNIDO, Li Yong. On 7 December 2018, he presented Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen at the Presidential Chancellery with his letter of credentials.
November 30, 2018 · Updated: December 10, 2018; 13:10


Pandas of Schönbrunn Zoo Vienna on their Journey to Sichuan, China

The two-year-old panda twins Fu Feng and Fu Ban, born in Vienna, relocated to Sichuan Province in China in transport boxes and by airplane as originally planned.
December 6, 2018



80 Years of November Pogrom - Remembrance at the Site of the Former Leopoldstadt Temple, at Judenplatz near the Shoah Memorial and in Parliament


Austria commemorated the events 80 years ago. Austrian Shoah survivors from Israel received in Parliament at the Hofburg. President of the National Council Sobotka asked Austrian Shoah survivors for forgiveness. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen already reminded the day before at a commemoration ceremony of the November pogroms at the Psychosocial Centre of the Vienna Israelite Community. On the commemoration day he laid a wreath at the Shoah memorial on Judenplatz.
November 9, 2018



New Ambassador of Peru Also Accredited by Austrian Federal President


In the meantime, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Austria, H.E. Mr. Eric Anderson Machado, has handed over his credentials to Federal President Van der Bellen at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018



UN Migration Pact: Federal President Warns of the Loss of Austria's Reputation


In response to Austria's planned withdrawal from the UN Migration Pact, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has addressed warning words to the federal government. The Federal President defends the Migration Pact and wants to conduct talks with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Kneissl. Protests are also coming from across the country.
November 3, 2018


What Do You Know About the Austrian National Day?

The Austrian National Day (Nationalfeiertag) has been celebrated annually since 1965 on 26 October, the day on which the decided Austrian neutrality came into force in 1955 and the last occupying powers left Austria. The Parliament, the Office of the Federal President, the Federal Chancellery, the Foreign Ministry, etc. invite the public to the Open Day, which - this year - is dedicated to the commemoration year 1918. The public is invited to contribute their ideas. Take the chance to get to know Austria!
October 25, 2018



The Western Balkans: Resolving Outstanding Issues between Belgrade and Pristina Prerequisite for Serbia's Accession to the EU


As international and local pressure mounts on Belgrade and Pristina to define their relations with an agreement on normalization, the official Austrian visit to the Republic of Serbia as part of an economic and cultural delegation headed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen focused on bilateral economic relations, Serbia's EU perspective and the Belgrade-Priština Dialogue.
October 18, 2018


IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf - A Hub of Scientific Excellence

The laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are located in the town of Seibersdorf, where scientists carry out unique work in support of global peace and development. Located 35 kilometres south of Vienna, the 10 laboratories play an important role in the IAEA’s activities in the areas of nuclear verification, food and agriculture, human health, industrial applications and the environment. Recently Austrian President Van der Bellen paid a visit to Seibersdorf.
October 16, 2018



Vietnam to Strengthen Relations with Austria and the EU


The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc pays a visit to Vienna in the run-up to the Brussels ASEM Summit between the EU and Asian states.
October 16, 2018



Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Vienna


Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen during a stopover in Vienna. Bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East were discussed.
October 12, 2018


Official Visit of the Belgian Royal Couple to Vienna

Belgian King Philippe and his wife Mathilde paid a visit to Austria on the occasion of the opening of the Pieter Bruegel the Elder exhibition (Vindobona reported). In addition to the opening in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the programme included receptions with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Mayor Michael Ludwig, as well as a visit to the National Library. For the royal couple this is their first official visit to Austria since their accession to the throne.
October 3, 2018


Austro-Arab Energy Community Meets in Vienna to Discuss International Cooperation

The 10th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum & Exhibition took place in Vienna yesterday, organized by the AACC Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Vienna and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RECREEE). Under the general theme "Energy Transition - Urban Technology and Sustainable Cities", New Opportunities for International Cooperation and Partnerships, representatives from EU institutions, international organizations, funds, European and international financial institutions as well as ministers and high-ranking personalities from the Arab economy met representatives of the local economy, politics and business community. Participants included Nabil R. Kuzbari, Richard Schenz, Michael Ludwig, Omar Al-Rawi, Mahdi Allak, Johannes Peterlik, Samir Koubaa, Michael Esterl and Li Yong.
October 2, 2018


Review of the State Visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Austria

