Presidential Chancellery of Austria

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

Austria and Vietnam Deepen Partnership in Economy and Politics

A significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and Vietnam was achieved with the visit of Vietnam's President Võ Văn Thưởng and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn to Vienna.

July 26, 2023

Official Visit of the Czech President Petr Pavel to Austria

During his official visit to Vienna, the newly elected President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, met with Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen. Petr Pavel, once the highest NATO military officer, is a staunch supporter of Ukraine. But he is also keen on cooperation with neutral Austria.

June 7, 2023

Meet the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria

The People's Republic of China has had a new ambassador in Austria for some time now. Meet Qi Mei, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria.

May 23, 2023

Austrian President Van der Bellen Welcomes Slovenia's First Female President on Inaugural Visit

The new Slovenian President, Nataša Pirc Musar, paid her inaugural visit to Vienna, where she was welcomed by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen with military honors. "It is an honor to receive today in Vienna the first female head of state of Slovenia," Van der Bellen said.

May 2, 2023

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Pejčinović Burić visiting Vienna

Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić met the Austrian President and key ministers and personalities during an official visit to Austria. Among others, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić for a working meeting in Vienna.

April 23, 2023

Finnish Prime Minister Marin Visited Vienna

The Finnish head of government Sanna Marin visited Vienna for the first time for working talks and was received by Chancellor Karl Nehammer and President Alexander Van der Bellen. Finland and Austria share enough interests, but not the status of neutrality.

February 20, 2023

New Year’s Reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Austrian Presidential Chancellory

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen hosted the New Year's reception for the Diplomatic Corps in the Ceremonial Hall of the Vienna Hofburg. Van der Bellen used his speech to clarify Austria's diplomatic goals and Austrian Neutrality.

February 16, 2023

Slovak President Čaputová Received Austrian President Van der Bellen

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová received Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Bratislava. Among other things, they discussed further aid to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.

February 5, 2023

Austrian President Van der Bellen Admits Mistakes Regarding Putin

In a recent interview, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen explained how he feels about obvious mistakes made during his first term in office. In his opinion, this also includes his words of praise for Austrian-Russian relations and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

January 19, 2023

Austria's Nobel Anton Zeilinger Laureate Receives Honor from President

Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger was awarded the "Grand Decoration of Honor in Silver with Star for Services to the Republic of Austria" by Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen.

December 21, 2022

Project "Christmas together with Ukraine" in Vienna

Children from different regions of Ukraine visited Vienna for a Christmas concert. The project "Christmas with Ukraine" is held on the route Uzhhorod-Budapest-Vienna-Bratislava-Prague-Warsaw-Uzhhorod. Despite air raids and the bombing of cities, the children prepared and currently present a bright Christmas performance.

December 15, 2022

Austrian President Van der Bellen Visited Slovenia

Re-elected Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen traveled to Slovenia for an official visit with his counterpart Borut Pahor. Besides discussions around the common issues in Slovenian, Austrian and European politics, this visit was also a farewell meeting between "personal friends", as Pahor is leaving office.

December 14, 2022

Austrian President Van der Bellen Meeting with Iran Experts

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with experts today at noon for an exchange on the current situation in Iran. Afterward, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke about the situation in Iran in a video statement.

November 21, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Fight Against Climate Crisis

The Find out more about this week's developments. At the World Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheik, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen advocates climate justice. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is also trying to counter the climate crisis at the COP27 summit with its knowledge of nuclear technology and nuclear energy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

November 10, 2022

Austria Plans to Increase Climate Aid

A significant increase in Austria's international climate financing budget is planned. The climate protection ministry will provide an additional 220 million euros by 2026, according to Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the UN World Climate Conference in Egypt.

November 9, 2022

The 84th Anniversary of the November Pogroms in Austria

On the 84th anniversary of the November pogroms, representatives of the Republic commemorated the victims with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shoah Name Wall Memorial in Ostarrichipark. In addition to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the head of government, almost all members of the government took part.

November 9, 2022

Austrian President Van der Bellen at the UN Climate Summit in Egypt

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is going into the COP27 world climate conference with mixed feelings. Given the insufficient or inadequately implemented results of previous climate summits, optimism is "not easy - but necessary," said Alexander Van der Bellen at the conference venue in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

November 7, 2022

President of Hungary Katalin Novák Visits Austria

The Hungarian President, Katalin Novák, is the first head of state to visit the re-elected President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. The conversation between the two heads of state focused on the fight against illegal migration, climate change and the war in Ukraine.

October 27, 2022

Austria Celebrates Its National Day Again in Old Normality

The Austrian National Day (Nationalfeiertag) is celebrated annually on 26 October, the anniversary of the announcement of Austrian neutrality in 1955 and the departure of the last allied occupying forces from Austria. On this October 26, the national holiday will return to normality after two years of coronavirus mode. As the Austrian Armed Forces return in full force to their performance on Vienna's Heldenplatz, the doors of government and parliament reopen to the public.

October 26, 2022

Van der Bellen's First Trip After Reelection

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen's first trip abroad after his re-election will be to the World Climate Conference in Egypt. The President will participate in COP 27 from November 7 to 8, 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh and sees this as a conscious sign to strengthen the fight against the climate crisis.

October 12, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Presidential Elections in Austria

The Find out more about this week's developments. In Austria, the presidential elections will be held on Sunday. There are new diplomatic and economic developments in Vienna. And there is new art in town! Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

October 6, 2022

What is the Role of the Office of the Federal President in the Austrian Political System?

This Sunday, eligible voters in Austria will elect the head of state of their country, the Federal President. But how exactly is the political role of the Federal President expressed in the Austrian political system? What is the story behind the office? Where exactly can the Republic of Austria be placed on the axis between Parliamentarism and Presidentialism? Read on to find out the answers!

