Presidential Chancellery of Austria

Austria and Italy Together With UNODC Urge Global Alliance Against Organized Crime

The threats posed by transnational organized crime are more complex, interconnected, and dangerous than ever before. In light of these developments, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have called for renewed global solidarity.

Yesterday

New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”

Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.

November 19, 2025

Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.

November 11, 2025

Meet Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's Experienced Diplomat and Ambassador to Austria

Poland is relying on an experienced diplomat in Vienna in Zenon Henryk Kosiniak-Kamysz, who holds the office of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Austria, having already served as chargé d'affaires in Vienna since October 2024.

November 10, 2025

Van der Bellen Celebrates the “Good Compromise”, While Chancellor Stocker Calls for Courage and Resilience on National Day

On October 26, 2025, Austria celebrated its national holiday, marking two significant anniversaries: 70 years since the signing of the State Treaty and the establishment of neutrality, and 60 years since the national holiday was first observed. The celebrations, which traditionally began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Outer Castle Gate, were marked by powerful speeches by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker. The Austrian Armed Forces also held an impressive parade.

October 26, 2025

German President Steinmeier Opens New German Embassy in Vienna and Calls for “Reinventing Europe”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Austria. The focus of the visit was the official opening of the new German Embassy building in Vienna, accompanied by an urgent appeal to Europeans to reinvent the continent in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges.

October 26, 2025

Meet Portugal's New Top Representative in Vienna, Jorge Manuel da Silva Lopes

The experienced diplomat and former ambassador to Croatia takes on the key role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

October 21, 2025

Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border

The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.

October 20, 2025

Meet Simon Biedermann, Liechtenstein's New Ambassador in Vienna

The Principality of Liechtenstein has a new ambassador in Vienna. Diplomat Simon Biedermann has presented his credentials and now represents the Principality in Austria, Czechia, at the UN, and at the OSCE.

October 13, 2025

Meet Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil's Leading Diplomat in Vienna

Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia is Brazil's ambassador to Austria and Brazil's permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna (UNOV). An experienced diplomat and expert in international and multilateral relations, he enriches the diplomatic community in Vienna.

October 7, 2025

Meet Alison Grant, Canada's New Ambassador to Vienna

Alison Grant, Canada's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has presented her credentials to UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and, for Austria, to President Alexander Van der Bellen. With this appointment, Grant assumes an important dual mandate, serving simultaneously as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria and as Permanent Representative to all international organizations based in Vienna.

September 26, 2025

Meet Annika Ben David, the New Swedish Ambassador to Austria

Annika Ben David took up her new post as Swedish Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia. In addition to her role as ambassador, she is also Sweden's permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna. With her extensive diplomatic experience, gained in various countries and with a clear focus on human rights, she brings impressive expertise to her new position.

September 23, 2025

80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President

This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.

September 22, 2025

European Forum Alpbach 2025 Breaks records and Looks to the Future of Europe

This year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) ended with a new record number of participants. Under the motto “Recharge Europe,” around 4,700 participants from 127 countries gathered to discuss the renewal of Europe and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the forum, which has established itself as one of the leading conferences on the future of Europe.

September 1, 2025

Hungarian Foreign Minister Sharply Criticizes Austrian President Van der Bellen

There is currently diplomatic tension between Vienna and Budapest after Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen criticized political developments in a “neighboring country” at the European Forum Alpbach. Although the president did not explicitly mention Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded with a sharp counterattack, accusing Van der Bellen of being involved in the failed formation of an FPÖ government in Austria.

August 31, 2025

International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action

The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.

June 4, 2025

Meet the New Georgian Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze in Vienna

Alexander Maisuradze is the new Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of his country to the international organizations in Vienna. The experienced diplomat formally presented his credentials to the Austrian president and several leading representatives of multilateral diplomacy in the Austrian capital.

May 19, 2025

Meet Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna​

Vienna's diplomatic stage has a new prominent representative: Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong has been Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna for some time now.

May 13, 2025

Meet Andrew Williams: New Zealand's New Top Diplomat in Austria

Andrew Williams took up his post as New Zealand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Presentative to the International Organization in Vienna. His impressive career in the diplomatic service and his expertise in international law make him a prominent figure on the international stage.

