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Poland

Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs
Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.
April 29, 2025

Vienna Welcomes Sainer's Vibrant 'Kolorganism' Exhibition at Künstlerhaus with the Support of the Polish Embassy
Venna’s historic Künstlerhaus became the stage for a striking encounter with contemporary art as it hosted the vernissage of Kolorganism, the latest exhibition by Polish artist Przemysław Blejzyk, widely known by his artistic moniker, Sainer. Organized as part of the International Cultural Programme accompanying Poland’s 2025 EU Council Presidency, the event drew a full house of art lovers, cultural figures, politicians, and diplomats, all eager to immerse themselves in Sainer’s colorful world.
April 28, 2025


Polish Diplomats Discuss New Geopolitical Reality at Conference in Vienna

Under the title “European Security in the New Geopolitical Reality”, political and diplomatic representatives, as well as experts, gathered to discuss Europe's security policy challenges in times of global upheaval. The conference, organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna and the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), sent a strong signal about the need for a common European course.
April 2, 2025


A Sign of Friendship: The New Year's Meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna

Bilateral relations between Austria and Poland are an important pillar of European cooperation and thrive not only through diplomatic meetings, but also through cultural and scientific exchange. The New Year's meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna was an impressive example of how tradition and a vision for the future come together in a festive setting.
February 6, 2025


Wiiw Forecast: Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe Defies Global Uncertainties

Despite weakening industry, private consumption remains a strong growth driver and makes a significant contribution to the region's economic stability. At the same time, the unpredictable economic policy decisions of the USA under President Trump pose considerable risks for the export-oriented countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
February 4, 2025


Raiffeisen Bank International: Profit Slump due to Provisions for Russia

Raiffeisen Bank International's consolidated profit decreased by over 50% in 2024 due to a €840 million provision from a Russian court ruling, which ordered the bank to pay EUR 2 billion in damages.
February 4, 2025


Poland as a New Military Power in Europe: A Bulwark against Russia and a New Strategic Leadership Role in the EU

In recent years, Poland has developed into one of Europe's most important defense powers. Given the ongoing threat from Russia, Warsaw is focusing on a massive rearmament, stronger military cooperation with allies, and an active role in European security policy. By assuming the EU Council Presidency in January 2025, Poland will also have the opportunity to anchor its security policy priorities at the European level and set a new security policy course.
February 2, 2025


Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency: Ceremonial Opening by Polish Embassy in Vienna

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was ceremoniously opened in the magnificent ballroom of Vienna City Hall by the Polish Embassy in Vienna. Around 180 high-ranking guests from politics, diplomacy, business, and society took part in the festive event, which marked a symbolic start to Poland's six-month term at the head of the Council of the European Union.
February 2, 2025


Poland and Austria Network in the Field of Fintech and Finance

The Polish Embassy in Vienna hosted the conference “Poland and Austria: cooperation and exchange of expertise. Fintech and finance” took place. The event brought together many experts, industry representatives, and decision-makers from Poland and Austria. The aim was to network the dynamically growing Polish fintech sector with the stable and well-regulated Austrian financial market and explore potential cooperation areas.
December 18, 2024


Polish Minister Katarzyna Kotula Visits Austria: Joint Impulses for European Equality Policy

The Polish Minister for Gender Equality, Katarzyna Kotula, visited Austria. The focus of her visit was a meeting with the Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Youth and Integration, Susanne Raab. The talks focused on gender equality policies in Europe, particularly in Poland and Austria, as well as on anti-discrimination laws in both countries. The plans of the Polish EU Council Presidency, which Poland will assume from January 2025, were also discussed.
December 11, 2024


Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.
October 29, 2024


Discussion on the Sobieski Monument in Vienna Continues

The discussion about a monument to King Jan III Sobieski in Vienna has picked up speed again. Since 2013, there have been calls for a monument to be erected on the Kahlenberg to the Polish king, who played a key role in saving Vienna from the Ottoman siege in 1683. Despite the failure of these efforts to date, in September 2024 the Polish embassy once again appealed to the relevant authorities to pay due tribute to this important chapter in European history.
October 21, 2024


