Federal Chancellery of Austria

Austria Boosts its Defense Budget

As many European countries increase their defense budgets in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Austria is no exception. The Austrian army will receive more money in the coming years, a total of 16 billion euros until 2026, the federal government of Austria announced.

October 9, 2022

Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler met Olena Zelenska in Warsaw

Austria's Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler participated in the Warsaw Security Forum. In Warsaw, the Minister met with Olena Zelenska and the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister. The minister announced the preparations for a trip to Kyiv with EU counterparts and said the war should not be perceived primarily from a "male perspective".

October 5, 2022

Austrian Chancellor at UN General Assembly: End War at the Negotiating Table as Soon as Possible

The UN General Assembly in New York gathered a large number of international politicians to debate the current problems in the world. The Austrian President Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chancellor Nehammer and Alexander Schallenber, Austria's Foreign Minister, were also present.

September 22, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in New York

As part of his New York trip, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will participate in the UN General Debate, the "Transforming Education Summit" and bilateral working talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of government.

September 18, 2022

State of the EU 2022 Speech: Austria Wants to Usher in a Modern EU Future

The State of the EU address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed many acute issues, including the war in Ukraine and its international repercussions. Austria's Minister for Europe responded.

September 15, 2022

Austrian Gas Storage Facilities Over 70 Percent Full

Austria's gas storage facilities are already more than 70 percent full. The contingency plans to secure gas supplies that were put into action as a result of the war in Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis go according to plan as announced by Austria's government.

September 12, 2022

Austrian Minister at World Summit on Counter-Terrorism in Israel

Due to her participation in the World Counter-Terrorism Summit in Herzliya, the Austrian Minister for Europe and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, travelled to Israel at the weekend. As part of her speech, she presented Israeli descendants of those persecuted under National Socialism with Austrian citizenship.

September 12, 2022

Austrian Dignitaries Met Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Vienna at the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The Ban Ki-moon Centre awards scholarships to women and youth to promote the idea of global citizenship and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN's 2030 Agenda.

September 8, 2022

Austrian Government has Agreed on Electricity Price Brake

The Austrian federal government has agreed on the long-discussed "electricity price brake" to cushion the high cost of energy. According to information from the federal government, each household will pay a lower electricity price for that share of electricity consumption which corresponds to 80 percent of the average consumption of an Austrian household in the previous year.

September 7, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Calls for EU-27 to Stand Together for European Electricity Price Cap

Given the sharp rise in energy prices, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is calling for a European electricity price cap to "finally" put a stop to "this madness that is currently taking place on the energy markets. According to Nehammer. this is only possible through a European solution.

August 29, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in and Around Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Last week was turbulent for the most important matters of diplomacy in Vienna. The war in Ukraine, the European Forum Alpbach or the efforts of international organizations in Vienna towards peaceful solutions shows once again how multifaceted diplomacy is. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

August 25, 2022

Climate Bonus and Anti-Inflation Bonus Come Earlier

The payment of the climate and anti-inflation bonus announced by the Austrian federal government will start in September. Because of inflation and the climate bonus, in 2022 all adults who have a main residence in Austria for at least six months will receive €500 and children €250, regardless of their citizenship and age.

August 25, 2022

Conference in Salzburg of European Women Leaders

The conference "The Next Generation is Female" in Salzburg served as the starting point for a new dialogue platform for top European women politicians. The potential and perspectives of women in top politics are to be taken into account.

August 7, 2022

Viktor Orbán Meets Austrian Chancellor for Controversial Talks in Vienna

Viktor Orban, the polarising Prime Minister of Hungary, met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer last week in Vienna. The two statesmen expressed friendship, but also disagreed on some issues.

August 1, 2022

Integration Ministers Discuss Refugees from Ukraine

The integration ministers of the European Union met for the "European Integration Conference" at Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The EU ministers and state secretaries for integration were invited, as well as international organizations that work on migration issues.