March 20, 2025

A New Chapter for Austria: The Faces of the Federal Government 2025

The inauguration of the new federal government marks the beginning of a new era in Austrian politics. For the first time, a three-party coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, led by Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), is in power. He is joined by Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). The new government has 21 members in total. But who are the people who will steer the country's destiny in the coming years?

March 3, 2025

Austria's New Federal Government Sworn In: A Coalition of Compromises

After a historic five-month struggle to form a government, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) were sworn in together with their ministerial teams by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna's Hofburg Palace. The coalition, which seems unusual at first glance, promises a pragmatic approach, but key points of contention have been postponed for the time being.

March 3, 2025

Coalition Negotiations in Austria Failed: Political Future Uncertain

Austria is facing a political turning point: after weeks of negotiations, talks between the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) have broken down. The talks thus met the same fate as those between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS. With the collapse of the negotiations, the question now arises as to how things will continue politically and whether a new election is inevitable.

February 12, 2025

Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen Calls on Diplomacy for Unity

In his traditional speech at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps in Vienna's Hofburg, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the challenges of the current global situation. He emphasized the need for closer international cooperation, warned against increasing disinformation, and called for greater efforts to combat the climate crisis.

February 5, 2025

Meet the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Austria

Matthieu Peyraud, France's Ambassador presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. Meet Matthieu Peyraud the ambassador of the French Republic to Austria.

January 21, 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

Austria in Pursuit of Compromises for the Next Government

After the 2024 National Council elections, exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ will now begin to pave the way for a new government in Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has tasked ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer with forming a government, even though the FPÖ under Herbert Kickl received the most votes. This decision led to criticism from the FPÖ, which continues to see itself as an important player in the political process.

October 24, 2024

Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism

Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.

October 20, 2024

Stalemate after National Council Elections: Van der Bellen Calls for Revived Talks

Following the national elections in Austria, the country finds itself in a political impasse. President Alexander Van der Bellen declared in a speech that he would not give any party the task of forming a government at present due to the stalemate that has arisen. The FPÖ, which emerged from the election as the strongest force with 28.8%, is currently unable to find a coalition partner, as both the ÖVP and the other parties (SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens) refuse to cooperate with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl.

October 15, 2024

Vienna Receives Slovakian President: Deepening Relations and Discussion on Sanctions

Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini visited Austria as part of his official inaugural visit. It was his fourth bilateral trip to one of Slovakia's neighboring countries, having previously visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

September 11, 2024

Austria's Olympic Splendor in Paris 2024: A Balance Between Tradition and Surprises

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are history, and Austria can look back proudly on its sporting achievements. On Tuesday, the successful Olympic athletes were honored in the Vienna Hofburg by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

August 18, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Modi in Vienna: A Historic Visit to Strengthen Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Austria and was officially received by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Austria. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi emphasized the deep bond based on shared values such as democracy and the rule of law.

July 10, 2024

Official Visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria

The official visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria began with a festive reception at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen warmly welcomed his counterpart and emphasized the long tradition of close cooperation between the two countries. The reception took place with military honors, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between Hungary and Austria.

July 7, 2024

Schwarzenegger's Climate Conference in Vienna: "Austrian World Summit" Calls for Concrete Measures

The "Austrian World Summit" (AWS) took place in Vienna for the eighth time. Host Arnold Schwarzenegger and several prominent guests emphasized the urgency of concrete climate protection measures. Around 700 international visitors, including high-ranking politicians and experts, gathered in the Vienna Hofburg to discuss the future of a clean energy supply and the fight against climate change.

June 20, 2024

Farewell to Brigitte Bierlein: A Role Model for Generations

Austria has bid farewell to Brigitte Bierlein, the country's first female chancellor, who passed away at the beginning of June. The funeral services began with a solemn requiem in St. Stephen's Cathedral and ended with the burial at Vienna's Central Cemetery. Bierlein was not only honored as an outstanding lawyer and politician, but also as a courageous and far-sighted woman who was always ready to take on responsibility.

