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Austrian Ministry of Justice Wants Better European Cooperation in the Area of Justice
Justice and Home Affairs Ministers are discussing stricter environmental criminal law, better international cooperation on criminal offenses and Russia sanctions in the European Council. The Austrian Ministry of Justice under Alma Zadic welcomes stricter prosecution of environmental crimes and a united effort to sanction Russian oligarchs.
June 9, 2022
Trilateral Presidential Meeting Between the Presidents of Austria, Croatia and Slovenia
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterparts from Croatia and Slovenia, Zoran Milanovic and Borut Pahor, in Croatia for the traditional triennial meeting. The focus is on the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, as well as the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine.
June 5, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister at GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum: "Ukraine is Part of the European Family"
The GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum, which takes place this year from 2-4 June, was this year dominated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also participated and underlined Austria's positioning - closely at Ukraine's side.
June 3, 2022
School Trips to Brussels: Awakening Interest in the Work of the European Union
In the future, the Austrian federal government wants to promote trips to Brussels in order to arouse interest in the European Union among schoolchildren. The trips, which will be subsidized with up to 500 euros. These trips are intended to give students easier access to the 'heart' of the European Union and show them the importance of the organization.
June 2, 2022
Austria's Approach after the EU Future Conference
Recently, the results of the EU Future Conference were the focus of debate in the EU Committee of the Austrian Federal Council. After the results of the conference on the future of Europe launched in 2021 have already been discussed by the National Council, a debate is also to take place in the plenary session of the Federal Council.
June 2, 2022
Austrian Armed Forces Exercising and Training Abroad
The Austrian Armed Forces' exercise and training plan for 2022 will enable Austrian troops to train aboard and conduct exercises with the militaries of partnering countries. With the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Austria is strengthening its military cooperation with Western partners and exercises will be conducted within the framework of international organizations, the European Union, multilateral cooperation, and NATO's "Partnership for Peace."
June 1, 2022
Planning Conference for EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna: Strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy
This week, representatives of ten EU states met at the planning conference for the EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna. The aim was to coordinate jointly in the future and to participate with military forces in the new intervention force. Participants included Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary and Croatia. The aim of the conference is to coordinate international cooperation and plan joint exercises.
May 27, 2022
The European Union's Space Strategy for Security and Defence
Space and space infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to nations in space. The European Union also has its space defense strategy. Learn more about Europe's efforts in Space defense.
May 24, 2022
Conference On The Future of the EU and Eastern Europe By ERSTE Foundation and IWM
In cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), ERSTE Foundation is organizing the Time To Decide Europe Summit 2022 on the future of the EU, Ukraine, Russia and the Western Balkans. More than 20 leading European intellectuals will develop theses and solutions for Europe, the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Russia.
May 22, 2022
Austrian New Chairman Of the European Union Military Committee
Austrian Chief of General Staff Robert Brieger is the new permanent Chairman of the European Union Military Committee. The European Union Military Committee is the highest military body set up within the Council setting up the Military Committee of the European Union.
May 22, 2022
EU Supports Ukraine With Substantial Financial Aid
The second tranche of the EU macro-financial assistance to Ukraine has just been disbursed. The total of €600 million is intended to help cover the acute financing gaps in Ukraine, which is suffering severely from the consequences of the Russian war of aggression. The assistance is intended to improve Ukraine's macroeconomic stability and help keep state agencies functioning during this critical period.
May 20, 2022
Austrian Exit From Russian Gas Possible: "Major Effort Necessary"
The exit from oil and gas supplies from Russia, which has been much called for at both national and international level, has been occupying the EU and also the Austrian government for weeks. Now the Austrian Energy Minister has presented a plan on how this planned phase-out can be achieved by 2027 and what concrete measures need to be taken to achieve it.
May 19, 2022
How China's Global Infrastructure Strategy Undermines European Integration in the Western Balkans and Beyond
The accession of the Western Balkans countries into the European Union continues to be a topic of debate amongst the EU Member States. Read how China's global infrastructure strategy may be undermining these countries' aspirations for EU membership.
