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Russo-Ukrainian War
Malta Champions Enhanced UN-OSCE Cooperation Amidst Global Security Challenges
As Malta takes a prominent stance in international diplomacy by chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), it has vowed to strengthen its collaboration with the United Nations to face what is described as Europe's greatest security challenge since 1945. Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg affirmed the commitment during his address to the UN Security Council in New York City.
April 23, 2024
Reflection on the Diplomatic Posture: France's Ambassador Gilles Pécout Comments
The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, gave a final interview before leaving Austria on the current geopolitical challenges and the position of France and Austria in the face of increasing tensions with Russia.
April 23, 2024
Flow-Through Capital Despite Sanctions: Russian Investments in Austria Continue to Flow
While international tensions and the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years, are putting a heavy strain on relations between Russia and the West, Austria remains a remarkably robust magnet for Russian investment. Contrary to expectations that the extensive international sanctions against Russia would curb capital flows, the latest data from the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs' investment control report shows a different reality: Russian investments in Austria rose by 14% to EUR 25.5 billion in the first half of 2022.
April 22, 2024
Raiffeisen Bank International Expects ECB Call to Accelerate Withdrawals from Russia
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is facing increasing pressure from the European Central Bank (ECB) to reduce its business activities in Russia more rapidly. This follows a number of developments and the publication of an ad hoc announcement by the bank in which it is expected that the ECB will make an official request to accelerate the wind-down measures in the near future.
April 18, 2024
Group DF International and Hyundai Engineering in Vienna: New Industrial Park in Ukraine
In an ambitious move to aid Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, Group DF International, led by controversial Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash, and Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd., have embarked on a major venture to establish a chemical industrial park in the city of Rivne, situated in Western Ukraine. This pivotal agreement was officially sealed in Vienna, setting the stage for what is poised to be one of the most substantial investment initiatives in the region.
April 15, 2024
Escalating Tensions at Europe's Largest Nuclear Plant Amidst War in Ukraine
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, has become a focal point of escalating tensions and mutual accusations between the two nations. The plant, seized by Russian forces early in the invasion, now sits precariously at the center of military and geopolitical strife, with both nations accusing each other of dangerous provocations.
April 14, 2024
FPÖ Distances Itself from Friendship Treaty with "United Russia"
In a press conference, the Third President of the National Council, Norbert Hofer, clarified that the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) relativizes the friendship treaty concluded with the United Russia party in 2016. This comes in light of the recent accusations of an espionage affair involving the FPÖ.
April 14, 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
Russia's Covert Influence in Europe: Current Strategy Only "Plan B"
The Czech government recently revealed the existence of a Moscow-funded propaganda network that used the Prague-based online portal Voice of Europe to influence the upcoming EU elections. Austrian political scientist Gerhard Mangott and his Ukrainian colleague Anton Shekhovtsov explained that this tactic was merely Russia's "plan B".
April 10, 2024
Austria's Nehammer and France's Macron: An Alliance for Innovation and Security
During his first bilateral working visit to France, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer underlined the importance of promoting innovation and the joint fight against terrorism and organized crime as key topics of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
April 8, 2024
Influential Voice in Culture and Politics: Nina Khrushcheva at the Salzburg Festival
Nina Khrushcheva, an outstanding academic, great-granddaughter of the famous Soviet Communist Party leader Nikita Khrushchev, and fierce critic of the current Russian government, will take to the podium at this year's Salzburg Festival with an opening speech that has already caused a sensation in the run-up to the festival. This event not only marks a cultural highlight of the year but also a moment of profound reflection on the role of art in turbulent times.
April 3, 2024
Deepening Austrian-Kazakh Relations: Focus on Economic and Political Cooperation
At a time characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Austria and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their intention to raise bilateral relations to a new level. The working visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Vienna marks an important milestone in the cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on the economy, politics, and security.
March 18, 2024
Elections in Russia Also Held in Vienna: Between Protest and Farce
In Vienna, there were unusually long queues outside the Russian embassy as numerous young Russians lined up, sometimes for hours, to take part in the presidential election. However, their efforts were in vain as Vladimir Putin secured the elections in Russia, which were deemed neither fair nor honest internationally.
March 18, 2024
Memorial for Navalny in Vienna: A Sign of Resistance and Mourning Destroyed
An impressive testimony to the compassion and protest of the Russian community in Austria has formed in front of the Russian embassy in Vienna. In honor of the deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, an improvised memorial was created that not only expresses grief but can also be seen as a clear statement against the Putin regime.