Salzburg Summit: Europe's Challenge in the Global Economy

The Salzburg Summit 2024 provided a platform for discussions on the pressing economic and political challenges facing Europe. One of the central debates revolved around the tense relationship with the major economic power China and the resulting impact on European competitiveness.
July 25, 2024


EU Rule of Law Report: Clear Criticism of Austria and Hungary

The EU Commission has sharply criticized the situation in Austria and Hungary in its latest Rule of Law Report 2024. The main focus is on political influence on the judiciary and a lack of transparency. The report, published annually since 2020, analyzes the state of the judiciary, media, and rule of law in the 27 EU member states and makes concrete recommendations for necessary reforms.
July 24, 2024


Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking

The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.
July 2, 2024


20 Years of EU Enlargement: Austria Looks at the Success Story of European Integration

Exactly 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, a historic enlargement of the European Union came into force. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus became member states, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Europe. This fifth round of enlargement marked a milestone for the countries involved and a significant change for Austria, as Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Society for European Politics emphasize.
May 5, 2024


Focus on Strengthening External Border Protection: Meeting of Interior Ministers in Szeged

At a meeting in Szeged, Hungary, interior ministers from the Visegrád 4 states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic), Austria and Germany emphasized the need for robust protection of the EU's external borders and a reform of EU migration policy. The Austrian police are heavily involved in the Balkans to control migration and combat organized smuggling.
December 3, 2023


Selling of Turmoel Fuel Business to the Polish Group Orlen

The Austrian-based Doppler mineral oil group has sold its Turmöl fuel business to the partly state-owned Orlen mineral oil group from Poland, Orlen announced. As a result, the Turmöl service stations are switching to a large international group.
July 4, 2023


Polish President Says that We Should Not Be Afraid of Russia

Polish President Andrzej Duda met with Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. There he assured further military support for Ukraine
April 18, 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


Schallenberg Defends his Stance Regarding the Russians

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has defended his position to allow the Russian delegation to enter the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by trying to keep a communication channel open.
February 6, 2023


Foreign Minister Schallenberg Calls for Non-Exaggeration Regarding Russia

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has said that we should not punish 144 million Russians regarding their visas for entering the EU. He said that we should unequivocally support Ukraine, but also keep the diplomatic path open with Russia.
January 16, 2023


Defense Ministers of Western Balkans Meet in Austrian Wachau

The Defense Ministers of the Western Balkan States met today with the Austrian minister of Defense Klaudia Tanner. The meeting was about the global security challenges which include the Westbalkan states.
December 2, 2022


Russian Foreign Minister Gets Excluded from OSCE Security Meeting

The annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Security Council took place between the 1st and 2nd of December in Lodz, Poland, where the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Countries met. However, the meeting was overshadowed by the back-and-forth situation between the Ministers of some OSCE countries – mainly Poland - and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
December 2, 2022


Austria's Chancellor Nehammer on Missile Strike in Poland

According to current knowledge, a misguided Ukrainian missile was the cause of the impact in Poland. Austria's Chancellor Nehammer calls for prudence as the "order of the day,", especially in times of war, and condemns the large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukrainian civilian facilities.
November 16, 2022


Austria's Connection to Pegasus Spyware

Governments of EU member states have used spyware against their citizens for political purposes, according to a draft report by the European Parliament's Committee of Inquiry (PEGA) published today in Brussels. European Union member states are widely using the controversial Pegasus spy software. Corresponding indications exist for Poland, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus and Spain, it said. There are also links to Austria.
November 10, 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


Ambassador of Poland Presents Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland

As Secretary General of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Holocaust Victims, Hannah Lessing was awarded the Cavalier's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for her outstanding work and deep understanding for the survivors of National Socialism living abroad.
July 22, 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


