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Olaf Scholz
Failure of the Coalition Negotiations Between the FPÖ and ÖVP: Relieving Reactions and a Sobering Outlook
The coalition negotiations between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) have failed. Following a meeting with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced that he had resigned from the government. The main point of contention was the distribution of ministries, particularly the interior and finance portfolios, which both parties claimed for themselves.
February 13, 2025
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Reaffirms Peace Efforts at Ukraine Summit in Switzerland
The Ukraine peace summit on the Bürgenstock in Switzerland emphasized the OSCE efforts under the leadership of Ian Borg, while Russia was conspicuous by its absence and strict negotiating conditions.
June 17, 2024
Shift to the Right in the EU and its Impact on Austria and Europe
The recent EU parliamentary elections have shown a clear shift to the right across Europe, particularly in Austria, where the FPÖ celebrated historic successes. These results put the political stability and future direction of the EU to the test.
June 10, 2024
Escalating Tensions: EU Responds to Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel
Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated following the recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel, prompting an international response, particularly from the European Union. An urgently convened virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, took place to discuss the situation and possible steps to be taken.
April 17, 2024
Russia's Covert Influence in Europe: Current Strategy Only "Plan B"
The Czech government recently revealed the existence of a Moscow-funded propaganda network that used the Prague-based online portal Voice of Europe to influence the upcoming EU elections. Austrian political scientist Gerhard Mangott and his Ukrainian colleague Anton Shekhovtsov explained that this tactic was merely Russia's "plan B".
April 10, 2024
Austria's Schengen Veto Dominates Meeting Between Austria's Nehammer and Bulgaria's Denkov
A significant meeting took place in Vienna between Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov. The talks focused on Austria's persistent Schengen veto, which currently prevents an expansion of the Schengen area to include Bulgaria and Romania.
October 25, 2023
Austria Before Participation in European Initiative "Sky Shield"
Austria has taken a big step towards participating in the "Sky Shield" initiative, in other words, the joint planned air defense system of European countries. Austria is thus participating more strongly in an all-European defense.
March 21, 2023
Ukraine Hosts Crimean Platform While Russian Invasion
The format, which was launched in 2021 to counter diplomatically the Russian annexation of Crimea, takes place this year virtually in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This year's Crimea Platform summit was attended online by many international guests, including OSCE's Helga Maria Schmid and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
August 24, 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
Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.
April 10, 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
Olaf Scholz Met Van der Bellen: "One Must Remain in Dialogue with Putin"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Austrian President Van der Bellen exchanged views on bilateral and European policy issues and the Russian attack on Ukraine.
March 14, 2022
Putin's People in Austria and Beyond
Following Putin's invasion of eastern Ukraine with the aim of regaining former Soviet territory, two former European prime ministers from Italy and Finland have already resigned from the supervisory boards of two Russian companies. However, some Austrian and German politicians see no reason to resign their mandates. In the following some explanations why.
February 25, 2022 · Updated: February 25, 2022; 11:23
What Are the Minsk Agreements and Can They Help De-escalate the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Some leaders have suggested that the Minsk Agreements could provide a path to a diplomatic solution to the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read more about the Minsk Agreements and if they really do provide a viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.
February 16, 2022
European Leaders Take Unified Position Against Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Several heads of state - including Ursula von der Leyen, Jens Stoltenberg, Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Mario Draghi, Charles Michel and Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE - took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden, on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.
January 24, 2022
German Ambassador in Vienna to Become Head of Department at German Foreign Office in Berlin
After only two years in Vienna, Germany's ambassador to Austria is set to become head of the culture and communications department in Berlin under Annalena Baerbock.
January 12, 2022
Austria's Foreign Minister after 56 Days in Office Once Again Merely Ambassador in Berlin
After returning control of the Austrian Foreign Ministry to Alexander Schallenberg after only 56 days, former Foreign Minister Michael Linhart is likely to become the new Ambassador to Germany. Read about the chaotic government reshuffle and Mr. Linhart's demotion.
December 14, 2021
German-Speaking Finance Ministers Met in Vienna
Vienna hosted the tenth informal meeting of the German-speaking finance ministers. Representatives of Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria took part in discussions about Covid-19 and the future of taxes.
August 28, 2020
Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig Met German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz
Mayor Michael Ludwig and German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz met for a working meeting in Vienna. Discussions were held about economic relations and municipal topics such as affordable housing.
August 25, 2020
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