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Russo-Ukrainian War
Austria Calls for Common European Gas Price Cap at EU Summit in Prague
At the first meeting of the "European Political Community", the informal summit of EU heads of state and government in Prague, Austria attracted particular attention by wanting to define a common EU gas price cap. For Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer it was clear in Prague that there would be "no embargo via the back door" when it comes to Russian gas.
October 11, 2022
Austria's Economy Threatens to Fall Into Stagflation
After the recovery of the national economy in the previous year as well as in the first half of 2022, the Economic Research Institute and the Institute for Advanced Studies see Austria in a downturn phase. Stagflation is looming next year.
October 10, 2022
Austria Boosts its Defense Budget
As many European countries increase their defense budgets in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Austria is no exception. The Austrian army will receive more money in the coming years, a total of 16 billion euros until 2026, the federal government of Austria announced.
October 9, 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
Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler met Olena Zelenska in Warsaw
Austria's Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler participated in the Warsaw Security Forum. In Warsaw, the Minister met with Olena Zelenska and the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister. The minister announced the preparations for a trip to Kyiv with EU counterparts and said the war should not be perceived primarily from a "male perspective".
October 5, 2022
Sanctions: 200 Russian Bank Accounts Frozen in Austria
In the course of the sanctions against Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine, about 200 accounts in Austria have already been frozen. This means that assets of one billion euros are affected.
October 5, 2022
Illegal Annexation: Russian Ambassador in Vienna Summoned
Like several other European countries, Austria summoned Russian Ambassador Dmitry Lyubinsky yesterday to tell him that Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory was an unacceptable violation of international law. The ambassador defended himself and spoke of referendums with free expression of will in full accordance with the norms and principles of international law.
October 4, 2022
OPEC Plus Aims to Raise Oil Price
According to insiders, OPEC+ is planning to reduce the amount of oil produced in order to increase the price of oil. This decision is to be published in Vienna on 5 October. In addition, the main OPEC organisation is planning to hold the 8th OPEC International Seminar at the Hofburg in Vienna next year. This is one of the premier events in the energy industry calendar.
October 3, 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
Weekly Briefing: 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is working at full speed and is already preparing exciting glimpses of the fall. The IAEA is holding its 66th General Conference and there are new economic developments in Austria. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 29, 2022
Vietnam and Austria Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations
To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Austria, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son visited Vienna. Together with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the two counterparts discussed the good relations between the two countries and exchanged views on current international challenges, such as the Ukraine war.
September 29, 2022
Referendum in Ukraine: Austria Will Not Recognise Result
After the publication of the results of the illegal sham referenda in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, the Austrian government made it clear that it would not recognise them. The inconclusive election results show a clear approval of the Russian annexation.
September 28, 2022
Argentinian Foreign Minister in Vienna
The Argentine Foreign Minister, Santiago Andrés Cafiero, who is currently attending the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to strengthen Argentina's relations with the Agency, met with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. The exchange focused on the expansion of bilateral relations, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its global implications.
September 27, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met Representatives of Jewish Organizations in New York
Austria should take its historical responsibility for the Holocaust seriously. Foreign Minister Schallenberg met with representatives of Jewish organizations on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
September 25, 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
Weekly Briefing: New Ambassadors in Vienna
The Find out more about this week's developments. In Vienna, several new ambassadors were accredited, who will represent their respective countries bilaterally as well as multilaterally at the OSCE and the international organizations in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 22, 2022
OSCE Criticises Russian Media Isolation and "Climate of Fear"
Since 2012, the Russian government has been suppressing freedom of expression step by step. With a new law that will only allow information from official Russian channels, a new low has been reached to which the OSCE would like to draw attention once again.
September 22, 2022
Austrian Chancellor at UN General Assembly: End War at the Negotiating Table as Soon as Possible
The UN General Assembly in New York gathered a large number of international politicians to debate the current problems in the world. The Austrian President Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chancellor Nehammer and Alexander Schallenber, Austria's Foreign Minister, were also present.
September 22, 2022
Reopening of the Bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna
As a part of the reopening of the bilateral Icelandic Embassy in Vienna, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Icelandic counterpart Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir. Aside from bilateral issues, Iceland's upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe and the security situation in Europe were also discussed.
September 19, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in New York
As part of his New York trip, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will participate in the UN General Debate, the "Transforming Education Summit" and bilateral working talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of government.
September 18, 2022
Ukraine Commission of Inquiry Demonstrate Unity Against Impunity
The United Nations Human Rights Council established an Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine in March. Schallenberg recently welcomed those members.
September 16, 2022
State of the EU 2022 Speech: Austria Wants to Usher in a Modern EU Future
The State of the EU address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed many acute issues, including the war in Ukraine and its international repercussions. Austria's Minister for Europe responded.
September 15, 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 Foreign Minister Schallenberg Presents the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity at the annual Ars Electronica Festival. The award, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021, honors projects that demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange for the development of a society-oriented, digital world.
September 11, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austrian policymakers are concerned with inflation and energy issues. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 8, 2022
New Framework Agreement Between Ukraine and Austria to Facilitate Economic and Humanitarian Assistance
A new framework agreement between Ukraine and Austria is to promote a strengthening of economic cooperation as well as the expansion of humanitarian aid on the ground. For this purpose, the Austrian Minister of Labour, Martin Kocher, and the Caritas Secretary General, Andreas Knapp, travelled to Ukraine.
