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Federal Chancellery of Austria
Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and State Visits in Vienna
Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Dutch Royal Couple visited Austria and International Organizations in Vienna released important publications. The consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War are making themselves felt in security issues and are changing people's lives in Vienna as well. Further, the newest developments in the Iran Nuclear talks raise hopes. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 30, 2022
Austria Supports the Establishment of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam
In the Netherlands, a new Holocaust museum is currently being constructed, which will become a milestone in European remembrance. The Austrian Federal Chancellery is providing 400,000 euros to support the construction of this memorial. Austria sees this support as a sign of its understanding of the Netherlands' special historical responsibilities.
June 30, 2022
Austria Receives President of Botswana
The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, recently visited Austria's Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Masisi was in Vienna to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to discuss the maintenance of food security against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
June 28, 2022
Austria's Chancellor Calls for a Clear Perspective for Bosnia at the EU-Western Balkans Summit
Last week at the European Council and the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, demanded that the countries of the Western Balkans be offered fair prospects of potential EU accession. Among other things, he made it clear that accession negotiations for Bosnia would be possible as soon as it had fulfilled the reform points set by the EU.
June 27, 2022
Austria Sees Potential EU Accession Status as a Historic Opportunity
Austria sees the EU Commission's proposal to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of EU accession candidates as a historic opportunity as a clear signal of the EU's strength. Nevertheless, Austria also has a responsibility towards the Western Balkans and should not ignore them. Read on if you want to learn more.
June 21, 2022
Austria Goes Back to Coal Power
The Mellach heating power plant in Styria, which is currently shut down, is to be converted so that electricity and heat can be generated there again from coal in an emergency. This was confirmed by Austria's Chancellor Nehammer.
June 20, 2022
First Austrian National Forum against Anti-Semitism Meets in Vienna
The first Austrian national forum marks another milestone in the Austrian national strategy against Anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is still a problem in many places. Austrian complicity in the Holocaust and recurring attacks against Jews explain the importance of this forum.
June 14, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Austrian Efforts in International Politics, IAEA Concerns and Russian War in Ukraine
Austria is strengthening its efforts in foreign policy and international cooperation. The IAEA is expressing its concerns about nuclear security in Iran and Ukraine. The Russian war in Ukraine is causing serious questions about human rights and European security. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 11, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Strengthening Partnership with Estonia
Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer met the Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Tallinn for working talks. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, digitization, the war in Ukraine and the energy transition of the European Union.
June 10, 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 Against Gas Embargo
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Austria are against a gas embargo and Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that a gas embargo will not be part of further sanctions.
May 31, 2022
Canada and Austria Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
During a recent visit to Canada by the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution, the focus was on strengthening transatlantic relations and cooperation in the fight against disinformation. The visit, during which she met, among others, Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti, took place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Austria.
May 30, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Had a Phonecall With Putin
Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it was about "green corridors" and the exchange of prisoners. The phone call was very intense. The focus was on issues of humanitarian aid, food security and prisoner exchange. Austria wants to mediate between Moscow and the West.
May 29, 2022
Austria Nominates First Woman Judge to the General Court of the European Union
Austria needs to nominate persons to succeed the next term of office of the incumbent Austrian judges at the General Court of the European Union. Austria nominates the first woman judge to the General Court of the European Union, Mrs. Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger.
May 25, 2022 · Updated: May 27, 2022; 12:56
"Presidency at a Decisive Stage": Czech Republic Receives Austrian Federal Chancellor
Discussions on the Ukraine crisis, the EU's enlargement of the Western Balkans or the benefits of nuclear power in the energy transition led Austria's Federal Chancellor to the Czech Republic, where he met Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister. The Czech Republic is one of Austria's closest trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Read on to find out how the Chancellor's visit went.
May 19, 2022
Fight Against Anti-Semitism: Vienna Invites to the European Conference on Anti-Semitism
In order to counter the rising number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world in recent months, the European Conference on Anti-Semitism is taking place in Austria with the participation of international organisations and 15 European member states. The aim is to promote networking and to send a clear signal for the fight against anti-Semitism and for a prosperous Jewish life in Europe.
