Climate Change

Luxury Goods Group: Swarovski Drops Further in Ranking

The famous Austrian crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski has fallen a further 3 places on the global ranking of luxury goods sales. The company's sales also halved between 2017 and 2020 from 3.5 billion euros to 1.7 billion euros. Read about Swarovski's decline in sales and the general downturn in the luxury goods industry.

December 8, 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

Climate Crisis: Vienna Joins "Race to Zero" Campaign

At the World Climate Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Vienna has announced that it is joining the "Race to Zero" campaign, which aims to cut emissions in half by 2030 and create a carbon-free world. Read about Vienna's new climate change commitment.

November 8, 2021

Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"

Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.

November 2, 2021

Greenpeace: 80% of Austrian Short-haul EU Flights are Substitutable by Train

According to a Greenpeace report, 80 percent of Austria's short-haul flights can be replaced by rail travel. For 53 percent of all top-30 short-haul flights within the EU, there are direct overnight train connections, the report states.

October 27, 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

The Federal President on National Day: "Handing over the planet in order"

President Van der Bellen delivered a televised address to the nation to celebrate Austria's National Day. In his speech, the president addressed various issues, with a particular emphasis on the threat of climate change. Read what Van der Bellen said, and watch his full address.

October 27, 2021

Official State Visit of the King of Jordan to Austria

King Abdullah II of Jordan recently met with President Van der Bellen in Vienna. The two leaders discussed various issues, including climate change. Read more about King Abdullah's official visit to Austria.

October 26, 2021

Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.

October 22, 2021

Infineon Opened €1.6 Billion High-tech Chip Factory in Villach

After three years of planning and construction and a € 1.6 billion price tag, Infineon Technologies AG finally opened its new high-tech chip factory in Villach, Austria. Read more about the new factory, the chips produced there, and what Infineon does.

October 20, 2021

Schallenberg's First Foreign Trip as Austrian Chancellor

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel recently met for talks in Brussels with Chancellor Schallenberg on his first foreign trip since being appointed chancellor. Read about the chancellor's trip, his talks with the two leaders, and a Twitter error involving former Chancellor Kurz.

October 15, 2021

Vienna's Praterstern to Be Transformed into a Greened and Cooled Lounge Oasis

Vienna's Praterstern is beginning its transformation into a greened and cooled lounge oasis and should be finished by the summer of 2022. Read about the specifics of the revitalization of Praterstern and view some projections of what the area will look like once it is complete.

October 14, 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

Vienna's "Traincademy" Uses Modern Simulators and VR for Driver and Rail Jobs Training

The new Traincademy in Vienna offers training courses for train drivers and other rail jobs using modern simulators and VR technology. With some estimating that thousands of rail employees will be needed in the coming years in Austria alone, the Traincademy wants to offer high-quality training to those looking for careers in the industry. Read more about the new Traincademy and the future of the rail industry.

October 13, 2021

76th UN General Assembly: Contribution and Results from an Austrian Perspective

Throughout the 76th United Nations General Assembly, some of the main issues that the Austrian delegation focused on were sustainable energy and climate change, COVID-19 and vaccinations, and the situation in Afghanistan. Read about some of the contributions and results of the event from Austria's point of view.

September 29, 2021

Paris and Vienna Share Focus on Climate Protection

Paris and Vienna, two of the largest cities in Europe, now share a focus on protecting the environment. To see how Paris is working to deal with climate change and how Vienna can learn from it, a Viennese delegation visited Paris to view some projects aimed at countering climate change. Read more about the projects that Paris and Vienna are implementing to protect the cities from the harmful effects of the changing climate.

September 23, 2021

Van der Bellen at 76th UN General Assembly: "World Stage of Foreign Policy"

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is in New York attending the 76th UN General Assembly along with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. On Tuesday, President Van der Bellen attended the "Welcome Reception" with UN-Secretary General António Guterres and the opening of the General Assembly. The President also held talks with the presidents of Costa Rica, Ghana, Guyana, Senegal, and Zambia. Van der Bellen is still scheduled to meet with Secretary-General Guterres, various world leaders, and scientists to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and more. Read about the President's trip so far and what is next on his agenda.

September 21, 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

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives

The new Ambassador of Maldives to Austria, H.E. Mr. Asim Ahmed, presented his credentials to Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Ahmed also recently met with Leonore Gewessler, the Austrian Minister for Climate Action. Learn more about the Ambassador.

