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Russo-Ukrainian War
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
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 and Czech Republic for European Stability and Security
During a pivotal meeting in Vienna, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský showcased a united front on several critical international issues.
November 8, 2023
Ukraine Will Block Gas Transit: Challenges and Opportunities for OMV and Europe
Ukraine's decision to stop transiting Russian natural gas to the West from 2025 poses a significant challenge for OMV and for several European countries. The announcement, made by the head of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, Olexiy Chernyshov, raises several questions about energy security and dependence on Russian gas.
October 29, 2023
Austria Takes Over Chairmanship of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
November 1, 2023, marks the beginning of an important phase for Austria as it takes over the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This key region, which stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea and encompasses around 115 million people, faces a multitude of challenges. The country is taking over this task from Slovenia and will be in charge until December 31, 2024.
October 24, 2023
Potential Consequences of a Russian Nuclear Test
In a recent development, Russia is on the brink of withdrawing its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This decision has sparked intense discussions about the potential for Russia to conduct a nuclear test, creating significant ripples in the global security landscape. The prospect of Russia conducting such a test has prompted deep concerns among experts and policymakers.
October 17, 2023
Russia Reconsiders Nuclear Weapons Test Ban: CTBTO Expresses Concerns
In a recent development, Russia is preparing to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Russia will only conduct a nuclear test if the United States does likewise. Russia signed the CTBT in 1996 and ratified it in 2000.
October 10, 2023
Austria Takes Position Against Russian Wagner Group
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council in Parliament has unanimously supported an initiative against the activities of the Russian Wagner Group. This follows allegations that the group is involved in human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine and other countries. The committee calls for Austria to take action with European partners to limit the group's influence and global presence.
October 5, 2023
EU Foreign Ministers Demonstrate Solidarity with Ukraine in Kyiv
In an unprecedented act of solidarity, the foreign ministers of almost all EU states, including Austria's Alexander Schallenberg, gathered for an informal Council meeting in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. This meeting marked the first time that such a body was held not within the EU, but in a third country. The aim was to demonstratively strengthen Ukraine's back.
October 4, 2023
Norway as a New Key Partner for Austria in Energy and Climate Protection
During a working visit to Norway, Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasized Norway's key role in the fields of environment, energy technology, and climate protection. In a conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Nehammer emphasized that Norway is not only an important partner but also a pioneer in environmental and energy technology.
October 3, 2023
Central European Foreign Ministers of the "Central 5" Discuss OSCE, Ukraine, and Migration
The foreign ministers of the "Central 5" (C5) - Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia - met in Vienna to discuss current security policy and neighborhood issues. Host Alexander Schallenberg stressed the importance of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) as a pan-European platform for dialogue, especially in light of the challenges posed by Russia's attack on Ukraine and the need to keep the OSCE alive. During the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijártó repeatedly irritated the participants.
October 1, 2023
OSCE in Deep Crisis: Russia's Veto Paralyses Europe's Largest Security Body
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is facing its most profound crisis as Russian vetoes block critical decisions, endangering the stability and functionality of the world's most extensive security body. This stalemate emerges from Moscow's continued aggression towards Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between OSCE member states.
September 28, 2023
Austria Advocates Accelerated EU Integration of the Western Balkans
Austria's Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg show a profound commitment to the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union (EU). They recently sent concrete proposals in a letter and a "non-paper" to EU External Relations Commissioner Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. The central theme of these proposals is to accelerate the enlargement process and clarify the agenda for 2024 and beyond.
September 27, 2023
Tensions Escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh: The International Community Calls for Immediate Action
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the contested territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is once again on a knife's edge. Recent developments have escalated tensions, threatening regional stability and raising urgent humanitarian concerns. International organizations like the OSCE and UN are deeply concerned and have convened special meetings to address the issue.
September 21, 2023
Three Seas Initiative Summit Concludes with Resounding Commitments and Strong Support for Ukraine
During the 8th edition of the Three Seas Initiative Summit, the prestigious halls of the Cotroceni Palace welcomed Central and Eastern European leaders. This gathering was a demonstration of unity and determination against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension. On this same occasion, the President of Austria stressed support for Ukraine and the common fight against global warming.
September 20, 2023
Austria EU Representative Selmayr at Dispute Because Of "Blood Money" Statement
EU representative Martin Selmayr has called Austrian gas payments to Russia "blood money". Now reprimanded by Vienna and Brussels, EU Commission representative Martin Selmayr does not want to give up his job in Austria.
September 14, 2023
Austria's Former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl: From Lebanon to St. Petersburg - with Ponies in her Luggage
Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian foreign minister, has become a major figure on the international stage in recent years. Her latest move has now seen her relocate to Russia, more precisely to St. Petersburg.
September 12, 2023
OSCE Chairman Osmani and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Held a Critical Telephone Call About the OSCE
Since February 24, 2022, stress and depression have increased significantly in the OSCE. This is because the most important political decisions in the OSCE require the consent of all 57 governments. However, this consensus rule is blocked mainly by Russia, which severely limits the organization's ability to act. OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani, who is also the foreign minister of North Macedonia, had a critical telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
September 7, 2023
Austria's Ambassadors' Conference 2023 Under the title "Austria's Eyes and Ears in the World"
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg opened this year's Foreign Ministry Ambassadors' Conference, which is taking place this week in Vienna. The week-long conference brings together the heads of Austrian embassies and permanent representations to deepen mutual exchange and intensify cooperation with their colleagues in Vienna.