May 18, 2022
Positive Dynamics in the Enlargement of the Western Balkans
The future Presidency of the Council of the Czech Republic recently led Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler to the Czech Minister for EU Affairs Mikuláš Bek to discuss this very topic with him. The two partners discussed the impact of the Ukraine conflict and what measures the Czech Republic would be confronted with in the near future.
May 17, 2022
Council of Experts Publishes Analysis on Perspectives of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Austria
In order to facilitate the integration of Ukrainians seeking protection who come to Austria, the Expert Council for Integration prepared a position paper on the perspectives of these very displaced persons. The recommendations in various areas such as work, education, social engagement and help for women will be taken into account by politicians in the future and actively integrated into projects.
May 13, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Meets Secretary-General Guterres and other Top Officials of the United Nations
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is currently visiting Vienna for the Chief Executives Board of Coordination of the United Nations. Along with meeting Austrian Chancellor Nehammer, Guterres also met Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
May 12, 2022
Further Funding of Integration Projects for Ukrainians in Austria
The Austrian government recently initiated a special call for project proposals. The aim is to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria and to give them access to social life. The projects are financed with funds from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Federal Chancellery.
May 11, 2022
Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis
UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.
May 11, 2022
Europe Day 2022: A Day in the Spirit of a United Continent
Today, 9 May, Europe Day is celebrated all over Europe. Many events are held to celebrate peace and cohesion in Europe. Alexander Van der Bellen also gave a speech in the House of the European Union and underlined the importance of European unity and condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which is particularly dependent on the help of its European allies in such difficult times.
May 9, 2022
Fight Against Trafficking in Women: Intervention Center Established
To combat sexual exploitation of children and women from Ukraine, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently set up a hotline where those affected can report. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking protection, mostly women and children, had increased enormously, providing easy game for human traffickers and increasing the risk of human trafficking, smuggling, sexual exploitation and coercion into prostitution.
May 5, 2022
Austrian Efforts to Support Ukrainian Refugees
Austria is assuring support for Ukrainian refugees. Austria takes care legally, financially and in humanitarian terms that Ukrainian refugees feel welcome in Austria. Read more about Austria's efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Austria.
May 1, 2022
Amendment to the Law: Improved Integration Measures and Professional Recognition for Ukrainians in Austria
The Austrian National Council is currently working on an amendment to the law, which should enable Ukrainian displaced persons to get better access to integration and educational opportunities. In addition, it will be easier in the future to have professional qualifications recognized in Austria if various documents are not presentable.
April 28, 2022
Nehammer's Résumé After Kremlin Visit: "Even the Smallest Success Counts When it Comes to Peace"
Karl Nehammer's controversial visit to Russian President Putin is over. Now the Austrian chancellor commented on the open conversation and explained his motives for the visit. Although the meeting will not have any direct consequences, Nehammer is nevertheless satisfied with his move and takes positive stock of the situation.
April 12, 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
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
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
Energy Supply: Liquefied Natural Gas from Qatar, Instead of Pipeline Gas from Russia
Chancellor Nehammer visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with the intention of lessening Austria's dependency on Russian natural gas for energy. Read about the chancellor's visit and how liquefied natural gas could help solve this issue.
March 11, 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
US Ambassador Kennedy Meets Austrian Officials to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
US Ambassador to Austria Victoria Kennedy has been meeting with various Austrian officials, including President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Nehammer, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and Interior Minister Karner. Read what the ambassador is doing to strengthen bilateral ties between the US and Austria.
March 4, 2022
Ukraine Invasion: Austria Demands Compliance with Humanitarian Law and the Securing of Civilian Corridors
Austria is demanding that Russia comply with humanitarian law and create secure corridors for civilians to leave Ukraine and international organizations to send aid in. Read what Chancellor Nehammer and Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about this and watch their joint press conference.
March 3, 2022
Russia-friendly Austria Breaks with its Neutrality: "Enough is Enough"
Neutral and traditionally pro-Russia Austria is forced to break with its neutrality and take a clear stand against Putin because of his war of aggression against Ukraine.