September 17, 2021

Foreign Culture is Central Element of Austrian Diplomatic Soft Power

At the International Culture Conference 2021, Foreign Minister Schallenberg spoke about the importance of foreign culture as an instrument of soft power and diplomacy. He also highlighted some of the various new initiatives and programs to promote foreign culture, such as the "International Music Dialogues," the “On the road again” initiative for visual artists, “Repair of the Future - the Global Casting of Tomorrow,” and more.

September 10, 2021

Forum Alpbach: Reaffirming the Importance of the Conference on the Future of Europe

The EU ministers from five member states signed the "Alpbach Declaration on the Future of Europe" at the European Forum Alpbach. The five ministers were Judit Varga from Hungary, Thomas Byrne from Ireland, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis from Greece, Juan González-Barba from Spain, and Karoline Edtstadler from Austria. The declaration highlights the necessity for cooperation and dialogue to ensure that the EU has a successful future.

September 7, 2021

Austria Now Has Its Own Space Strategy

The Austrian Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) recently presented Austria’s space strategy. In the BMK's report to the National Council entitled "Austrian Space Strategy 2030+," Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler explained that sustainability will be central to the Austrian space strategy. Read about the space strategy and its six overarching goals.

September 6, 2021

UNHCR Vienna Office: "Everyone has the right to citizenship"

The international community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. On the anniversary, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that "everyone has the right to citizenship." UNHCR also warned about the many dangers stateless people face, including lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines, lack of economic relief from a government, and much more.

September 2, 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

Are "Green Bonds" also Coming to Austria?

At the European Forum Alpbach, Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel announced that Austria wants to issue a so-called "green bond" in the first half of 2022. The Ministry of Finance and Federal Financing Agency (OeBFA) have already completed the necessary technical work to issue the bonds. Read more about "green bonds" and Austria's plans to begin issuing them.

September 1, 2021

Parking Permit: Vienna Introduces Uniform Parking Sticker

The City of Vienna is introducing uniform parking stickers (Parkpickerl) throughout the city. The stickers and new parking regulations are supposed to create more parking spaces, reduce traffic, increase the use of public transport, and help with climate change. Learn more about the sticker and why Vienna made this decision.

August 20, 2021

City Diplomacy: What Connects the German-Speaking Capitals Berlin, Bern and Vienna

Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried, and Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig met in Vienna to exchange experiences and learn from each other. The three mayors drew up a joint declaration that addressed climate change, affordable housing, economic resiliency from the COVID-19 pandemic, and democracy and the rule of law.

August 19, 2021

Bulgarian President Meets With Van der Bellen in Salzburg

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev recently met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Salzburg Festival. The two discussed various issues, including climate change, migration, the Western Balkans and more. Read more about their meeting.

August 2, 2021

Opening of the 75th Bregenz Festival

After being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 75th anniversary of the Bregenz Festival is finally happening. President Alexander Van der Bellen gave a passionate address about climate change and other issues at the opening of the festival.

July 22, 2021

Von der Leyen and King Philippe Meet with Van der Bellen in Brussels

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's King Philippe each met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on his latest trip to Brussels. Climate change was a key topic of discussion. Read what Van der Bellen had to say about it.

July 20, 2021

Von der Leyen Approves Austrian Economic Comeback in Vienna

During her visit to Vienna, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delivered the good news that Austria is to receive EUR 3.5 billion worth of EU grants. The budget will be mainly available for investments and reforms in the areas of environmental and digital transformation.

June 22, 2021

Vienna Introduces New Parking Regulations

Vienna is introducing a new parking system as of March 2022. The new regulations will apply to all 23 districts and will additionally standardize prices. Read more about the new rules below.

June 18, 2021

South Korean President in Vienna

The South Korean President Moon Jae-in has met his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen and the Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Vienna to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic and a strategic partnership.

June 15, 2021

Weekly Briefing: Belarus Faces Harsh Criticism

After the forced landing of a passenger plan and the arrest of an anti-government blogger, the international community, among them a number of Austrian politicians, demand strong sanctions for the authoritarian regime. Find out more about this week's developments.

