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Reinhold Lopatka
Exciting Race for EU Mandates: Austria's Parties in Starting Position
Austria's political landscape is gearing up for an exciting election year, starting with the election of EU representatives in June. The Neos were recently the last of the parliamentary parties to complete their list of candidates and their election program, marking the official start of preparations for the EU elections. Despite this great start to the campaign, the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe and the troubled relations between the EU and Russia will make the EU elections even more complicated.
January 31, 2024
International Observers Highlight Concerns in Serbia's Early Parliamentary Elections
In Serbia's early parliamentary elections, held amidst a politically and socially divided landscape, international observers have raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The OSCE and the European Parliament expressed their criticism. The elections were marked by overwhelming advantages for the ruling party and the dominant involvement of the President, overshadowing the technical efficiency of the voting process.
December 19, 2023
Discussion in the Austrian Parliament on Dual Citizenship for South Tyroleans
A motion for a resolution recently tabled in the Austrian Parliament by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) on the introduction of dual citizenship for South Tyroleans was rejected by the other parliamentary groups. This proposal aimed to allow members of the German and Ladin-speaking ethnic groups in South Tyrol to acquire Austrian citizenship in addition to Italian citizenship.
November 26, 2023
Solidarity with Israel in the Austrian National Council
In a remarkable session of the Austrian National Council, strong solidarity with Israel and a clear condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist attacks were demonstrated. The unanimous decision of the MPs reflects Austria's stance on the Middle East conflict and the violence in the region.
November 26, 2023
Neutrality Debate in Austria's Parliament at Ukraine Session
On the occasion of the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there was a lively debate in the Austrian parliament about the attitude towards the aggressor Russia and about neutrality. An open letter in Austria, in which signatories call for a responsible debate about the country's neutrality, also fueled the session in parliament.
February 24, 2023
Austrian Parliament Calls for More Support for Protests in Iran
The Austrian Parliament, the National Council, unanimously condemned the violent suppression of the current protests in Iran. The deputies demanded that actions on the part of Iranian institutions in Austria be monitored more closely and punished.
November 22, 2022
Foreign Policy Committees of the Austrian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament Discuss Situation in Ukraine
Members of the Austrian Parliament exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.
May 23, 2022
Ukraine Seeks Austrian Support for EU Membership
A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Austria to seek supporters for their country's EU accession. After Ukraine officially submitted its ambitions to the European Union, a recommendation from the European Commission is now eagerly awaited to determine whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. Read on to find out more.
May 18, 2022
Austrian Parliamentary Delegation Visits India, which Maintains a Special Strategic Partnership with Russia
India received an Austrian delegation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Among other things, the delegation discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the hesitant attitude of the Indian government, which has so far not openly opposed the Kremlin.
March 17, 2022
War in Ukraine: Athens Seeks Talks in Vienna
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Vienna to discuss the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine. Read about his meetings with various officials and watch the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
March 10, 2022
Criticism of SPÖ Officials Concerning Belarus
TV appearances in the Belarus state TV of two Austrians with close boundaries to the SPÖ led to an immense wave of criticism. One claims that the news coverage in Belarus is too European friendly. The other repeats a main propaganda message from Lukashenko's party.
August 25, 2020
IPU World Conference: National Council President Sobotka Highlights Importance of International Cooperation
The 5th IPU World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, originally planned on being conducted in Vienna, was held virtually from August 19 to August 20. Austrian National Council President Sobotka as well as the majority of the representatives underlined the importance of international cooperation.
August 21, 2020
Jewish World Congress and Austria Agree: Hezbollah is a Terrorist Organization
Following the Austrian National Council's decision that the EU should reassess its dealings with Hezbollah, as Austrian MPs see it as a terrorist organisation, the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, welcomed this decision.
June 1, 2020
Counter-Terrorism in the Focus of UN and Interparliamentary Cooperation
Reinhold Lopatka elected Chairman of the High-Level Advisory Group on Combating Terrorism and Violent Extremism.
October 21, 2019
Austria Adopts Cultural Agreement with Ukraine
The Austrian National Council has decided on a cultural agreement with Ukraine, which is intended to strengthen cultural cooperation.
July 4, 2019
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Praises the Role of Austria
"As the home of the OSCE, Austria has always been a strong and generous supporter of our work and has allowed our Organization to conduct its important work," said OSCE PA President Tsereteli.
January 24, 2019
Enlargement Perspectives for the Western Balkans - The Role of Parliaments
During a panel discussion in the Austrian Parliament, the perspective of enlargement for the Western Balkans and, in this context, the role of parliaments were discussed. The future of the six candidate countries in the Western Balkans is within the EU. They need an honest perspective for this common future with the EU Member States. The EU must contribute to ensuring the stability of the democracies in these countries. The former President of the German Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, attended the discussion.
October 11, 2018
Nuclear Controversy: Iran Seeking Austria's Support
Austria's EU Presidency, the future of the nuclear agreement and the desire to strengthen bilateral economic and cultural exchange were the focus of a visit by Iranian parliamentarians to the Austrian Parliament.
September 25, 2018
Hypo Petition Puts Pressure on Austrian Government
The support of the online petition for the establishing of an investigation committee has gained more than 105,000 supporters which puts increasing pressure on the government.
March 28, 2014
Austria: Hypo Petition to be Continued
The online petition for the establishing of a parliamentary investigation committee will not be stopped by the Austrian government, consisting of SPÖ (Social Democrats) and ÖVP (Austrian People’s Party).
