Italy

Political Support for Southern Hydrogen Corridor: Austria, Germany, and Italy Sign Joint Letter

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor, developed by major European transmission system operators, aims to connect North Africa, Italy, Austria, and Germany to supply important European demand clusters with competitive renewable hydrogen.

May 10, 2023

Trilateral Meeting Discussed Energy Transition and Energy Innovation

A trilateral conference was held at the Technical University of Vienna, where Italian, French, and Austrian energy actors discussed the topics of energy innovation and the energy transition. The discussion panels included topics such as the role of gas and nuclear power in European decarbonization, the importance of renewable energy sources, and the potential of solar energy in Europe.

May 3, 2023

EU Is Planning the Withdrawal From the Energy Charter Treaty

The European Union wants to exit from the Energy Charter Treaty since the contract is not compatible with the energy transition. Austria is examining its exit from the treaty since November.

February 9, 2023

Italy Initiates EU Proceedings Against Austria

The Italian Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini has taken legal action against Austria. He has initiated an infringement procedure because of the transit driving bans in Tyrol.

January 25, 2023

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Visits Vienna

Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani came to Vienna for a meeting with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit of Tajani asked for the opportunity to consolidate cooperation and talks with Vienna on the main bilateral issues (especially in the fields of economy, energy and infrastructure), European and international, starting with the migration issue.

December 13, 2022

What is the Alps-Adriatic Economic Network?

Since 2007, the Network of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, Agriculture and Economy of the New Alpe Adria (NAAN) has been working to deepen economic relations. It now comprises - with the new addition of Bolzano - ten chambers from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, with one million member businesses, NAAN is making rapid progress toward becoming an EU Alps-Adriatic macroregion. Read more to find out about the project.

November 7, 2022

Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President

With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.

September 15, 2022

Meeting between Austria's Chancellor Nehammer and Italy's Prime Minister Draghi in Merano Canceled

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the second South Tyrolean autonomy statute, the meeting between Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will not take place as planned.

August 25, 2022

Forest Fires in Bordeaux: European Community Supports French Fire Brigade

Devastating forest fires keep France at bay. After it seemed impossible to cope with the disaster on its own, the European Community was asked to help. Many states helped, including Austria.

August 17, 2022

Human Rights in Russia: Third Appeal to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Since the Outbreak of War in Ukraine

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism was recently requested by 38 states, including Austria, to appoint an OSCE expert to review the human rights situation in Russia. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the Moscow Mechanism has already been contacted three times.

July 29, 2022

Germany and Austria Seek Stronger Cooperation on Energy Security

Germany and Austria, seeking closer cooperation between the two countries in the current energy crisis, signed a joint declaration this week to mitigate the looming energy crisis.

July 15, 2022

Austria Supports Joint Statement for Ukraine's Case Against Russia Before the International Court of Justice

The European Union, Austria, and over 40 other nations have issued a statement supporting Ukraine's case before the International Court of Justice against Russia. In order to hold Russia accountable for its violations of international law, the Joint Statement has been released.

July 15, 2022

UNIDO Strengthens Cooperation Between Italy, UN Agencies and Private Sector

United Nations Industrial Development Organization Chief Gerd Müller traveled to Italy. The aim of the trip was to intensify the cooperation with Italy. Müller met Italian diplomats, representatives of the business community and the United Nations in Rome and signed an agreement with the Italian energy company Eni.

June 19, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and Newest Developments in Vienna and Austria

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts to fight global and local grievances. Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited Serbia and Kosovo. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 19, 2022

Italy and Austria Celebrate 30 Years of Dispute Settlement on South Tyrol

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dispute Settlement Declaration on South Tyrol between Austria and Italy, Austria's Foreign Minister visited Bolzano. There he met Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio to talk with him about the importance of joint cooperation and to celebrate the successful agreement, which since its conclusion has been considered a showcase for Europe.

June 13, 2022

G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.

April 7, 2022

Demand for Luxury Real Estate in Austria Increased by 12 Percent Due to the Corona Situation

Luxury real estate demand increased by 12 percent in Austria in 2021, according to the Engel & Völkers Group. Read more about the luxury real estate trends in Austria and around the world.