June 16, 2024

30 Years of the EU Referendum: A Success Story for Austria

On June 12, 1994, a groundbreaking referendum was held in Austria, in which two-thirds of the population voted in favor of joining the European Union. This decision laid the foundations for a new era of economic, political, and social integration of Austria in Europe. Since its official accession on January 1, 1995, the country has changed considerably and has since benefited from EU membership in many ways.

June 12, 2024

Remembering the Past, Preserving the Future: Liberation Ceremonies in Mauthausen and Melk

In an impressive gathering, thousands of people commemorated the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its satellite camps to keep the lessons of history alive and fight against forgetting. International delegations, including high-ranking representatives from politics and society, gathered to underline the importance of law and justice and to honor the victims of National Socialism.

May 8, 2024

Austria at 20 Years of Slovenia's EU Membership Under the Sign of Enlargement

At a time of profound changes and challenges in Europe, Slovenia is celebrating a significant anniversary of its EU membership. The celebrations were accompanied by a meeting of European heads of state, more specifically Slovenia's neighbors, who discussed the future of the Union and enlargement policy.

April 24, 2024

Traditional Inaugural Visit of the Swiss Head of State to Vienna: Deepening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria

Swiss President Viola Amherd met with her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. During geopolitical uncertainty and European challenges, the bilateral talks focused on European security policy, relations with the EU, and the planned Ukraine peace conference.

April 10, 2024

Austria President Van der Bellen Opens New Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam

The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was opened in a festive ceremony that was overshadowed by protests. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who represented Austria on this occasion, emphasized his country's profound responsibility in the context of the dark chapters of the Holocaust.

March 11, 2024

Meet Cyprus Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Andreas Ignatiou, Cyprus Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Andreas Ignatiou, the permanent representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

March 7, 2024

Austria and Montenegro Strengthen Relations: EU Accession by 2028 in Sight

During an official visit to Vienna by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of Western Balkan integration into the EU, with Montenegro leading the way. Given the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a "realistic prospect of accession" for these countries is now "more important than ever".

February 8, 2024

Austria-Ghana: New Embassy and Strengthened Partnership

In the spirit of deepening bilateral relations, Austria and Ghana have reaffirmed their desire to intensify economic and political cooperation. At an official meeting in Vienna, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Ghanaian counterpart Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the planned opening of an Austrian embassy in Accra later this year as a symbolic step towards promoting bilateral relations.

February 5, 2024

New Year's Reception of the Austrian Federal President for the Diplomatic Corps

In a speech during the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the need to create a more peaceful and just world. In a world marked by crises, natural disasters, and wars, he called for unity and dialog.

January 23, 2024

Meet Israel's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

David Roet, Israel's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, David Roet, the permanent representative of the State of Israel to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

January 22, 2024

Van der Bellen in New Year's Address: Call for More Dialog and Confidence

In his New Year's address, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called on Austrians and all those living in Austria for more confidence and constructive dialog.

January 1, 2024

Greece and Austria: Shared Values and Visions for the Future

Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic, paid an official visit to Austria, invited by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. This visit symbolizes not only the deep cultural and political ties between the two countries but also their joint efforts in areas such as climate protection, security, and European integration.

December 12, 2023

Austria and Slovenia Support Moldova's EU Aspirations

In a remarkable gesture of solidarity and commitment to European integration, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar recently visited Moldova and met with President Maia Sandu.

November 17, 2023

Austria Intensifies its Fight Against Anti-Semitism: New Legal Reforms and Culture of Remembrance

On the occasion of the Remembrance Day of the November protests and at a time of global unrest and growing anti-Semitic tendencies, Austria has taken decisive steps to intensify the fight against anti-Semitism. This commitment manifests itself in a series of initiatives ranging from the reform of existing laws to the promotion of an active culture of remembrance.

November 13, 2023

Austria's National Day: A Look Back and an Appeal for the Future

On October 26, Austria celebrates its National Day, a date deeply rooted in the country's history and at the same time an opportunity to look to the future. The day marks the anniversary of the proclamation of perpetual neutrality in 1955, a pivotal moment in Austria's postwar history. But what does this day mean to the people of Austria and how does it connect to the challenges of the present?

October 26, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations in Vienna

Isabel de Jesus da Costa Godinho, Angola's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented her credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador, Isabel de Jesus da Costa Godinho, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Angola to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

August 27, 2023
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