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Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.
December 18, 2024
Austria Calls for a Reorientation of EU Policy Towards Syria
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is calling for a fundamental reorientation of EU policy towards Syria and is receiving support from seven of his EU colleagues from Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
July 23, 2024
Order of Malta Strengthens Diplomacy for Humanitarian Aid
A major international conference in Rome, attended by the Sovereign Order of Malta's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, H.E. DI Sebastian Prince von Schoenaich-Carolath, has strengthened the role of the Order of Malta's diplomatic service in the international community. The event included an audience with Pope Francis and provided a platform for exchange on ways to intensify international cooperation.
February 6, 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
Insights into the Situation of Ukrainian Women Displaced in Austria
In the summer of 2022, the Austrian Institute for Family Research at the University of Vienna, on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), surveyed displaced women from Ukraine for the first time about their living situation and future plans in Austria. The results showed that at that time 90 percent of the respondents felt very well off and had an impressive level of professional qualifications. A new study now provides new insights into the situation of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria.
July 9, 2023
Vienna Will Have a Population of Two Million People Soon
Vienna will reach a population of two million people sooner than expected. This was predicted to happen by the year 2027 however, a new wave of migration is boosting the population number.
April 11, 2023
Austria Wants to Accelerate the Integration of Displaced Persons into the Labor Market
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF/AIF) want to accelerate the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. A letter will be sent to displaced persons encouraging them to contact ÖIF and AMS in order to find employment.
February 12, 2023
Austria Increases Fund for International Food Aid
The Austrian Ministry of Agriculture will increase funding for international food aid significantly. The Austrian Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig traveled to Libanon to observe the situation.
December 23, 2022
Austria Gives 8 Million Euros to Syria and Jordan
The Syrian conflict, which has been going on for more than 10 years, has led to one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises. The precarious situation on the ground and in neighboring Jordan, where many Syrian refugees are, is worsening and a political solution to the conflict is not in sight. Austria's humanitarian aid on the ground is helping to prevent illegal migration to Europe, the government said.
November 30, 2022
Austrians Largely Rate Coexistence with Ukrainian Displaced Persons as Positive
Since the start of the Ukraine war in February, around 85,000 Ukrainian displaced persons have been registered in Austria. According to the Austrian Integration Fund, the integration barometer on the coexistence of people with and without a migration background explains that 64 percent see the coexistence of Austrians and Ukrainians as positive and, as a survey on the Ukraine war, provides information on attitudes and moods toward the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria.
November 6, 2022
New UN Human Rights Chief on his First Day in Office: "Human Rights are Humanity's Common Language"
As of today, the Austrian Volker Türk is in office as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Already experienced, Türk has dedicated his life to championing human rights and will act as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as of today.
October 17, 2022
International Conference in Vienna Draws Attention to Rising Numbers of Asylum Seekers
An international conference on migration is taking place in Vienna this week. The conference was attended, among others, by the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Margaritas Schinas, as well as the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Moldova and his counterpart from Albania.
October 11, 2022
Why do so Many Viennese Not Apply for Austrian Citizenship?
Austria has one of the highest proportions of foreigners in the European Union. A recently published study by the City of Vienna analyses the motivations of the many people without Austrian citizenship and explains why most of them prefer to keep their old citizenship.
September 20, 2022
Exhibition of the Biographies of Ukrainian Women in the House of Austrian History
The House of Austrian History (hdgö) presents the exhibition "My Voice Means Something", starting August 23. It focuses on the biographies of twelve Ukrainian women and their different ways of dealing with Russia's invasion.
August 22, 2022
What Happens to Russian Refugees Coming to Austria?
The war in Ukraine did not only trigger a flight movement in the country under attack. A flight of smaller proportions is also noticeable from Russia. Read here at Vindobona how many Russians have applied for asylum in Austria and what their reasons for fleeing are.
August 17, 2022
Integration of Ukrainian Children into the Austrian Education System
The Austrian Minister of Education, Martin Polaschek, presented a comprehensive package of measures designed to provide a solid foundation for the integration of young Ukrainians into Austria's schools and universities.
