BMEIA Federal Ministry for Europe Integration and Foreign Affairs

Schallenberg Cautions "Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable Under Any Circumstances"

Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently discussed the current tensions between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting with his counterparts from the EU in Brest, France. Read more about Schallenberg's stance on Ukraine and dealing with Russia in the context of Russia's troop buildup and a recent cyberattack on Ukraine.

January 17, 2022

Meet the New Canadian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk

The new Ambassador of Canada to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Mr. Lulashnyk.

January 14, 2022

Meet the Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Intl Organisations in Vienna, H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll

The new Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Organizations in Vienna is H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll. Learn more about Ms. Skoll and her impressive career.

January 13, 2022

Crisis in Lebanon - Austria's 180 Men Help Counter Hezbollah

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is in Lebanon for a working visit to discuss the ongoing crisis the country is facing. Read more about Schallenberg's visit and how Austria plans to help Lebanon.

January 11, 2022

Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action

"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.

January 10, 2022

Omicron Has Led to Quasi-Ban on Entry of Britons, Norwegians, Danes and Dutch into Austria

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout Austria, entry rules to Austria have been tightened. With Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, four important countries of origin of tourists have been declared virus variant areas. Read about the restrictions.

December 21, 2021 · Updated: December 23, 2021; 19:35

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović Meets with Schallenberg

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović recently met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna. Read about their discussion of various human rights issues.

December 20, 2021

Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics

The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.

December 16, 2021

Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022

The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.

December 15, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 28 Senior Diplomatic Posts Worldwide

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) has decided in its last meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (28) Austrian diplomats - as follows.

December 15, 2021

Österreichisches Außenministerium: Neubesetzung von 28 Diplomatischen Leitungsfunktionen Weltweit

Das Österreichische Außenministerium (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) unter der Leitung von Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg hat in der letzten Sitzung des Ministerrates die Neubesetzung von mehreren (28) österreichischen Vertretungsbehörden - wie folgt - beschlossen.

December 15, 2021

Iran's Chief Negotiator at the Nuclear Talks Bagheri Kani Met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg

Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani (54), Iran's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and lead negotiator at the Vienna talks met with Austria's Foreign Minister Mag. Alexander Schallenberg.

December 15, 2021

Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.

December 14, 2021

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

Australia and Austria for Strong Multilateralism and Foreign Trade

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed the good relations with Australia in a personal meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Mrs. Payne also paid a visit to Chancellor Nehammer.

December 13, 2021

New Austrian Federal Chancellor Sworn In

The former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer was today sworn in as the new Austrian Federal Chancellor by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). The offices of Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Education Minister and State Secretary in the Federal Chancellery were also filled. Read on to find out who occupies these offices.

December 6, 2021

Austrian Government Reshuffle: Who Are the Newcomers?

Following the resignations of Sebastian Kurz and Gernot Blümel over serious corruption allegations, and of Alexander Schallenberg, the new Chancellor Karl Nehammer has presented his provisional government team. Who are the new faces in Austrian domestic and foreign policy?

December 3, 2021

New Austrian Chancellor is former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer

Karl Nehammer has been unanimously appointed new party leader and federal chancellor by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) federal party board.

December 3, 2021

Additional Millions for the Fight Against Terrorism, Armed Conflict, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Austrian government has decided to provide millions of euros to help Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, and Jordan deal with the humanitarian crises they are facing. Read how this aid will be allocated and why Austria believes it is necessary.

December 3, 2021

Austrian Government Crisis: Finance Minister Blümel Also Resigns from Office

The resignation of Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) leader Sebastian Kurz triggers a major government reshuffle. Following Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg's resignation, Finance Minister Gernot Blümel, a longtime companion of Kurz, also announced his resignation via Facebook video this evening. Karl Nehammer is expected to take over the roles of party leader and chancellor.

December 2, 2021

Austria's Chancellor Schallenberg to Resign as well

Alexander Schallenberg "makes his office as Chancellor available".

December 2, 2021

OSCE Summit in Stockholm: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Meets Austria's Linhart

Amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is meeting with Foreign Minister Linhart at the annual Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Stockholm, Sweden. Read about their meeting as well as Linhart's agenda for the summit.

December 2, 2021

Following Kurz's Resignation: Austrian Government Reshuffle Imminent

Following the resignation of former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from all political activities, major personnel changes are imminent within the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Austrian government. Who will become or remain chancellor, who will become party leader, who will become Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) club chairman, who will become or remain foreign minister? There are rumors that Interior Minister Karl Nehammer could become chancellor and Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg could return to the post of foreign minister.