July 31, 2022

Integration of Ukrainian Displaced Persons: New Funding for Integration Projects

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 6.5 million people have had to leave their homes and seek protection in another country. More than 70,000 people have already come to Austria. Now, the Integration Minister in Austria has launched a new support fund for displaced persons, which is intended to support the integration of displaced persons.

July 26, 2022

Rising Migration Poses New Challenges for Austria

The year 2022 has so far been exceptional for Austria in terms of integration and presents Austria with a mammoth task, according to Integration Minister Susanne Raab. The presentation of the Integration Report 2022 on Monday provided new insights into immigration in Austria.

July 25, 2022

Austria's Minister for Europe at the UN Forum for Sustainable Development in New York

In New York, the UN Forum on Sustainable Development discussed progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Austria's Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, attended the event. The current discussion focused on how the COVID 19 pandemic impacts the implementation of development goals.

July 19, 2022

Visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Vienna: Disagreement on Nuclear Technology Issues

Eduard Heger, the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, visited Vienna earlier this week. In his conversations with Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine's victory over the Russian invader and discussed nuclear power differences between the two countries.

July 18, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna

Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Georgian Prime Minister visited Austria and Vienna enables Ukrainian displaced persons to graduate from Ukrainian high school. In addition, Austria's Chancellor visited Israel and concluded an important agreement there. Furthermore, expats in Austria appreciate the high quality of life, but do not feel welcome. Read more about this week's developments.

July 14, 2022

Austrian Chancellor in Cyprus: "EU Asylum System has Failed"

After his stay in Israel, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited the island of Cyprus where he spoke with Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis about the issue of illegal immigration. Also on the agenda were topics such as food security and a visit to the UNFICYP peacekeeping force.

July 14, 2022

EU Youth Conference Highlights the Importance of Youth Policy

In the course of the EU Youth Conference in Prague, Austria's State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm stressed the importance of young people having a say in politics.

July 13, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Visits Israel: "Possible Partner for Future Gas Purchases"

Austria's Chancellor travelled to Israel this week to meet with Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid. During his visit, the Chancellor expressed interest in Israel's weapons technology and future gas supplies. Besides signing a strategic partnership, Nehammer also visited the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.

July 13, 2022

"Award for Innovation in Africa" Awarded for the First Time in Austria

The "Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa" was awarded for the first time this week to African start-ups, all of which were dedicated to the topic of digital health. The three winners come from Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe and can look forward to prize money of 250,000 euros each. Read on to find out what goals the respective projects have set themselves.

July 12, 2022

Austrian Success Project to be Implemented at European Level

A successful project from Austria, which is intended to build a communicative "bridge" between the people at the local level and the institutions at the European level through EU representatives in municipalities, will in future be implemented at the European level and extended to all EU Member States.

July 12, 2022

Georgian Prime Minister Visits Vienna

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili recently met their counterparts Nehammer and Schallenberg in Vienna. The reason for the meeting was the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, but also current topics such as the conflict in Ukraine or Georgia's accession negotiations with the EU. Read on if you want to learn more!

July 11, 2022

Montenegro's Prime Minister Visits the Austrian Federal Chancellor and Foreign Minister

Dritan Abazović, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, visited Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna this week. Montenegro's EU accession was discussed, as well as the deepening of bilateral relations. In the Western Balkans, the small Adriatic Republic is considered a model pupil among the EU accession candidates.

July 8, 2022

Austria Supports Ukraine in Reconstruction and Development

Austria's Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler assured Ukraine and particularly affected states in the course of the high-level Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Lugano. The conference aims to set a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine and, above all, a further sign of solidarity for Kiev.

July 6, 2022

WorldSkills - "World Apprentice Championships" to be Held in Austria

The 46th WorldSkills was scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, from October 12-17, but had to be canceled due to the month-long covid-related lockdown. WorldSkills 2022 SpecialEdition is now spread over 15 host countries, including Austria, and will be held in Salzburg.

July 3, 2022

What Austria Expects From the Czech Republic's EU Presidency

Czech Republic has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, replacing France, which held the post in the first half of the year. Austria's neighbouring country takes over the presidency at a crucial time, capped by international conflicts and economic crises.

July 1, 2022

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
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