August 11, 2022
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Czech Embassy Building in Vienna
The Czech Embassy building in Vienna has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Read the captivating story of this beautiful building.
August 4, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Rising Migration in Austria
The Find out more about this week's developments. For Austria, new questions arise about the migration and integration of refugees. The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
July 28, 2022
Integration of Ukrainian Displaced Persons: New Funding for Integration Projects
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 6.5 million people have had to leave their homes and seek protection in another country. More than 70,000 people have already come to Austria. Now, the Integration Minister in Austria has launched a new support fund for displaced persons, which is intended to support the integration of displaced persons.
July 26, 2022
Rising Migration Poses New Challenges for Austria
The year 2022 has so far been exceptional for Austria in terms of integration and presents Austria with a mammoth task, according to Integration Minister Susanne Raab. The presentation of the Integration Report 2022 on Monday provided new insights into immigration in Austria.
July 25, 2022
Ukrainian Refugees in Austria Feel Welcome
Displaced women from Ukraine were interviewed by the Austrian Institute for Family Research at the University of Vienna on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund about their current life situation, security and care, and plans for the future.
July 24, 2022
International Organisation in Vienna Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking
Due to the acute danger of Ukrainian displaced persons becoming victims of human trafficking, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Austria is currently trying to generate more awareness of the problem that many people have to struggle with.
July 18, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna
Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Georgian Prime Minister visited Austria and Vienna enables Ukrainian displaced persons to graduate from Ukrainian high school. In addition, Austria's Chancellor visited Israel and concluded an important agreement there. Furthermore, expats in Austria appreciate the high quality of life, but do not feel welcome. Read more about this week's developments.
July 14, 2022
Austrian Chancellor in Cyprus: "EU Asylum System has Failed"
After his stay in Israel, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited the island of Cyprus where he spoke with Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis about the issue of illegal immigration. Also on the agenda were topics such as food security and a visit to the UNFICYP peacekeeping force.
July 14, 2022
City of Vienna Organises Online Matura for Displaced Children From Ukraine
In order to enable displaced children from Ukraine to take the Ukrainian Matura, the City of Vienna is offering a total of 800 displaced Ukrainian pupils the opportunity to take the exam online in Vienna this year at the end of July/beginning of August. This project is organised by the Ukrainian Education Centre, which was launched at the beginning of April by the City of Vienna together with Raiffeisen Centrobank and the H. Stepic CEE Charity.
July 12, 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
Displaced Persons From Ukraine Now Have Access to Family Allowance
Families displaced from Ukraine can now apply for Austrian family allowance. As a result of this announcement, a loophole in the law has been closed, making it possible for all Ukrainians in Austria to claim social benefits. It will be introduced in the National Council on Friday.
July 8, 2022
What Austria Expects From the Czech Republic's EU Presidency
Czech Republic has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, replacing France, which held the post in the first half of the year. Austria's neighbouring country takes over the presidency at a crucial time, capped by international conflicts and economic crises.
July 1, 2022
Europa Forum Wachau: Shaping the Future of Europe
Austria is once again at the centre of European politics. At the 26th edition of the European Forum Wachau, many prominent guests from business, diplomacy and politics gathered in Lower Austria to discuss the future of the EU and its current challenges. The motto of this year's event is "Safeguarding Europe's future".
June 24, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna
Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts in aiding Ukraine, international politics and local grievances. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited Iran. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 23, 2022
World Refugee Day Raises Awareness of the Right on Protection
Every year on 20 June, World Refugee Day takes place to draw attention to flight and displacement. This year, the focus is on the staggering number of over 100 million displaced people worldwide - the highest number ever recorded according to UNHCR. In addition to famine and natural disasters, the war in Ukraine is primarily responsible for this high number this year, as many people have had to leave their homes to escape the violence.
June 20, 2022
Austrian Parliament for EU-Wide Data Exchange on Displaced Persons from Ukraine
Within the framework of the Temporary Protection Platform, the Austrian Parliament's Interior Committee today created the legal framework for EU-wide data exchanges on persons displaced from Ukraine. The extension concerning the Corona special regulations in alien law provides the basis for this framework.