After the visit in March 2016, which was cancelled at short notice, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was on a state visit to Vienna this week, accompanied by massive anti-Iran protests. The aim of the visit was a joint commitment to the Iran nuclear deal after the deal was approved in Vienna three years ago. The visit was overshadowed by a diplomatic case involving an employee of the Iranian embassy in Vienna, who had been arrested last weekend by the German judicial authorities on the basis of a European arrest warrant on suspicion of terrorism.
July 5, 2018


Nuclear Deal: Iranian President Rouhani Lobbies for Austria

The Federal Chancellery has now officially confirmed that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will come to Vienna on 4 July for an official visit. Of course, the visit is mainly about the nuclear deal. After the USA's exit, there is considerable pressure on Rouhani.
June 19, 2018



Vladimir Putin on PR Campaign in Austria


Vladimir Putin is on his sixth official state visit to Austria. Officially, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the gas supply contract between Austria and Russia, this is a working visit to President Van der Bellen and Chancellor Kurz. In fact, a new gas supply contract between Gazprom and OMV is the main reason for the visit. Other gas deals are still in the negotiation phase, namely the Gazprom Urengoy gas field asset swap and the Nordstream 2 pipeline project. The Central European Gas Hub in Baumgarten/Lower Austria, an important gas distribution hub from the Russian perspective, could also be on the agenda.
June 5, 2018


Van der Bellen in Estonia: Child of Refugees Back in the Motherland of Parents

Austrian Federal President Van der Bellen is on an official visit to the Estonian capital Tallinn. As a child of Russian-Estonian refugees born in Vienna, some melancholic emotions cannot be excluded.
May 30, 2018


Public Diplomacy: Austrian Parliament Delegation Meets Chinese Friendship Association

Following the recent visit to China by Austrian President van der Bellen with the largest business delegation to date, an Austrian delegation of members of the National Assembly and the Federal Council is now on the road in China under the leadership of the second President of the National Council, Doris Bures. The aim of the trip is to further deepen Austrian-Chinese relations, in particular a meeting with Li Xaolin, President of the CPAFFC - Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (中国人民对外友好协会).
May 29, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mezghani


The new Tunisian Ambassador to Austria Mohamed Mezghani presented his letter of accreditation to President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Vienna Hofburg.
May 24, 2018



US Ambassador Traina Arrives in Vienna: "Austria is one of America's first friends"


The new US Ambassador to Austria, Trevor Traina, grandson of Wiley T. Buchanan, the former US Ambassador to Vienna (1975 - 1977), has arrived in Vienna with his wife Alexis. In his first statement, he underlined the close bilateral relations between the two countries: "Austria was one of America's first friends and we are here to remind everyone how important that relationship still is today - over 180 years later."
May 19, 2018



Vienna Energy Forum 2018: Sustainable Energy Provision as a Key to Tackling Poverty


The sixth Vienna Energy Forum 2018 was held from 14 to 16 May, 2018, at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It was attended by over 1,800 participants from 130 countries, including prime ministers, ministers, high-level government officials, permanent mission representatives, chairs of the regional groups, donors, as well as representatives of the EU, the private sector and development finance institutions.
May 16, 2018


The Hungarian Foreign Minister's Alleged Evidence of the Existence of the Soros Plan

The ridiculous discussion about the wave of European immigration allegedly steered by the Soros plan is widening as a result of a letter of evidence from the Hungarian Foreign Minister.
May 11, 2018


The Future of the EU: Europe Day Is To Be Given Greater Importance

On Europe Day, one pupil from each member state of the European Union came to the Hofburg for a discussion. More political education in schools and a more comprehensive climate policy are their main demands. "We are 20 percent of the population, but 100 percent of the future."
May 11, 2018


Top Energy Events Put Vienna in the Focus of the Global Clean Energy Economy

The Vienna Energy Forum 2018 in May in Vienna brings together a multitude of people and institutions to discuss and solve the key questions of the present on the topic of energy. Among them are heads of state, ministers, energy experts, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector. The PFAN Climate and Clean Energy Investment Forum and the R20 Austria World Summit are also part of this huge event. This event, sponsored by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a high-level summit about leadership on implementing the Paris Climate Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
April 19, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of Montenegro to Austria: H.E. Mr. Zeljko Perovic


The new Ambassador of Montenegro to Austria Mr. Zeljko Perovic presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
April 16, 2018



Opening of the Austrian Consulate General in Chengdu


Austria has set up a consulate general in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl attending the opening ceremony during their state visit to China. Van der Bellen also expressed his wish for a new male panda bear.
April 12, 2018