September 5, 2023
Danube Ports in Ukraine in Focus of Russian Attacks
International tensions over Ukraine are having an increasing impact on Danube ports in the region. The Vienna-based International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) expressed concern about repeated Russian aggression against Ukrainian ports along the river, particularly in Reni and Izmail.
September 3, 2023
European Forum Alpbach 2023: A Turning Point for Europe's Future
The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering a new round and is increasingly focusing on topics that will significantly shape Europe's role in the world. Under the motto "Bold Europe", decision-makers from business, politics, science, art, and culture are meeting in Tyrol to work together on solutions to pressing challenges.
August 30, 2023 · Updated: August 31, 2023; 09:37
Conference in Zagreb: Austria and Croatia Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
The annual conference of Croatian ambassadors, consuls general, consuls, and military plenipotentiaries was held in Zagreb. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was invited as a guest speaker, who was welcomed by his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić-Radman.
August 28, 2023
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at Crimea Platform
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg virtually participated in the Crimea Platform Summit - an initiative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs working to restore Ukraine's full sovereignty over Crimea in accordance with international law. The meeting took place on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day.
August 23, 2023
Ukraine Secures Grain Export through Croatian Adriatic Ports
Ukraine has reached an agreement with Croatia to export grain through ports on the Adriatic Sea. The agricultural goods are to be shipped to Croatia via the Danube and from there they will be transported further to the Adriatic coast.
August 1, 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
OSCE Monitoring Reveals Instances of Torture and Sexual Violence in Ukraine
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has released a new report summarizing its continuous monitoring of international law violations following Russia's military attack in Ukraine.
July 17, 2023
Foreign Ministers of Slavkov Format Countries Hold Talks with Key Political Actors in North Macedonia
Foreign Ministers Jan Lipavský, Miroslav Wlachovský, and Alexander Schallenberg held talks with representatives of the government, parliament, and parliamentary opposition in Northern Macedonia. The aim of the ministers' visit within the framework of the Slavkov format countries was to support North Macedonia on its way to the European Union and to listen to the views of key political actors.
July 16, 2023
OMV Secures Additional European Gas Transmission and Pipeline Capacities until 2028
The listed oil and gas group OMV has successfully secured additional European gas transport capacities and gas pipeline capacities. This measure serves to secure Austria's gas supply and enables OMV to meet its delivery obligations in the medium term.
July 12, 2023
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Northern Adriatic Trilateral Meeting at the invitation of his Italian counterpart. The meeting was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Antonio Tajani, Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, and Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. The talks focused on important issues such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the rapprochement of the Western Balkans with the EU, and the fight against illegal migration.
July 11, 2023
EU Skepticism in Austria Underpinned by Eurobarometer Survey
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, Austrians continue to be among the biggest EU skeptics in Europe. Only 35 percent regard the EU as a whole as "positive," while the EU average is 45 percent. Just under a third of respondents in Austria are in favor of EU enlargement, while across Europe half are in favor.
July 10, 2023
OSCE High-Level Climate Conference Highlights Cross-Border Cooperation
Addressing climate-related challenges and security risks through enhanced cross-border cooperation took center stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, held at the Hofburg in Vienna. Among those attending the conference were high-level representatives of the OSCE participating states and partners for cooperation, climate security experts and practitioners, and representatives of international organizations.
July 9, 2023
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
Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Sabotage at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Kyiv and Moscow have voiced accusations against each other regarding possible acts of sabotage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Kremlin described the situation as tense, while Ukraine again accused Russia of planting explosive devices at the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency also continues to express concern.
July 5, 2023
Security Review Conference Convened by OSCE Chairpersonship
The OSCE Chairpersonship organized the Security Review Conference in 2023 to address the security crisis and promote multilateral engagement. High-level representatives gathered to assess security threats, including the humanitarian impact of Russia's war against Ukraine.
July 4, 2023
Austria and Portugal Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his Portuguese counterpart João Gomes Cravinho for a meeting in Vienna. The talks focused on intensifying political and economic cooperation and strengthening foreign policy cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, they emphasized the unity of the EU member states in the face of the Russian war of aggression and exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans.
July 2, 2023
Austria Stresses Need in Fight Against Illegal Migration Despite Rejection of Higher EU Budget
Dealing with irregular migration, increasing the EU budget as well as foreign and economic policy considerations were the focus of the Parliament's EU Main Committee today. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer reiterated his opposition to a higher EU budget, but at the same time stressed the great need for funding in the fight against illegal migration.
June 28, 2023
Austria's Interior Minister Karner Refers to EU Entry Ban on Question of Asylum for Prigozhin
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has stated that the head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has no prospect of asylum in Austria. Initially, Karner spoke of a case-by-case examination to answer a related question but later specified via a spokesman that Prigozhin was on the EU sanctions list and therefore not allowed to enter the country.
June 26, 2023
European Forum Wachau: Building a Resilient, Green, and Competitive Europe
The event under the general theme "Building a Resilient, Green and Competitive Europe" takes place for the 27th time. This year, the Europa Forum Wachau invited top-class guests to discuss the most important European issues. Among others also the topic of illegal migration, the war in Ukraine, and the Euro-integration of the Western Balkan states.
June 25, 2023
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