June 13, 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
21,500 Displaced Persons: Vienna Confronted with Major Integration Challenge
With the increasing number of people seeking protection from Ukraine, the number of challenges that the country of Austria has to cope with is also increasing. Vienna, as a place of reception for a total of 21,500 people, faces numerous issues in the future, which require immediate and efficient measures to facilitate the education, integration and housing of Ukrainians in Vienna.
May 24, 2022
Council of Experts Publishes Analysis on Perspectives of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Austria
In order to facilitate the integration of Ukrainians seeking protection who come to Austria, the Expert Council for Integration prepared a position paper on the perspectives of these very displaced persons. The recommendations in various areas such as work, education, social engagement and help for women will be taken into account by politicians in the future and actively integrated into projects.
May 13, 2022
Forgotten Crisis: Austria Supports Syria at International Donor Conference
This week, the 6th donor conference to support Syria and the region is taking place in Brussels. This conference is the most important donor event for the country, which has suffered enormously in recent years, mainly due to war and natural disasters, and is still dependent on humanitarian aid from other countries. Austria is also represented and will contribute to the relief efforts.
May 10, 2022
Fight Against Trafficking in Women: Intervention Center Established
To combat sexual exploitation of children and women from Ukraine, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently set up a hotline where those affected can report. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking protection, mostly women and children, had increased enormously, providing easy game for human traffickers and increasing the risk of human trafficking, smuggling, sexual exploitation and coercion into prostitution.
May 5, 2022
Amendment to the Law: Improved Integration Measures and Professional Recognition for Ukrainians in Austria
The Austrian National Council is currently working on an amendment to the law, which should enable Ukrainian displaced persons to get better access to integration and educational opportunities. In addition, it will be easier in the future to have professional qualifications recognized in Austria if various documents are not presentable.
April 28, 2022
Population Growth in Austria: Ukrainian Immigration Provides for Over 9 Million Inhabitants
The population in Austria recorded particularly high growth in the first quarter of 2022, pushing the number of inhabitants to over 9 million for the first time. The main reason for this is the large number of temporarily housed Ukrainian aid seekers who have come to Austria in recent months to flee the Russian war of aggression.
April 27, 2022
Humanitarian Crisis in Mariupol: UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Fighting
The humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol continues to escalate, and more and more trapped civilians are fighting for their survival. Now, several UN-Organizations are calling on the Russian war leadership to establish humanitarian escape corridors and to cease hostilities immediately.
April 26, 2022
Women Refugees From Ukraine Particularly At Risk
The war in Ukraine is already in its ninth week. The Russian invasion caused many people to leave the country, especially women and children. These groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal structures and others with malicious intentions.
April 25, 2022
Ukraine: IOM and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior Launch Joint Project for War-Displaced Persons
A joint project of the International Organization for Migration and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, aims to help Ukrainian protection seekers with numerous assistance offers. The project will run with 400,000 euros until the end of August and can be extended if necessary.
April 25, 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
1,350 Ukrainian Displaced Persons Could be Accommodated by Private Apartments in Vienna
The residents of the city of Vienna already provided over 1,100 housing donations for Ukrainian aid seekers who had to flee from the war crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Thus, about 94% of Ukrainians could be accommodated in private shelters and facilitate the situation for public quarters.
April 21, 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
Production of ID Cards for Displaced Ukrainians - 40,000 Copies Already Manufactured
The production of the ID card for displaced persons, continues to progress. So far, 40,000 cards have been produced for the 56,000 registered Ukrainian aid seekers and 30,000 have already been issued. This document is enormously important for war refugees in Austria, as it allows, among other things, access to the Austrian labor market, or internal travel within the EU.
April 14, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.
April 14, 2022
Solidarity With All Refugees: Integration House Calls for Refugee Ball 2022
After a one-year break, the City of Vienna and Integrationshaus are once again inviting to the annual Vienna Refugee Ball. The event, which will take place on April 23, aims to draw attention to current problems in the refugee issue and collect donations that will benefit the non-profit organization Integrationshaus.
April 12, 2022
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