May 19, 2022
Ukraine Seeks Austrian Support for EU Membership
A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Austria to seek supporters for their country's EU accession. After Ukraine officially submitted its ambitions to the European Union, a recommendation from the European Commission is now eagerly awaited to determine whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. Read on to find out more.
May 18, 2022
Austrian Finance Minister Elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBRD
With Magnus Brunner, the EBRD is getting an Austrian as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors. Austria's Finance Minister succeeds the Portuguese Finance Minister and will hold the office for one year. Brunner takes over this position at an enormously important time, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is playing a central role in the reconstruction of Ukraine with its financial resources.
May 12, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Visits Bulgaria and North Macedonia
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg travels to Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia to promote EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Especially against the backdrop of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, stable and European-oriented Balkans are important.
May 10, 2022
Forgotten Crisis: Austria Supports Syria at International Donor Conference
This week, the 6th donor conference to support Syria and the region is taking place in Brussels. This conference is the most important donor event for the country, which has suffered enormously in recent years, mainly due to war and natural disasters, and is still dependent on humanitarian aid from other countries. Austria is also represented and will contribute to the relief efforts.
May 10, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: EU Tries To Revive the Negotiations
European officials are trying to save the Iran nuclear deal. To find a solution to the months-long standoff between Tehran and Washington, EU coordinator Enrique Mora is scheduled to visit Tehran. Read about the newest developments in Iran and the JCPOA.
May 8, 2022
Protection of the European Single Market: European Commission Wants to Control Third-Country Subsidies
The European Commission has presented a new proposal to combat competition-distorting subsidies from third countries. The background for the proposal is the increasing global imbalance between companies from the EU and those from third countries. This is primarily to counter the influence of China and Chinese companies in Europe.
May 5, 2022
How Austrians Rate EU Membership
The European Commission and the Austrian Society for European Politics have sounded out the mood across Austria in the course of their EU Future Tour.
May 4, 2022
How the European Union Is Providing Humanitarian Help to Ukraine
In Ukraine, the war has been raging for about two months now. The situation for people in Ukraine is miserable and the constant fighting makes normal life impossible. The European Union also provides humanitarian support to Ukraine. Read more about the EU's humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
April 28, 2022
Women Refugees From Ukraine Particularly At Risk
The war in Ukraine is already in its ninth week. The Russian invasion caused many people to leave the country, especially women and children. These groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal structures and others with malicious intentions.
April 25, 2022
Refugee Crisis in Poland: European Parliament Presidents Visit Refugee Reception Center in Poland
Poland receives nine European Parliament Presidents, among them also Austria's Federal Council President Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. Together they visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Dorohusk and the refugee reception center Lwowska as well as the Humanitarian Aid Centre Ptak near Warsaw.
April 21, 2022
EU Subcommittee of the Austrian Parliament Discussed on Future EU Economic Policies
The EU Subcommittee of the Austrian Parliament discussed future EU economic policy. The topics of artificial intelligence, digitalization, EU trade policy, the update of the EU industrial strategy of 2020 and the modernization of competition law.
April 20, 2022
EU Commissioner For Energy in Vienna
The Russian invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. The EU Energy Commissioner is in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the EU's energy outreach in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
April 11, 2022
International Romani Day: Raising Awareness Against a Special Form of Racism
Today is the International Roma Day. This population group has been persecuted for centuries. Today's day is intended in particular to draw attention to the discrimination and persecution of Roma and at the same time to celebrate the culture of this ethnic minority. The European Union debated yesterday as a sign of today's day of action about the marginalization of Romani people.
April 8, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War - EU Adopts Fifth Sanctions Package to Put Pressure on Russia
Recently, new sanctions against the Russian state were published. The EU is trying to put economic pressure on the Kremlin and cut off the sources of financing for the invasion of Ukraine. What new measures are taken, you can read here.
April 8, 2022
Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe
Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.