January 17, 2022

Meet the New Italian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame

The new Ambassador of Italy to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame, presented his credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about the new ambassador.

January 17, 2022

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

After Pandemic Shock, Strong Upturn in Foreign Trade: China +26.4 %, USA +18 %

New data for January to September 2021 shows that Austria's foreign trade is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Read about Austria's improving trade figures.

December 10, 2021

Meet the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna, Ms. Nerys Jones

The Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna is Ms. Nerys Jones. Learn more about her extensive career in the foreign service and what she does for the embassy.

December 3, 2021

Free PCR Gurgle Tests on Nightjet Trains to Vienna

On all Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet trains to Vienna, passengers can now get free PCR gurgle test kits from the staff on board to get tested for Coronavirus.

September 1, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules

Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.

July 20, 2021

Weekly Briefing: Is the Pandemic Really Over?

In a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Austrian Federal President Van der Bellen stated that the "pandemic as we have experienced it can be considered overcome." Is this the case? Find out more about this week's developments.

June 10, 2021

Van der Bellen in Italy: "The Pandemic Can be Considered Overcome"

On his visit to Rome and the Vatican, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella are optimistic that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, can be considered overcome.

June 8, 2021

Weekly Briefing: Vaccination for Everyone in Austria

Austria has ended its drastic measures to contain Covid-19 and re-opened borders as well as restaurants, cultural establishments and alike. Vaccines will soon be available to everyone, even to teenagers. Find out more about this week's developments.

May 20, 2021

Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections

It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.

May 17, 2021

Weekly Briefing: End of Lockdown for Vienna and Lower Austria Stirs Up Hope

Now Vienna has also officially confirmed that on May 19 the long-awaited opening will take place. The end of the lockdown in Vienna and Lower Austria and nationally reaching 3 million Covid-19 vaccinations are not the only indications that the Austrian economic recovery gets off the starting blocks. Find out more about this week's developments.

May 6, 2021 · Updated: May 6, 2021; 17:05

Italian Interior Minister and Nehammer Agree on Cooporation Against Terrorism

The Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese visited her Austrian counterpart Karl Nehammer in Vienna to talk about migration and bilateral cooperation with regard to fighting terrorism and extremism.

May 5, 2021

Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World

Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.

April 30, 2021

Italian Secretary of State for Europe and Edtstadler Support "Green Passport"

Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler travelled to Rome to meet with some representatives of the Italian government. With her counterpart, the Italian Secretary of State for Europe Vincenzo Amendola, Edtstadler discussed the Europe-wide "Green Passport" for Covid-19 vaccinated, tested and recovered people.

March 19, 2021

Italian Interior Minister Met Nehammer

Italian Interior Minister Lamorgese welcomed her Austrian counterpart Nehammer for a working meeting in Rome. The main discussion topics were the fight against organized crime and illegal trafficking as well as strengthening repatriation agreements with third countries.

October 27, 2020

Opening of Borders between Austria and Italy from 16 June

As of next Tuesday, complete freedom of movement will once again apply at the Austrian-Italian border. The decision will be officially announced on Wednesday.

June 9, 2020

Austria: No more Border Controls with Neighbouring Countries except Italy

Restrictions on freedom of travel due to the Corona pandemic will be discontinued. The only country for which restrictions remain in place for the time being is Italy. A further evaluation is planned next week.

June 3, 2020

Austria and Germany Agree to Open Borders on 15 June

The gradual opening of the borders between Austria, Germany and Switzerland will begin as early as Friday. From May 15th onwards there will only be spot checks at the borders between Austria and Germany, both countries announced. From 15 June, the borders are to be opened completely. Opening to Italy is not an issue for the time being.

May 13, 2020

Isolated Austria: 238 Border Closures Approved

Almost complete border closures to almost all neighbours, Germany (58), Italy (47), Switzerland (30), Liechtenstein (11), Slovenia (51) and Hungary (43), with the exception of Slovakia, have been approved by the main committee of the National Council and have already been implemented.

March 21, 2020

Austria Suspends Travel also with Great Britain, Russia, the Netherlands and Ukraine

After Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, Iran and parts of China, Austria is now also discontinuing air and rail traffic with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine.