October 6, 2022

Latvian President Egils Levits Visits Vienna

Latvian Federal President Egils Levits recently visited his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen in Vienna to hold consultations on current issues. The two condemned Russia's behaviour in the occupied territories and agreed that the results of the sham referenda held in the annexed territories should not be recognised.

September 30, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Hemra Amannazarov, Turkmenistan's new Ambassador in Austria and permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna presented her credentials to the Austrian Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen. Meet Ambassador Hemra Amannazarov, the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 23, 2022

Meeting in New York: Turkey and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In the course of his stay at the UN General Assembly in New York, Federal President Van der Bellen met Turkish President Erdogan. Among the topics discussed were the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and Turkey's role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

September 23, 2022

Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Austria's President Condolences British Royal Couple

Following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Austria's Federal President flew to Great Britain this weekend to personally express his condolences to the Royal Family. In addition to his presence at the reception on Sunday evening, he also attended the official state funeral on Monday and signed the various Queen's book of condolence.

September 19, 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

Austrian Dignitaries Met Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Vienna at the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The Ban Ki-moon Centre awards scholarships to women and youth to promote the idea of global citizenship and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN's 2030 Agenda.

September 8, 2022

Austria's President Van der Bellen Brings in Experts on Energy and Climate Issues as Advisors

Ex-Verbund boss Wolfgang Anzengruber and Wifo economist Angela Köppl are volunteering their expertise to Austrian President Van der Bellen. According to the Federal President's Office, the war in Ukraine and inflation, as well as the slowly emerging energy crisis in Europe, call for expert advice on energy economics and climate issues.

August 31, 2022

Alexander Van der Bellen's First Term in Office: A Presidency With Many Ups and Downs

A final chapter of the first term of the Austrian President is approaching. On 9 October, Alexander Van der Bellen will contest Austria's 14th federal presidential election and will attempt to defend his office. At Vindobona, we take this opportunity to look back on the first term of the President.

August 17, 2022

Opening of the Salzburg Festival: "Culture as a Counter Model to Barbarism"

The Salzburg Festival has been ceremoniously opened. In addition to rousing speakers such as author Ilija Trojanow and Festival President Kristina Hammer, the Austrian Federal President also appealed to the unity of Europe.

July 27, 2022

Austrian Federal President: "We Must Not Allow Ourselves to Be Divided"

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the current challenges and hardships in a gripping opening speech at the Bregenz Festival.

July 21, 2022

Meet the New Ambassadors of Portugal, Lesotho, Brunei and Cambodia to Austria

The new Ambassadors of the Portuguese Republic (H.E. Mr Miguel Maria Simones Coelho de Almeida e Sousa), the Kingdom of Lesotho (H.E. Mrs. Senate Barbara Masupha), Brunei Darussalam (H.E. Mrs. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir) and the Kingdom of Cambodia (H.E. Mr Nong Sakal) to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.

July 7, 2022

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

Osama Abduljalil Abdulhadi, the new Permanent Representative of Libya, presented his credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna. Meet Osama Abduljalil Abdulhadi, the new Permanent Representative of Lybia to the International Organisations in Vienna.

July 7, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and State Visits in Vienna

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Dutch Royal Couple visited Austria and International Organizations in Vienna released important publications. The consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War are making themselves felt in security issues and are changing people's lives in Vienna as well. Further, the newest developments in the Iran Nuclear talks raise hopes. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 30, 2022

Dilemma of the Austrian Presidential Election

October 9 will be the date for the election of the Federal President. Although the election is relatively close, no real campaign has yet begun. Most parties have not even nominated candidates. The incumbent president Alexander Van der Bellen announced to run again.

June 29, 2022

Dutch Royal Couple Visits Austria

The Dutch royal couple, His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, and Her Majesty Máxima, Queen of the Netherlands traveled to Vienna for a state visit. The three-day visit is mainly about strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the Netherlands and the effects of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Europe.

June 27, 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

Austrian President Van der Bellen Met with Delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation

The climate crisis affects the entire world and environmental protection is an important component of future-oriented development policy. In the course of Austrian development policy, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen met with the delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation from Kenya.

June 13, 2022

Trilateral Presidential Meeting Between the Presidents of Austria, Croatia and Slovenia

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterparts from Croatia and Slovenia, Zoran Milanovic and Borut Pahor, in Croatia for the traditional triennial meeting. The focus is on the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, as well as the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine.

June 5, 2022

Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis

UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.

May 11, 2022

UN Secretary General António Guterres Met Austria's President Alexander Van Der Bellen in Vienna

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is currently visiting Vienna and met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. The main topic of conversation was the conflict in Ukraine and its international ramifications.

May 11, 2022

Meet the New Ambassadors of Brazil, Germany, Tanzania and Rwanda to Austria

The new Ambassadors of the Federative Republic of Brazil (H.E. Mr. Nelson Antonio Tabajara de Oliveira), Federal Republic of Germany (H.E. Mr. Michael Josef Hermann Klor – Berchtold), United Republic of Tanzania (H.E. Mr. Celestine Joseph Mushy) and Republic of Rwanda (H.E. Mr. Marie Chantal Rwakazina) to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.

May 9, 2022

Europe Day 2022: A Day in the Spirit of a United Continent

Today, 9 May, Europe Day is celebrated all over Europe. Many events are held to celebrate peace and cohesion in Europe. Alexander Van der Bellen also gave a speech in the House of the European Union and underlined the importance of European unity and condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which is particularly dependent on the help of its European allies in such difficult times.

May 9, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna

Recently, the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold, presented his credentials to the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold, the new permanent representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna.

May 6, 2022

State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria

The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.

April 6, 2022
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