June 4, 2021

Innovation is Key for Austria's Climate Neutrality by 2040

At the Mission Innovation Ministerial Summit in Chile, Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and her international counterparts stressed the importance of innovation for achieving the Paris Agreement.

June 4, 2021

New CEO for OMV: "Beginning of a Major Transformation"

The Austrian multinational company OMV has appointed a new CEO. After the current and parting CEO Rainer Seele has been facing heavy public criticism, OMV will now try to rebuild its image.

June 2, 2021

China and Austria: Extension of Climate Neutrality Research Agreement

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang and Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler extend the agreement for cooperation in research and technology in the field of climate neutrality.

June 1, 2021

Estonian President and Van der Bellen: "This was State Kidnapping"

The Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen condemn the recent developments in Belarus and demand immediate action from the European Union.

May 28, 2021

Vienna Declaration Sets Stage for Climate-Friendly Mobility

The adoption of the Vienna Declaration at the THE PEP Conference with more than 850 participants from 41 countries, including 46 ministers and state secretaries, has set the stage for environmentally conscious and healthy mobility. Read all about the event below!

May 20, 2021

UK and Austria Work on Post-Brexit Agreements

During his visit to London, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his British counterpart Dominic Raab and with Brexit Minister David Frost. Both the United Kingdom and Austria have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation.

May 18, 2021

Weekly Briefing: Bilateral Agreements Could Replace EU-wide Green Passport

In a number of bilateral talks, Austria has emphasized the need for an EU-wide travel solution for the summer. In case Brussels is not picking up pace, bilateral agreements with European countries could replace the European "Green Passport". Find out more about this week's developments.

May 14, 2021

World's Most Influential Climate Scientist Works in Research Institute Near Vienna

The Laxenburg-based research institute IIASA - International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis is proud to announce that its Director of Energy, Climate and Environment, Keywan Riahi, has been ranked first on the Reuters Hot List of the Worlds Top Climate Scientists. In total, nine IIASA researchers made it onto the ranking of the 1,000 most influential scientists. Read about who these researchers are and why they made it onto the list.

May 13, 2021

U.S. Special Envoy Kerry Discusses Climate Change with Schallenberg and European Foreign Ministers

John Kerry, U.S. President's Special Envoy for Climate, and the European Foreign Ministers, among them Austria's Alexander Schallenberg, met virtually to discuss international cooperation with regard to climate change. What they agreed on and what other topics the Foreign Affairs Council addressed? Read below!

May 12, 2021

Austria Sees Potential Global Economic Leadership

Only recently, the Austrian government has announced a comprehensive location strategy, which should enable Austria to position itself among global economic leaders in some particular segments.

May 10, 2021

Vienna Faces New Parking Regulations

No parking spaces and a city full of cars could be a story of the past. Vienna aims to introduce a city-wide parking permit, which would result in more commuters using public transportation and in more parking spaces for Vienna's population.

May 7, 2021

Vienna International School Leads the Way for Sustainable Development

Only recently, the Vienna International School (VIS) has joined a campaign, which focuses on limiting waste production and thus guaranteeing sustainable development. The reasons behind why VIS has joined and what the label exactly is can be found below.

May 6, 2021

Austrian Multinational Company Loses Current CEO

The Austrian multinational corporation OMV has announced that its current CEO, Rainer Seele, will end his term in June 2022. Only recently, criticism against OMV and Seele have increased. Find out more about how his end at OMV and the criticism relate.

May 3, 2021

Austria Joins Global Renewable Energy Network

Austria has become a member of the REN21 Renewable Energy Network, an international community with actors from academia, governments, NGOs and industry. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler hopes for a closer collaboration between international stakeholders with regard to the energy transition around the world.

April 27, 2021

Van der Bellen Addresses U.S. President Biden with Climate Concern

On the occasion of International Earth Day, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen appeals to the international community and wishes U.S. President Joe Biden's climate summit a complete success. Van der Bellen demands a quick and significant reduction of emissions in order to not miss "the window of opportunity for effective countermeasures."

April 22, 2021

Austria Celebrates 40-Year Anniversary of Membership with European Space Agency

Austria has been part of the European Space Agency (ESA) for 40 years. Since 1981, Austria's domestic businesses, which are specialized in the field of space industry, have benefited from the membership, while "with the help of space research, Austria can take better and more effective action against the climate crisis", according to Austria's Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler.

April 2, 2021
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