March 17, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vienna: Commitment to Global Challenges
At a time of global uncertainty and increasing challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's visit to Vienna sent a strong message of international cooperation and diplomatic dialog. During his stay in the Austrian capital, Blinken tackled several key issues ranging from the fight against synthetic drugs to nuclear security and continued support for Ukraine.
March 17, 2024
Austria Expels Two Russian Diplomats and Austrian Ambassador in Moscow is Summoned
After Austria recently declared two Russian diplomats undesirable persons, Russia is now summoning Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This indicates a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. So far, a total of eleven Russian diplomats have been expelled from Austria since 2020
March 14, 2024
Cyprus Concludes Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation
The final session of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was chaired by Cyprus. Cyprus' engagement in the OSCE FSC impressively illustrates the value of dialog and multilateral cooperation, even in the most difficult times.
March 13, 2024
Austria and Turkmenistan Sign Cooperation Agreement
In a step towards deepening their bilateral relations, Austria and Turkmenistan have signed a new cooperation agreement for the years 2024-2025. The meeting in Vienna between Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov focused on topics of mutual interest, including political-diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic relations, energy issues, and cultural exchanges.
March 12, 2024
Future of EU Enlargement Discussed in Vienna: Unified Vision Required
An event in Vienna, organized by the ERSTE Foundation in cooperation with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), focused on the debate about the future of EU enlargement. Under the title "Beyond Catch-27: How to make EU enlargement work?", leading experts from various fields gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating new member states into the European Union.
March 7, 2024
Two Years of War in Ukraine: Solidarity and demands for peace from the international community in Vienna
Two years after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community remains alarmed and united in its support for Ukraine. The ongoing violence against civilians, including children, and Russia's violation of international human rights norms have sparked concern and outrage around the world. The OSCE and international representatives have spoken out strongly, calling for an end to the war.
February 26, 2024
Financial Market Authority Initiates Investigations Against Raiffeisen Bank International
The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has launched an investigation into Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI). The focus is on possible deficiencies in the implementation of money laundering prevention measures, as can be seen from the bank's annual report published today.
February 25, 2024
Decline in Frozen Russian Assets in Austria
The significant drop in the volume of frozen Russian assets in Austria, as observed over the past year, mirrors a broader trend seen in other countries, where the handling and status of these assets have been dynamic and subject to legal, political, and financial considerations.
February 21, 2024
Austria Plans to Withdraw from Russian Gas Contracts
In a decisive step against continued energy dependence, Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) announced that she would end the gas supply contracts between OMV and the Russian company Gazprom. The contracts, which run until 2040 and oblige Austria to purchase significant quantities, are under critical review. Gewessler commissioned the Economic Research Institute (WIFO) to carry out a detailed analysis of the economic consequences of termination and the risks of continued dependency.
February 12, 2024
Russia Refuses OSCE Observer's Invitation to Presidential Elections
The Russian Federation's decision not to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to the upcoming presidential elections has been met with deep regret by the leaders of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA).
February 11, 2024
Malta Supports Ukraine as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
On his first visit abroad as Chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. This meeting marks a crucial moment in the efforts to achieve peace and security in the war-torn region.
February 8, 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
IAEA Chief Underlines in Ukraine: "No Room for Complacency"
The IAEA Director General and his team of experts traveled to Kyiv and to the south to visit the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. During the critical visit to Ukraine, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met with high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
February 6, 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
EU Ambassador in Vienna Selmayr Transitions to Academia
After serving as the Ambassador of the European Commission in Austria since November 2019, Martin Selmayr is embarking on a new journey in academia.
January 31, 2024
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
Austria's Ministry of Defense Warns of Global Risks
In a time of global uncertainty, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has presented the "Risikobild 2024 - World out of joint". The presentation at the Raiffeisen Forum, led by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, aimed to shed light on the security policy challenges at the national and international level for the coming twelve to 18 months.
January 29, 2024
Malta Embarks on OSCE Leadership with Security and Resilience at the Forefront
Malta has officially taken the helm of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2024, under the leadership of Ian Borg, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. At the inaugural session of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, Borg laid out Malta's ambitious agenda aimed at enhancing security and bolstering resilience across the OSCE's expansive region, amid complex global challenges.
January 28, 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
Cyprus Takes Over the Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation
On the international stage, Cyprus has now assumed the Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Cypriot Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos opened the meeting in Vienna and outlined Cyprus' priorities for his term.
January 22, 2024
Austria's Graz Supports Lviv in Building an Artistic Library
In a remarkable gesture of cultural cooperation, the Austrian city of Graz has agreed to support the Ukrainian city of Lviv in the construction of a new Artistic Library. This decision strengthens the already existing historical ties between the two cities and marks an important step in their cultural cooperation.
