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Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.
November 7, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister in Egypt for Peace Diplomacy
The Egyptian capital was the setting for a unique event that linked the past and the future. While the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza celebrated the country's rich history, Cairo was also at the center of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.
November 5, 2025
Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest
The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.
October 29, 2025
Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions
An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.
August 28, 2025
Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”
July 23, 2025
Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts
In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.
July 10, 2025
Order of Malta Explains the Necessity of Diplomacy in the Service of Humanity
The Sovereign Order of Malta, the world's oldest Catholic lay order, reaffirmed its pivotal role in global humanitarian aid through diplomatic channels at a reception in Vienna. Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria, emphasized the importance of the Order's unique position as a subject of international law in enabling sustainable development and emergency aid in crisis areas.
July 4, 2025
Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution
Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.
July 3, 2025
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”
June 18, 2025
Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Suspension to Tehran and Tel Aviv
Due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Austrian Airlines (AUA) has decided to suspend flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until at least the end of October.
October 15, 2024
Palestine Congress in Vienna Causes Controversy and Criticism
The Palestine Congress, which had already caused a great deal of controversy in the run-up to the event, was moved at short notice from Vienna-Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus to Favoriten. The event will take place in a hall in Kudlichgasse shortly before the anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel.
October 5, 2024
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran Summons Austrian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Dispute
In a new diplomatic development, the Iranian government summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran, Wolf Dietrich Heim, to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This move comes in direct response to Austria's earlier summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, following his controversial social media post that included symbols of the Hezbollah militia, which is banned in Austria.
August 28, 2024
Outrage About Tweet by Iranian Ambassador in Vienna: Call for Summons
A social media posting by the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has caused a considerable political stir. In addition to calls for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, there have also been calls for further diplomatic consequences.
August 25, 2024
Austria Supports International Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
In an urgent joint statement, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, and numerous other countries, including Austria, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
June 6, 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
Austrian Diplomacy in Crossfire: Schallenberg's Journey Through the Middle East
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which reached a new level of escalation following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2024, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg embarked on a significant diplomatic mission. His trip, which lasted three days, took him through Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and finally Lebanon - all hotspots in a region marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises.
March 4, 2024
Austria Suspends Payments to UNRWA After Allegations of Hamas Involvement
Austria has suspended its payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following serious allegations. It is alleged that employees of the organization may have been involved in a terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October. The Austrian government is calling for a comprehensive and swift investigation into these allegations by UNRWA and the United Nations. Payments to UNRWA will remain suspended until full clarification and clarity on the consequences.
January 29, 2024
Intensive Diplomatic Activities of the Iraqi Foreign Minister in Vienna
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a series of significant meetings during his official visit to Austria aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing key regional challenges.
January 24, 2024
Israel's Ambassador to Vienna, David Roet, on Current Challenges in Austria and the EU
David Roet, Israel's ambassador to Austria, has been actively involved in the public debate since his arrival and is committed to solidarity with Israel.
January 23, 2024
Austria Considers Entry Ban for Violent Israeli Settlers
In a noteworthy development, Austria is considering a travel ban on violent Israeli settlers, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has announced. This follows moves by the US as well as Germany and France, which are discussing similar measures.
December 27, 2023
Austria's Engagement in Palestine: New Security Measures and Humanitarian Support
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg set an example for humanitarianism by meeting a group of Austrian-Palestinian dual nationals who were recently evacuated from the Gaza Strip. This meeting, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, allowed the Minister to learn first-hand about the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip and the challenges of the evacuation operation.
December 14, 2023
Austria's Engagement in the Middle East: Solidarity with Israel and Support for Palestine
Amid the tense situation in the Middle East, Austria has reaffirmed its solidarity with Israel and at the same time pledged humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population.
November 12, 2023
Austria Chancellor Nehammer on the Phone with Palestinian President Abbas
In a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his concern about the current tensions in the Middle East. The conversation was made particularly urgent by the current hostage-taking of innocent civilians by Hamas, an organization classified as a terrorist group by the EU, including an Austrian citizen.
November 6, 2023
Austria's Rejection of UN Resolution Raises Questions Within the Government
Austria voted against a resolution in the UN General Assembly calling for an immediate ceasefire and improvement in the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The decision, made by the ÖVP-led government, has caused tensions within the coalition, especially with the Green coalition partner, which has distanced itself from the decision.
November 1, 2023
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Travels to the Middle East
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories to hold Working meetings. The Russian invasion of Ukraine shakes the world. Austria shows itself as a mediator also in regions that are endangered but have moved into the background of attention.
