Angela Merkel

Austria's Foreign Minister after 56 Days in Office Once Again Merely Ambassador in Berlin

After returning control of the Austrian Foreign Ministry to Alexander Schallenberg after only 56 days, former Foreign Minister Michael Linhart is likely to become the new Ambassador to Germany. Read about the chaotic government reshuffle and Mr. Linhart's demotion.

December 14, 2021

High-level Belarus Conference in Vienna

Chancellor Schallenberg participated in a video conference to discuss the situation in Belarus and the worsening humanitarian crisis at the EU's external border with numerous representatives from other EU member states and Belarusian opposition politicians. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch a joint press conference with Schallenberg and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

November 23, 2021

Merkel Receives Kurz: Connected Through a Multitude of Relationships

German Chancellor Angela Merkel received Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the German Federal Chancellery in Berlin. In addition to a discussion of the issues Germany and Austria are currently dealing with, such as Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting also served as Kurz’s farewell to the German Chancellor, who is leaving office after 16 years.

September 1, 2021

At Summit With Merkel, Kurz Reaffirms Support for Western Balkan EU Accession

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and other leaders for the Western Balkans Summit. Kurz expressed his full support for the six Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Read what he said.

July 15, 2021

Steinmeier and Van der Bellen Demand European Cohesion

At a working meeting in Germany, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier discuss European unity and bilateral cooperation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more below.

June 7, 2021

Macron, Merkel, Von der Leyen and Kurz on the Fight Against Terrorism

At a video conference, Macron, Merkel, Rutte, Von der Leyen, Michel and Kurz have agreed that the EU needs to act decisively and jointly against a terrorism and extremism. Following the recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria, the politicians demand further discussions about the future procedure of the fight against terrorism.

November 11, 2020

Integration Minister Raab: "Increasing Radicalization Tendencies Need More Determined Cooperation"

At a video conference with her European counterparts, Austria's Integration Minister Raab demanded even more determined cooperation at the EU level to fight extremism and terrorism. She emphasizes the fact that this fight can be only battled together and that it is important to detect the breeding ground for ideologies that stand against common European values.

November 9, 2020

Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus

Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.

August 20, 2020

Inaugural Visit: Kurz Meets Merkel in Berlin

The multi-year financial framework, the EU's future process and climate protection in focus at meetings with Chancellor Merkel. There is broad agreement on the financial framework, but on many other issues the chancellors are far apart.

February 3, 2020

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

Romania: Taxes Expected to Be Raised

The local press reports that numerous anonymous sources from the larger ruling party say that the executive is considering a hike in profit and income tax.

October 28, 2013

Serbia: No EU Accession Negotiations in 2013

Serbia will not be able to start the desired negotiations for an EU membership this year.

June 6, 2013

Turkey: Protests Claimed Life of At Least One Person

According to the medical association at least one protestor was killed in Istanbul. Despite of unequaled violence by the police protests against Prime Minister Erdogan will not break down.

June 3, 2013

Orban’s „Derailment“ Causes Indignation in Germany

Hungary’s head of government Viktor Orban seems to love the confrontation. However, with the accusation of Germany using Nazi-methods he overstepped the mark in terms of tact.

May 21, 2013

Serbia: Vucic „Deeply Disappointed“

Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has given up hope for a new date in June for the beginning of EU accession negotiations. Russian Prime Minister Medvedev expressed support.

April 11, 2013

Russia to Contribute to Cyprus Aid-Package

President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will contribute to rescue-package for Cyprus.

April 8, 2013

Roiss: “A European Concept and Joint Investments Are Needed“

In an interview with the Austrian newpaper Kurier, CEO of OMV explains why Europe needs other sources of energy and why there is a growing competitive disadvantage compared with the USA.

March 25, 2013

Cyprus: Negotiations About “Plan B“ Today

After days of negotiations in Moscow, Cyprian Finance Minister had to return empty-handed. Talks about “plan B” will continue today.

March 22, 2013

Cyprus Appeals for Help to Russia

In a vote on Tuesday the government has decided not to use the private money of Cyprus‘ citizens to help bail out the banks. After the rejection, the EU aid package is now off. Cyprus hopes rest on Russia at this point.

March 20, 2013

Klaus Meets Merkel

Czech President Vaclav Klaus wants to persuade Merkel to stop the integration process in the EU.

January 10, 2013

EU Accession: Turkey Shows Self-Confidence

Turkey puts further pressure on Brussels. Until 2023, Turkey wants to become a EU member country.

January 4, 2013

Erdogan Tries to Put Pressure on EU

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns of postponing the EU accession of his country.

October 31, 2012

Hungary Reaffirms Not to Enter Eurozone

After the meeting with Germany´s Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hungary´s Prime Minister Viktor Orban explained that the euro must offer a perspective again.

October 16, 2012

Orban Rejects Joining Eurozone

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thinks that the introduction of the euro in Hungary would be “irresponsible”.

October 10, 2012

Croatian EU-Accession: Slovenia as Obstacle

Slovenia may put a veto on Croatia´s EU accession. Croatia should withdraw lawsuits against the biggest Slovenian bank NLB, Slovenia says.

September 22, 2012

Orban to Visit Germany

In October, Hungary´s Prime Minister will be on an official state visit in Berlin in October.

September 12, 2012

Tusk: Good Prospects to Become Head of EU Commission

According to the German magazine “Der Spiegel”, the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is considered as favorite candidate for the next President of the EU Commission.

September 11, 2012

Merkel and Faymann Reaffirm their Commitment to the Euro

The German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel met her Austrian counterpart Werner Faymann and Vice Chancellor Michael Spindelegger in Vienna. It was Merkel´s first state visit in Austria since 2006.

September 8, 2012

Merkel Meets Austrian Government

This Friday, Germany´s Chancellor Angela Merkel will have talks with the top of the Austrian government in Vienna.

September 4, 2012

Controversy About Nowotny

Ewald Nowotny, the governor Austrian Central Bank (OeNB) argued that the austerity policy in the 1930s caused the rise of the Nazi regime. A wave of indignation emerged.

June 21, 2012

Fekter Emphasizes: „Eurobonds Do Not Solve Debt Problem“

Maria Fekter, Austria´s Minister of Finance, thinks that the idea of common bonds is no real solution, but only symptom fighting.

May 26, 2012

Austria to Participate in Merkel´s Bond Plans?

According to the German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, triple-A countries should issue common “elite bonds”. Austria should take part.

November 28, 2011

Austria Benefits from Low Loan Interest Rates

Because of low interest rates and spreads, Austria is able to get convenient financing on the loan market. Euro-bonds would mean significant costs for Austria.

December 13, 2010

Nowotny Pleads for Euro-Bonds

The governor of the Austrian National Bank, Ewald Nowotny, is for the introduction of euro-bonds. Germany’s resistance is pre-programmed.

December 6, 2010