January 16, 2024
Karl von Habsburg Calls for Decisive Action in Speech on the Future of Europe
Karl von Habsburg, President of the Pan-European Movement Austria, used the annual "Speech on the Future of Europe" to address important European policy issues. The motto of the online matinee was "Courage to take responsibility".
January 11, 2024
Secret Meeting to Plan Mass Displacement in Germany: The Role of the Austrian Martin Sellner
A secret meeting held in a hotel near Potsdam last November brought together high-ranking AfD politicians, neo-Nazis and wealthy entrepreneurs. The meeting aimed to discuss a plan to expel millions of people from Germany. Among those present was Martin Sellner, a well-known far-right activist from Austria and former spokesperson for the Identitarian Movement Austria.
January 10, 2024
Political Thriller Around the Abramovich Villa in Austria
The sale of a villa on Lake Fuschl to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's family in Salzburg has been revealed to have disappeared. The property was acquired through an offshore letterbox company and a British trustee. The Green Party is now calling for the sale to be reversed, requiring a trust deed. The party is seeking clarification on how the sale can be reversed without the deed.
January 9, 2024
Alarming Number of Abducted Children in the Ukraine War
The Ukrainian government has made alarming statements about the abduction of children in the war against Russia.
January 8, 2024
Malta Assumes OSCE Chairmanship Under Challenging Circumstances
At a time of global tension and uncertainty, Malta will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on 1 January 2024. Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg expressed a deep sense of responsibility for this new role, especially in light of the ongoing complex and critical security challenges.
January 4, 2024
Austria in EU Council: Focus on Finance, Migration and Geopolitical Stability
After two intensive days of negotiations, the European Council in Brussels came to an end on Friday evening. The EU member states set new priorities for the EU budget, discussed future EU enlargements, and took a stand on current geopolitical issues. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer supported these steps.
December 26, 2023
Eurobarometer Survey: Growing EU Support in Austria
A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals a remarkable trend: support and a positive image of the European Union (EU) have increased in Austria and across Europe. According to Martin Selmayr, Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria, the mood towards the EU in Austria is "better than often assumed."
December 26, 2023
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg's Pioneering Visits to Senegal and South Africa
In an unprecedented diplomatic mission, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was the first Austrian official to visit Senegal and South Africa, setting new impulses in Austrian-African relations and opening the 31st Austrian Cultural Forum in Pretoria.
December 20, 2023
Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska Sells STRABAG Shares to Russian Corporation
The Russian oligarch and major shareholder of STRABAG, Oleg Deripaska, has initiated a sale of his considerable stake in the Austrian construction group to a Russian joint stock company.
December 19, 2023
Ukraine Removes Raiffeisen Bank International from the List of "War Sponsors"
The Ukrainian government has temporarily removed Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) from the controversial list of "war sponsors". This step follows intensive bilateral talks and consultations with representatives of the European Commission. RBI, which was previously criticized for its business activities in Russia and the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics by its Russian subsidiary, is now no longer suspected of supporting the Russian war of aggression.
December 17, 2023
Discussion in Austria's Parliament on Security Policy Concerning Ukraine and Israel
In the run-up to the European Council, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met in Parliament to discuss current security policy challenges.
December 13, 2023
Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: USA and Austria Engage in Strategic Dialogue
The United States and the Republic of Austria held their annual strategic dialogue in Vienna to deepen bilateral cooperation and emphasize shared values.
December 6, 2023
European Dissonance at OSCE Meeting in Skopje: Meeting between Schallenberg and Lavrov
At the annual meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje, a growing dissent among European states regarding the Ukraine crisis was revealed. While several EU states, including Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states, boycotted the meeting in protest against the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, bilateral talks were held between him and several EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Alexander Schallenberg.
November 30, 2023
Austria and Slovakia Emphasize the Importance of Cooperation and Regional Stability
At a time of global uncertainties and regional conflicts, Austria and Slovakia have reaffirmed their common vision for a more stable European Union and enhanced regional cooperation. This was clearly expressed during the inaugural visit of Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to Vienna, where he met with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. However, the recent parliamentary elections in Slovakia marked a significant turning point in European politics with the election victory of left-wing populist Robert Fico and his Smer-SSD party.
November 28, 2023
Austria and the United Kingdom Sign Strategic Partnership
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was the first EU Foreign Minister to meet his new British counterpart David Cameron in London. The meeting focused on the situation in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
November 21, 2023
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