April 26, 2022
Israel Flag Hoisting Crisis: Protest of Arab Ambassadors in Austria
All 17 ambassadors of Arab states accredited in Vienna protest against the raising of the Israeli flag on the roofs of the Austrian Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
May 27, 2021
Austrian Assistance to Palestinian Refugees with EUR 8.1 Million
Over the period 2020 to 2022, Austria will pay a total of EUR 8.1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
August 19, 2020
Israel Issues Entry Ban for Austrians
Out of concern about the spread of the coronavirus, Israel is extending the tightened entry requirements to Austria as well as Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Switzerland. The prohibition includes the holding international conferences in Israel.
March 4, 2020 · Updated: March 5, 2020; 22:09
Meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - Focus on Middle East Conflict
The meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz focused on the Middle East conflict. According to Kurz, the USA is currently working on "a solution to the situation in the Middle East". The US will therefore "probably present a proposal" before the end of this year.
February 21, 2019
Visit to the Palestinian Territories: Austria's Van der Bellen for a Two-State Solution
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah: "We are friends of Israel AND of the Palestinians. We want to deepen relations with both sides". Mahmoud Abbas thanked Austria for the "historical relationships" cultivated since Bruno Kreisky.
February 5, 2019
Israel State Visit: "Austria is jointly responsible for the Shoah"
During his state visit to Israel, Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasised Austria's co-responsibility for the Shoah. In the Holocaust memorial Jad Vaschem Van der Bellen bowed before the Jewish victims of National Socialism. Meanwhile, as expected, there is no lifting of the boycott against Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl or members of the Freedom Party's cabinet.
February 4, 2019
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Vienna
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen during a stopover in Vienna. Bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East were discussed.
October 12, 2018
Austrian Development Agency Supports WHO in Palestine
To improve health care in Gaza, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is supporting the World Health Organization (WHO) with 300,000 euros.
June 5, 2018
Austrian Exports to the Palestinian Territories Better than Ever
Despite the current tensions between the State of Palestine and Austria over the participation of Ambassador Martin Weiss in the US Embassy Opening Ceremonies, the Austrian Foreign Trade Centers Amman and Tel Aviv are planning a Fact Finding Mission to Ramallah and Amman for the second half of 2018. Austrian exports of goods to the Palestinian Territories increased by +108% in 2017.
May 17, 2018
US Embassy Opening in Jerusalem: Palestinian Ambassador to Austria Called Back to Palestine in Protest
The Austrian Ambassador to Israel, Martin Weiss, was one of only four EU Ambassadors (Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania) who participated in the celebrations surrounding the US embassy relocation to Jerusalem. The Palestinian leadership pointed out some time ago that not only the act but also the timing is a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions, as well as arrogant disrespect. Therefore, the Palestinian Ambassador to Austria, Salah Abdel Shafi, has been called back to Palestine for an indefinite period of time.
May 16, 2018
Meet the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Austria: H.E. Mr. Salah Abdel-Shafi
H.E. Mr. Salah Abdel-Shafi is the current Palestinian ambassador to Austria and permanent observer to the UN in Vienna.
May 16, 2018
Teddy Kollek Exhibition at the Jewish Museum Vienna
Teddy Kollek, who grew up in Vienna, and as mayor of Jerusalem for nearly three decades did more to build and develop the city as Israel’s primary city than any other figure while still seeking to meet the needs of its Arab residents, died in 2007 in Jerusalem. The Jewish Museum in Vienna is showing a retrospective entitled "Teddy Kollek - The Viennese Mayor of Jerusalem".
May 1, 2018
Presentation of the First Ari Rath Prize for Critical Journalism
Journalist Alexandra Föderl-Schmid will be awarded the First Ari-Rath Prize for Critical Journalism on 3 May 2018, the Day of Freedom of the Press. This prize was established to honour journalists who have rendered outstanding services to critical reporting on immigration, expulsion and asylum, committed to respect for human rights, in the spirit of the former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, who died in January 2017.
April 23, 2018
“Business development focus in solid Austrian ties to Qatar”
Austrian State Secretary meets the Emir of Qatar and Qatar’s Foreign Affairs State Secretary for working discussions.
March 1, 2013
"Foreign policy means security policy"
Vice-Chancellor explains Austria's foreign policy commitment in his annual address at the UNA-Austria and demands global nuclear disarmament.
November 28, 2012
Spindelegger: "Political progress more urgently needed than ever before"
Austria´s Minister of Foreign Affairs meets President of the Palestinian National Authority Abbas and the Foreign Ministers of Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates in New York.
September 27, 2012
Spindelegger Appeals Israel and Palestine to End the Conflict
Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Idle run in Middle East increases extremist danger for the region”
April 26, 2012
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