December 2, 2021

Blinken Thanks Austria for Hosting Iran Nuclear Deal Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked Austria for hosting the Iran nuclear deal talks on his first call with his Austrian counterpart, Foreign Minister Linhart. Read about this and what else Blinken and Linhart talked about on their first call.

December 1, 2021

Austria Donated Unusable Covid Vaccine Doses to Bosnia and Herzegovina

It was recently reported that Bosnia and Herzegovina had to throw out an unknown amount of the 500,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccination doses that had been donated by Austria. Read more about this and the problem of global vaccine equity.

November 30, 2021

Travel and Covid: Austria Imposes Entry Ban on Southern African Countries

Due to the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, Austria has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini/Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Read about the new travel restriction and the variant causing it.

November 26, 2021 · Updated: November 26, 2021; 15:11

New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador Presents Credentials

The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mireya del Carmen Muñoz Mera, presented her credentials to the heads of the UNOV, IAEA, UNIDO, and the CTBTO. Learn more about the new permanent representative.

November 24, 2021

UNESCO: Austria Elected to the Executive Board for the Fourth Time since 1948

Austria was elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO for the fourth time since it joined the organization in 1948. Read about Austria's election and what it plans to focus on during its term from 2021-2025.

November 23, 2021

Solidarity with Vietnam: Austria Sends 50,000 Vaccines

Parts of Vietnam are currently experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19. To simultaneously help Vietnam in the fight against the virus and improve bilateral relations, Austria donated 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Read more about this act of solidarity.

November 22, 2021

UN International Law Commission: Austria's Candidate Reinisch Re-elected

Dr. August Reinisch was recently re-elected as one of the 34 members of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC). Read about Reinisch's election, his background, and the ILC.

November 16, 2021

Austria Welcomes New Sanctions Against Belarus

Foreign Minister Linhart attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, at which the 27 foreign ministers of the EU agreed upon new sanctions against Belarus. They also discussed other topics, such as the EU enlargement process. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch an interview with the Austrian foreign minister.

November 16, 2021

VIC: Austria’s Foreign Minister Linhart Met with Li Yong and Ghada Waly

UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and UNIDO Director-General Li Yong hosted Foreign Minister Linhart for a visit at the United Nations Office at Vienna ahead of UN Day. Read what was discussed and watch a video from Linhart's visit.

November 15, 2021

Linhart's Round of Visits to Central Asian Autocrats Was All about Deepening Economic Relations

Foreign Minister Linhart visited the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to strengthen economic relations. The foreign minister met various leaders and participated in multiple economic forums. Read about the details of his trip to Central Asia.

November 9, 2021

Strengthening Bilateral Economic Relations: Austria's Linhart in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Foreign Minister Linhart is visiting Central Asia with a business delegation to attend the first EU-Central Asia Economic Forum and discuss economic relations with various government representatives. The foreign minister's trip includes stops in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Read about Linhart's agenda and what topics will be discussed.

November 5, 2021

Austria-United Arab Emirates Society Awarded PaN Prize of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Austria-United Arab Emirates Society (ÖVAEG) was presented with the PaN Prize of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read about ÖVAEG and the extravagant ceremony at which the award was presented.

November 3, 2021

Austria Deepening Relationship with Gulf States: Foreign Minister Linhart in Qatar

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently met with Foreign Minister Linhart in Doha, Qatar. The leaders discussed various issues, including the strengthening of ties between Qatar and Austria. Linhart also met with Qatari business leaders as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative. Read about Linhart's trip to Qatar.

October 29, 2021

African Union and European Union to Strengthen Cooperation on COVID-19

Representatives of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), including Austrian Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, recently met in Kigali, Rwanda. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially unequal vaccine distribution, was a central topic of discussion. Read more about the meeting and the effort to increase vaccine access around the globe.

October 29, 2021

Economic Diplomacy a la "ReFocus": Connecting Diplomatic Representatives with Austria's Business Community

Diplomatic representatives in Austria met with members of the Austrian business community as part of the "ReFocus Austria" government initiative aimed at promoting Austrian companies abroad and Austria as a business location. The main focus of this event was opportunities in the "green economy." Read more about this event and "ReFocus Austria."