March 2, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Enhancement of Austria's Humanitarian and Logistical Assistance to Ukraine
The conclusion of the meeting of the Austrian National Security Council on the current situation in Ukraine is to prepare Austria in the best possible way for any consequences of the nuclear threat.
February 28, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Austria Sticks to its Role as Bridge Builder
As the fighting between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying, Austria remains committed to trying to build bridges and encouraging dialogue between the two sides. Read about Chancellor Nehammer's intense phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his discussion about the conflict with Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.
February 25, 2022
Ukrainian President to Austria's Chancellor: "Don't know how long Ukraine will exist"
The situation in Ukraine is highly dramatic, Austria's Chancellor Nehammer reported from a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The latter had requested to stand by his country, which was under attack by Russia.
February 25, 2022
Austria's Reaction to Putin's Disrespect for the Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Eastern Ukraine
Following President Putin's decision to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk in the Donbas region of Ukraine and to send "peacekeeping troops" to these areas, the Austrian government's Crisis Cabinet met to discuss how to respond. Read what Chancellor Nehammer said about the act of Russian aggression and what Austria will do.
February 22, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Austria Dispatches Crisis Team
The Kremlin apparently wants to justify further aggression with provocations in eastern Ukraine. Due to the escalating situation in eastern Ukraine, Austria has sent a crisis team to Ukraine. In addition to specialists from the Cobra task force, the team also includes experts from the foreign and defense ministries.
February 20, 2022
Russia Sustains Conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in Eastern Ukraine
Russian-backed separatists reportedly began shelling an area near the "contact line" in Eastern Ukraine. Read about the recent incident and why Chancellor Nehammer and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are "very worried."
February 18, 2022
Austria to Poland: "No compromise on the rule of law"
EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler made Austria's position on the rule of law dispute between the EU and Poland very clear in a meeting with her Polish counterpart. Read what Edtstadler said about Austria's support for the rule of law in the EU.
February 17, 2022
Head of UN Women Discusses Deteriorating Situation Under Oppressive Taliban Rule
UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous discussed the distressing situation for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban with the Austrian Minister for Women Susanne Raab. Read more about their conversation.
February 11, 2022
Combating Violence Against Women: New Silent Emergency Call App Available From March
The Austrian government has introduced a new app to help counter the alarming trend of increased domestic violence against women. Read about the new app and other steps the government is taking to prevent violence against women.
February 10, 2022
German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans
German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.
February 1, 2022
Inflation in Austria: Government Approves Relief Package to Deal with Rising Energy Prices
Chancellor Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Kogler held a summit with energy suppliers and assembled a relief package to help combat inflation. Learn what's in the relief package and who will benefit from it.
January 28, 2022
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Schallenberg Visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Site
On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2022, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial together with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Governor Thomas Stelzer.
January 27, 2022
EU Council President in Vienna: "Situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border worrisome"
European Council President Charles Michel was in Vienna to discuss the tense situation at Ukraine's border and other pressing issues with Chancellor Nehammer. Read about their discussion.
January 27, 2022
Covid in Austria: Lockdown for the Unvaccinated Ends Monday
As COVID-19 infections reached a new high in Austria due to Omicron, Chancellor Nehammer and Health Minister Mückstein announced an end to the lockdown for the unvaccinated. Read why they decided to end the lockdown and which measures still apply.
January 26, 2022
Covid in Austria: Presentation of the Bill on Compulsory Vaccination Starting February 1, 2022
At a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, the federal government presented the draft law for compulsory vaccination in Austria, which will take effect on February 1. "It is not about the fight of vaccinated against unvaccinated!"
January 17, 2022
Covid in Austria: The Situation Among Refugees and People With Migrant Backgrounds
As the World Health Organization is reporting vaccine inequity for migrants in national vaccine rollouts around the world, Austria is attempting to vaccinate its migrant population by offering vaccinations at the integration centers throughout the country. Read about how this is going.
December 22, 2021
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