March 15, 2020

COVID-19: Closure of Border Crossing Points with Italy Formally Adopted

Austrian National Council approves closure of 47 border crossings with Italy.

March 15, 2020

Highest Security Level: Austria also Suspends Travelling with Switzerland, Spain and France

In addition to Italy, air and rail traffic to Switzerland, Spain and France will now be discontinued. Alongside the existing border controls, checks are now also carried out at the border to Switzerland. The highest travel warning (security level 6) applies to all 4 countries (incl. Italy). As a result of recent decisions, security level 6 now applies to 6 countries: Italy, Iran, parts of China, Switzerland, Spain and France. The Austrian government's "goal is to prevent a situation like that in Italy with all democratic possibilities".

March 13, 2020

Coronavirus Update: South Tyrol Confirms First Death

Now the first person infected with the coronavirus has also died in South Tyrol, reports South Tyrol.

March 12, 2020

Austrian Government Announces Drastic Measures on Coronavirus

In the fight against the coronavirus, the government has announced drastic measures for the first time. Entry ban from Italy, partial suspension of air and train traffic, cancellation of events, suspension of teaching at universities and technical colleges.

March 10, 2020

Coronavirus: Austria Declares Entry Ban for Persons from Italy

Austria's federal government has today passed a travel ban for people from Italy. The primary objective is to prevent the exchange of persons and thus the spread of the COVID-19 disease into our society, said Federal Chancellor Kurz at a press conference with regard to the situation in Italy.

March 10, 2020

Air Travel to Austria: Further Flights Stopped Due to COVID-19 Spread

To contain the coronavirus, direct flights from Austria to Iran, South Korea and the northern Italian airports of Bologna and Milan will be discontinued in the next two weeks. Passengers from third countries require a medical certificate. This was announced by the Federal Government during a press conference broadcast nationwide. Details as follows.

March 7, 2020

Travel between Austria and Italy: Security Levels 3 to 5

Due to the current situation of the increasing number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Foreign Ministry advises against unnecessary travel to Lombardy. However, air and rail traffic are also affected as follows.

March 3, 2020 · Updated: March 4, 2020; 17:12

Austrian Airlines Cancels Further Flights to Italy, China and Iran Still Suspended

Due to falling demand for flights to Italy as a result of the corona crisis, Austrian Airlines is cancelling 40 percent of its flights to Italy in March and April. Flights to Tehran (Iran) will continue to be suspended until 30 April 2020 and flights to Beijing and Shanghai (China) until 24 April 2020.

March 3, 2020

First Suspected Case of Coronavirus in Upper Austria: All-Clear

A suspected case of coronavirus occurred today in the Upper Austrian city of Linz. The all-clear was given in the late afternoon. The tests for COVID-19 were negative.

February 25, 2020 · Updated: February 25, 2020; 17:20

Austria Reports Its First Two Coronavirus Cases as Outbreak Widens

In the Austrian province of Tyrol, two people have been proven to be infected with the coronavirus. A second test was also positive. These are the first two confirmed cases in Austria. The infected persons are two 24-year-old Italians from Lombardy who live in the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck.

February 25, 2020 · Updated: February 25, 2020; 14:25

Coronavirus: Emergency Meeting of Central European Health Ministers in Rome

At the invitation of the Italian Government, the Health Ministers of Austria, Italy, Slovenia, France, Switzerland and Germany are meeting today.

February 25, 2020

Austria is Arming itself against the Coronavirus

The Austrian Federal Government today presented a package of measures against "all" upcoming scenarios, with the aim of ensuring transparency, information and protection for the population. The next 2 to 3 weeks will be decisive in determining how the coronavirus situation develops.

February 24, 2020

Italy-Austria: Coronavirus Emergency Measure Caused Chaos and Panic

A false coronavirus alarm paralysed train traffic between Italy, Austria and Germany. Meanwhile the far right Freedom Party demands that the National Security Council should discuss the situation and that travel to Austria from the affected regions should be restricted.

February 24, 2020 · Updated: February 24, 2020; 11:57