March 24, 2014
Austria: National Assembley Rejects Investigation Committee
The parliamentary investigation committee for Hypo Group, demanded by the opposition parties, was rejected in a roll-call vote in the National Assembley.
February 26, 2014
Hypo Group: Emergency Sitting in National Assembley Fixed
An extraordinary session in the National Assembley will take place next Monday in regard to Hypo Group Alpe Adria.
February 12, 2014
Austria: Tax Increases Contemplated by Government
During the coalition negotiations increases of taxes on tobacco and alcohol is currently considered by the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP).
December 9, 2013
Austria: President Presses for Progress in Coalition Negotiations
It has been two months after since the coalition negotiations started after the elections for the National Assembley. However, there has been not visible progress.
December 2, 2013
Austria: Tax Losses Amount to € 2bn in 2014
The Austrian People’s Party estimates tax losses in the amount of € 2bn for the coming fiscal year as announced by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Reinhold Lopatka in an interview with radio station Ö1.
November 29, 2013
Lopatka: EU Enlargement Process of Western Balkans Decisive for Austria
“Non-Enlargement” of Western Balkan states would be fatal for Austrian businesses operating in the region and the national economy.
October 31, 2013
Lopatka Welcomes Statement by Barroso
Subsidiarity is the precondition for a successful European Union.
September 12, 2013
Lopatka Demands Reform for Austrian Railways
State Secretary Lopatka demands Minister of Infrastructure Bures to tackle the expensive pension system at the Austrian Railways by doing away with privliges for emplyoees in order to unburden tax payers.
September 4, 2013
Austria Stresses Importance of Agency for Fundamental Rights
"EU Agency for Fundamental Rights in Vienna plays a central role in the monitoring of fundamental rights."
July 17, 2013
EU Accession Talks With Serbia Around the Turn of the Year
The EU Ministers for Foreign and European Affairs agree that EU Accession negotiations with Serbia should commence around the turn of the year.
June 25, 2013
Lopatka: "EU Enlargement is a Driver for Reforms and Rule Of Law"
State Secretary Lopatka on DARUM EUROPA information tour.
June 18, 2013
Lopatka: "Visa Cooperation Reinforces Mutual Ties Between Austria and the Czech Republic"
Austrian State-Secretary on the signing of a new agreement and working meetings in Prague.
June 4, 2013
Lopatka: "Austria Is a Leading Investor in the Western Balkans States"
Austrian State Secretary welcomes the most recent agreement between Serbia and Kosovo as pointing the way towards enlargement
May 27, 2013
Over 2,000 Austrian Companies Now Represented in Slovakia
Lopatka: Agreement reached on Austro-Slovak Business Forum
May 16, 2013
Lopatka: „Poland Important Economic Partner and Ally of Austria in EU“
Austrian State Secretary encourages bilateral relations and trade between the two Central European countries as well as improved relations between EU and US.
April 30, 2013
EU Accession Date for Serbia Voted on Today
On Friday, heads of Serbian and Kosovar government Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaci have come to an agreement under the the special guidance of EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton.
April 22, 2013
Hungary: Lopatka Presses For Legal Security for Austrian Enterprises
State Secretary Reinhold Lopatka met with Hungarian State Secretary for European Affairs Gergely Pröhle in Budapest toda to urge for legal security for Austrian enterprises in the neighboring country.
April 19, 2013
„Unlawful“ Farming in Hungary
The estimated 200 Austrians, who are engaged in agriculture in Hungary, are apparently not highly esteemed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
April 16, 2013
EVN to Get Support by State Secretary
State Secretary Lopatka intervened in EVN’s dispute with Bulgarian government. He urges Bulgaria to ensure protection of investments.
March 29, 2013
"Strict financial audits enhance trust in administrative bodies"
Symposium of international courts of auditors discusses citizens' participation in Vienna.
March 7, 2013
Austrian Development Funds: Programme Approved
“ADA has over 110 million euros funding for operative development cooperation work in 2013” the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.
March 6, 2013
“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
Austria Stresses Importance of Human Rights Conference
Austrian Foreign Ministry: "Carry on from the outcome of the World Conference on Human Rights 1993".
February 26, 2013
“Austria’s interests are best represented in a competitive EU”
State Secretary Lopatka underlines the necessity of maintaining competitiveness in the EU.
February 14, 2013
“Mali to receive support from EU and Austria”
Development Ministers consult on new European development framework in Dublin.
February 13, 2013
Austrian Governing Parties Disagree on EU Budget
The Austrian people´s party (ÖVP) has criticized Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann (SPÖ). The social democrats argue that the coalition partner ÖVP has “no team sprit”.
February 11, 2013
Austrian Government May Put Veto Against EU Budget
Members of the Austrian government fear that Austria may lose its discount. The annual loss would come at more than € 180m.
February 5, 2013
Austria´s Net Contributions to Brussels to Increase Significantly
At the moment, Austria´s net contributions come at 0.2% of GDP. From 2014 to 2020, the figure may increase to 0.36% of GDP.
February 2, 2013
“Using the location Vienna as a bridge between the EU and Latin America”
Austrian State Secretary calls for cooperation in security issues and sustainable energy at the international organisations headquarters in Vienna.
January 28, 2013
"Economic boom in Peru opens up opportunities for closer cooperation"
Great interest in Austrian tourism and urban development expertise.
January 25, 2013
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