April 7, 2022
„Murdering Civilians is a War Crime”: NATO Foreign Ministers to Condemn President Putin's War
The foreign ministers of NATO member states condemned the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine. The meeting discussed more intensive support for Ukraine, as well as the development of the NATO's next Strategic Concept.
April 7, 2022
State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria
The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.
April 6, 2022
European Forum Alpbach Gets Ready for Its 2022 Event
The date for the European Forum Alpbach was recently set by the organizers and will take place between August 21 and September 2. The event, which is a great networking opportunity, is focusing on a new program design this year. If you are interested in what is on the program and which days are best to visit, then read on now.
April 5, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.
April 4, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Met Scholz and Habeck in Berlin: "Russian Energy Embargo Not an Issue"
Olaf Scholz and Karl Nehammer recently met in Berlin to discuss the tense political situation. The Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine triggered a chain reaction of economic sanctions. Germany and Austria stand side by side as partners and want to respond to the difficulties together.
April 4, 2022
Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression
North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.
April 1, 2022
Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.
March 31, 2022
NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans
A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.
March 29, 2022
Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas
The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.
March 24, 2022
Austrian President Tells Brussels: EU Force and Zelenskyy Speech Conform with Neutrality
At meetings between the EU leaders and Alexander Van der Bellen, the President spoke about Austria's role as a neutral state in military and political matters. He saw no difficulties in inviting the Ukrainian president to Austria or in participating in the EU armed forces. The need for new energy suppliers and the current refugee problem were also discussed.
March 24, 2022
The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna
In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.
March 24, 2022
Putin's Aggression Against Ukraine as a Trigger for the Flare-up of the Austrian Neutrality Debate
Russia's fabricated pretext for war, Russian use of disinformation to distract and deflect responsibility and eventually Russia's invasion of Ukraine could become the turning point for Austria's security policy. Parliamentary groups discussed Austria's position in the field of tension between neutrality, NATO accession and the EU army.
March 23, 2022
Belgian Heads of State Welcomed Austrian President and First Lady
Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Belgium. Besides a reception with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde the program included talks on the war in Ukraine and high energy prices with senior Belgian politicians and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
March 23, 2022
Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China
The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.
March 18, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador in Vienna: "We need humanitarian assistance"
The war in Ukraine has been going on for several weeks and the humanitarian crisis is a new challenge for Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, met with the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Provincial Councilor Martin Eichtinger for talks at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The discussion focused on Russia's violations of human rights and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
March 17, 2022
Support for Refugee Women and Children in Response to Russian Aggression and Violation of International Law
The Commission on the Status of Women (CMS) is currently meeting in New York. The main focus this year is on the problems of Ukrainian women and girls who are fleeing from Russian aggression in Ukraine. Austria's Minister for Women's Affairs, Susanne Raab, condemns the Russian war of aggression in a statement of the EU ministers and demands an immediate withdrawal of the troops.
March 16, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and EUSPA Sign Agreement on Cooperation
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to support United Nations Member States.
March 15, 2022
Austrian Minister for Europe for Reassessment of EU Defense and Security Architecture
At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in France, the Austrian Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, called for a reassessment of the EU Defense and Security Architecture. Read what Minister Edtstadler said about this and Ukrainian accession to the EU.
March 10, 2022
Schallenberg in Brussels Condemns Playing with Nuclear Fire
At a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Schallenberg condemned the Russian shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Read more about this special meeting and what was discussed there.
March 10, 2022
War in Ukraine: Athens Seeks Talks in Vienna
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Vienna to discuss the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine. Read about his meetings with various officials and watch the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
March 10, 2022
How Russian State-Controlled Media Use Disinformation Campaigns to Influence Democratic Processes in Austria and Beyond
Russia uses its state-controlled media outlets to help push disinformation campaigns in Austria and around the world. Read how the Kremlin spreads disinformation through the media.
March 9, 2022
How Gazprom Helps the Kremlin to Manipulate Austria
The Russian government uses the majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom to exploit Europe's dependency on Russian natural gas, and Austria is no exception. Read how the Kremlin uses Gazprom to influence Austria.
March 8, 2022
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