Arnold Schwarzenegger in Vienna: The Prodigal Son's Interim Visit


Shortly before his planned heart operation Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Vienna to prepare the second R20 Austrian World Summit, scheduled to take place on May 15, 2018 in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. Among others the former Governor of California met Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to discuss the upcoming summit. Last week Schwarzenegger had undergone emergency open-heart surgery following complications that arose during a planned heart valve replacement.
April 4, 2018


Austria's Largest State Visit to China Imminent

Austria's largest state visit to China to date is about to take place. Four ministers will travel to China from 7 to 12 April with President Van der Bellen and Chancellor Kurz. 170 Austrian companies with a delegation of around 200 people are also on board. The expectation is high that various agreements between Chinese and Austrian companies will be signed.
April 3, 2018


Trevor Traina Confirmed by US Senate as US Ambassador to Austria

The Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate in Washington D.C. has confirmed Trevor Traina, nominated by President Donald Trump, as the new US Ambassador to Austria. This was announced by both the State Department and the US Embassy in Vienna. The post has been vacant since January 2017 when Alexa Wesner was recalled from her post.
March 30, 2018



Analysis: Vienna's 900 Years of Close Ties With Former Tax Haven Liechtenstein


Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen visited the Principality of Liechtenstein during a state visit to Vaduz. After 14 months, he has finally visited the last of Austria's neighbouring countries. The state was known as a tax haven until November 2013. The Liechtenstein tax affair and offshore leaks have contributed to the neighbouring country signing an international agreement to prevent tax evasion.
March 22, 2018


Extremism-Gate: Special Session of Austrian National Council Convened

The somewhat opaque events surrounding the house search of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counter-Terrorism (BVT) are now making political waves. It is deeply disturbing that a unit, which in itself is not responsible for this, is supposed to have carried out the house search at the BVT and allegedly took highly sensitive intelligence information with it. The matter stinks to high heaven. The Austrian opposition has convened the National Council. The parties SPÖ, NEOS and Liste Pilz (LP) demand that Interior Minister Herbert Kickl (FPÖ) provides a complete explanation.
March 9, 2018


Austrian Delegation Seeks to Improve Economic and Political Relations with Jordan

An official visit of President Van der Bellen to Jordan will take place from 17 April to 19 April 2018. The delegation to Amman will be accompanied by an economic mission headed by WKO Vice President Richard Schenz. The economic mission of the WKO is the response of an invitation issued some time ago by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom.
March 8, 2018



Meet Her Excellency Austria's New Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl


Karin Kneissl (53) was recently appointed Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. At present, she is busy touring Europe and introducing herself to her counterparts, or inviting them to the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs in Vienna.
February 20, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Austria: H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Austria Eloi Laourou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Austria: H.E. Ms. Else Nizigama Ntamagiro


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Austria Else Nizigama Ntamagiro presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Austria: H.E. Ms. Fatima Sidikou


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Austria Fatima Sidikou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Austria: H.E. Mr. Roger Albéric Kacou


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Austria Roger Albéric Kacou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Austria: H.E. Mr. Abdallah Saleh Possi


The new Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Austria Abdallah Saleh Possi presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018


Meet the New Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Austria: H.E. Mr. Prakash Kumar Suvedi

The new Nepalese Ambassador to Austria Prakash Kumar Suvedi presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Austria: H.E. Mr. Heng Wing Chan


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Austria Heng Wing Chan presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018


Presidential Poll Result Overturned by Austrian Constitutional Court

Austria's highest court has annulled the result of the presidential election narrowly lost by the candidate of the far-right Freedom Party Norbert Hofer.
July 1, 2016


Austria’s Business Community Welcomes Van der Bellen

Austria’s economic chamber head Christoph Leitl congratulated Alexander van der Bellen on the latter’s election victory. Leitl stressed Austria’s business sector was ready to cooperate. Also Industrialists Association (Industriellenvereinigung) head Georg Kapsch cheered on the new President, adding that the industrial sector wished the new President good luck.
May 24, 2016


Austrian Presidential Candidate Hofer Admits Defeat

Austria's presidential candidate Norbert Hofer admitted his defeat in the election via his Facebook site.
May 23, 2016


Final Results of Austria Presidential Election - Alexander van der Bellen Becomes New President

700,000 votes from polling stations have now been counted. Alexander Van der Bellen has won ahead of his rival Norbert Hofer by 50.3 to 49.7 percent. Thus Alexander van der Bellen, who has the support of the Greens, will become the first Green President of the Republic of Austria.
May 23, 2016 · Updated: May 23, 2016; 16:55