October 27, 2021

Vienna Hosts "Central 5" Foreign Ministers

The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which make up the informal "Central 5" (C5) forum, recently met at the Albertina in Vienna. Read about the meeting, what Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart said, and watch the full joint press conference.

October 26, 2021

Loss for Vienna: Relocation of Saudi Center to Lisbon Finalized

The controversial KAICIID (King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), which is largely financed by Saudi Arabia and is currently based in Vienna, will relocate to Lisbon.

October 25, 2021

Colonial Legacy: Restitution of Cultural Assets as Part of Austria's New Africa Strategy

The Austrian Foreign Ministry under Michael Linhart is developing a new Africa strategy for Austria. A motion for a resolution has been filed in parliament that requests that the foreign ministry includes restitution of cultural artifacts and assets as part of this strategy. Read more about the motion.

October 20, 2021

Foreign Minister Linhart's Inaugural Visit to the EU Foreign Affairs Council

Foreign Minister Linhart recently traveled to Luxembourg for his first meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. In a meeting with the other foreign ministers from the EU, they discussed various issues, including the EU's Eastern Partnership and the war in Ethiopia. Linhart also met with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush during his visit. Read about Linhart's trip and what was discussed in the meetings, and watch Linhart's interview outside the event.

October 19, 2021

Western Balkans: First Foreign Trip of the New Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart

Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart went on his first trip abroad since becoming the foreign minister. Linhart traveled to the Western Balkan state of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet with members of the international presence, business leaders, and various politicians, including his Bosnian counterpart Bisera Turković. Read more about his trip.

October 15, 2021

Austria Presents Financial Budget for 2022

Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel presented Austria's draft financial budget for 2022 to the Austrian Parliament in the form of the annual budget speech. The plan includes tax reforms, budget increases for various ministries, estimates regarding the COViD-19 crisis, and more. Read some of the specific provisions in the budget outlined by the finance minister.

October 14, 2021

Michael Linhart Named New Austrian Foreign Minister

The current Austrian ambassador in Paris, Michael Linhart (63), will succeed Alexander Schallenberg as Austria's new foreign minister. Linhart was Secretary General at the Foreign Ministry from 2013 to 2018. Learn more about his background.

October 11, 2021

Schallenberg to Succeed as Chancellor Following the Resignation of Kurz

Following the resignation of Sebastian Kurz as Chancellor in the wake of the corruption scandal involving not only Sebastian Kurz but also his inner circle of about 10 associates, Alexander Schallenberg, the current Foreign Minister, will be inaugurated as the new Chancellor. Read also who could become Austria's new foreign minister.

October 10, 2021

Antisemitic Vandalism at Auschwitz-Birkenau Highlights Alarming Trend

One day after an Austrian delegation, including President Van der Bellen, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and EU Minister Edtstadler spoke at the opening of the new Austrian exhibition at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the museum reported antisemitic vandalism at the camp. The shocking incident underscores a larger trend of antisemitism in Europe and around the world. Read more about the incident, the trend of antisemitism, and what is being done to combat it.

October 7, 2021

ReFocus Austria: Roundtable in New York as First Initiative in the U.S.

On his stay at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Schallenberg held a roundtable event with Austrian and U.S. entrepreneurs to exchange ideas. This was the first of the ReFocus Austria initiative events in the U.S. aimed at strengthening the Austrian economy. Read more about ReFocus Austria and what was discussed at this event.

September 30, 2021

Multilateralism at the UN General Assembly: Kurz and Schallenberg in NYC

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg are in New York for the 76th United Nations General Assembly. Their trip includes meetings with various delegations, with an emphasis on the situation in Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the pair, along with President Van der Bellen, will meet for talks with UN Secretary-General Antońio Guterres. Chancellor Kurz will also address the Council on Foreign Relations and Schallenberg will deliver a speech to the General Assembly. Read more about the details of their trip.

September 21, 2021

Austrian Development Agency: An Additional 2 Million Euros for Afghanistan

At the United Nations donor conference for the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the Austrian Minister for Integration and Women's Affairs Susanne Raab announced that Austria will provide an additional 2 million euros in aid to Afghanistan. The aid is being made available through funds from the Austrian Development Aid Cooperation of the Austrian Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Austrian Foreign Ministry. The conference resulted in pledges of nearly double the amount of money that the UN had set as its goal.

September 16, 2021
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