OSCE Special Representatives Visit Polish-Ukrainian Border

Maria Raczynska, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, and Lara Scarpitta, the OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, visited the Polish-Ukrainian border last week to assess the situation of refugees from Ukraine.
July 11, 2022

Three Seas Initiative in Riga for Common Ground against Russia
The Three Seas Initiative met in Riga. Austria and eleven other Central Eastern European countries accepted Ukraine as a member of the Three Seas Initiative at the Presidential Summit in Riga. Austrian President Van der Bellen traveled to Riga and appealed for unity against Russia.
June 20, 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


Austria Confirms Poland's Role in Aid to Ukraine

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the Polish capital Warsaw for a working visit. There, Foreign Minister Schallenberg explained that Poland is the hub for Ukraine's assistance.
June 7, 2022
Poland Soul Travel: Polish Embassy Gives Young Austrians an Insight Into Krakow
The Polish Embassy in Vienna enabled young Austrians to get to know Poland and visit the city of Krakow as part of the Soul Travel project. The focus of the action was to see the sights of Poland from new perspectives and to show the people of Poland the beauty of nature - off the normal tourist paths.
May 24, 2022

How the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Affects Life in Vienna
The humanitarian crisis created by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine can now be felt in Vienna. Read how the crisis is affecting life in Vienna.
April 25, 2022

Refugee Crisis in Poland: European Parliament Presidents Visit Refugee Reception Center in Poland
Poland receives nine European Parliament Presidents, among them also Austria's Federal Council President Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. Together they visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Dorohusk and the refugee reception center Lwowska as well as the Humanitarian Aid Centre Ptak near Warsaw.
April 21, 2022


Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe

Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
April 21, 2022


OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion

Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.
April 12, 2022


Russo-Ukrainian War: To Date, 14,500 Refugees Have Registered in Austria

The terrible war in Ukraine has provided an uninterrupted stream of people seeking refuge in recent weeks. Austrian authorities are doing their best to help. Now the Austrian Ministry of the Interior has published new figures.
March 21, 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

Disinformation and Propaganda: How Russia Reverses Reports of International Media
The Russian Foreign Ministry has claimed that Western media is spreading disinformation to unfairly paint Russia as an aggressor towards Ukraine. Read how Russia manipulates Western media sources to create its own narrative.
February 14, 2022


Austria's Initiatives to Strengthen EU External Border Management

Austria is co-organizing a conference in Lithuania to discuss EU external border protection. Interior Minister Karner, who will represent Austria at the meeting, first stopped in Hungary to talk about the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Sándor Pintér. Read more about Austria's efforts to strengthen EU external border management.
January 20, 2022


What Is the OSCE Agenda for 2022?

After taking over the chairmanship of the OSCE in early January, Poland has now presented its priorities for 2022. Read the OSCE's goals according to the new OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Zbigniew Rau.
January 13, 2022


Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović Meets with Schallenberg

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović recently met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna. Read about their discussion of various human rights issues.
December 20, 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



High-level Belarus Conference in Vienna


Chancellor Schallenberg participated in a video conference to discuss the situation in Belarus and the worsening humanitarian crisis at the EU's external border with numerous representatives from other EU member states and Belarusian opposition politicians. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch a joint press conference with Schallenberg and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
November 23, 2021


Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.
October 22, 2021


Schallenberg's First Foreign Trip as Austrian Chancellor

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel recently met for talks in Brussels with Chancellor Schallenberg on his first foreign trip since being appointed chancellor. Read about the chancellor's trip, his talks with the two leaders, and a Twitter error involving former Chancellor Kurz.
October 15, 2021


EU Justice Commissioner Reynders and Justice Minister Zadić Share Concerns Over Rule of Law in Poland

The EU Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynders, was hosted by Austrian Minister of Justice Alma Zadić for a working meeting in Vienna. The two discussed various issues, including their shared concern regarding the rule of law following the Polish Constitutional Court's ruling on the primacy of national law over EU law. Read about their meeting and the increased tensions surrounding the Polish court's decision.
October 12, 2021