September 8, 2022
New School Year 2022/23 Starts in Vienna with New Challenges
The new school year begins in Vienna and eastern Austria. In addition to the Corona challenges and the energy crisis, which have almost become the norm, compulsory schooling for all Ukrainian children is now coming, and voices have already been heard that a shortage of teachers is imminent.
September 4, 2022
IAEA Will Maintain a Continued Presence at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began inspecting Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power. As IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Twitter, some of his colleagues will stay at the power plant site for several days and establish a continued IAEA presence.
September 1, 2022
OSCE's Dilemma over Bulgaria's Parliamentary Elections
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened its election observation mission on the 2 October early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, following an official invitation from the national authorities. The OSCE mission will face political turmoil in a country fighting corruption, threatened to be overshadowed by Russian influence and the war in Ukraine
August 31, 2022
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Prague
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Prague. The talks once again focused on the Russian war against Ukraine and its global repercussions. Among other things, a general ban on Russian citizens entering the European Union was discussed, which Austria is critical of.
August 31, 2022
Crisis Around Viennese Energy Supply Company "Wien Energie"
Austria's largest energy supplier urgently needs money to hedge forward transactions. Otherwise, the company would have to realize huge losses.
August 30, 2022
IAEA Finally Sends Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power
After months of negotiations and back and forth, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine is finally setting off from Vienna. The mission itself is headed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Agency is proud of the diplomatic success.
August 29, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Calls for EU-27 to Stand Together for European Electricity Price Cap
Given the sharp rise in energy prices, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is calling for a European electricity price cap to "finally" put a stop to "this madness that is currently taking place on the energy markets. According to Nehammer. this is only possible through a European solution.
August 29, 2022
High Representative Josep Borrell at European Forum Alpbach
The theme of "The New Europe" is the focus of this year's European Forum Alpbach. One of the most prominent guests is Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During his appearance, he spoke about the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine and the future challenges for the European Union.
August 28, 2022
Meeting between French President Macron and IAEA Chief Grossi
French President Emmanuel Macron received the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. The meeting between the two dignitaries focused on the threat posed by Russia's war against Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities. Macron assured the IAEA Director General of France's support in the IAEA's upcoming mission to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.
August 28, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in and Around Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Last week was turbulent for the most important matters of diplomacy in Vienna. The war in Ukraine, the European Forum Alpbach or the efforts of international organizations in Vienna towards peaceful solutions shows once again how multifaceted diplomacy is. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 25, 2022
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Causes a Stir with a Tweet About Russia and Putin
Former Foreign Minister and FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl, who danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018, caused a stir with a tweet about the Ukraine war. Kneissl, who was considered to have good connections to Russia, was even on the supervisory board of the Russian oil company Rosneft until May.
August 25, 2022
Rosatom and IAEA Negotiate over Inspection for Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Russia's atomic energy agency Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have discussed details of a possible IAEA inspection at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian troops. IAEA Chairman Rafael Grossi and Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev exchanged "detailed views on all issues related to the planned IAEA mission," according to a Rosatom statement.
August 24, 2022
Ukraine Hosts Crimean Platform While Russian Invasion
The format, which was launched in 2021 to counter diplomatically the Russian annexation of Crimea, takes place this year virtually in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This year's Crimea Platform summit was attended online by many international guests, including OSCE's Helga Maria Schmid and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
August 24, 2022
OSCE's Dilemma over Bosnia and Herzegovina’s General Elections
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 2 October parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OSCE mission is taking place in a country deeply scarred by war, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.
August 24, 2022
Ars Electronica Festival 2022 on Art as a Theater of War
Together with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ars Electronica's "Welcome to Planet B" festival offers artists who are threatened, persecuted and oppressed because of the political dimension of their works a space on its online platform entitled "State of the ART(ist)".
August 23, 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
Opening of the European Forum Alpbach 2022
The 77th Forum was officially opened by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also gave a speech in the course of the opening. After more than two Corona years, the Forum is held again in full capacity and is marked by the war in Ukraine.
August 22, 2022
Czech Republic and Slovakia Remember Prague Spring
The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic commemorated the Warsaw Pact invasion of the then Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (CSSR) on August 21, 1968. Especially with the background of Russia's current attack on Ukraine, this day is of special significance.
August 21, 2022
Russian Permanent Representative is Cited to the Austrian Foreign Ministry
Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, reportedly commented in response to a tweet by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the U.S. for arms deliveries, saying "No mercy for the Ukrainian people!" The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now summoning Ulyanov to "resolutely stand up against such inflammatory statements."
August 21, 2022
Weekly Briefing: New Economic Developments
The Find out more about this week's developments. The war in Ukraine is also making itself increasingly felt in the Austrian economy. In Vienna, there are new developments in the day-to-day business of diplomacy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
August 18, 2022
University of Vienna Hosts 13th International Finnougrist Congress
From August 21 to 26, 2022, the 13th International Finnougrist Congress, or CIFU (Congressus Internationalis Fenno-Ugristarum), will be held at the University of Vienna. It is the most important international event of Finno-Ugristics. More than 300 scholars from 19 countries will exchange ideas on current topics from linguistics to literature and cultural studies.
August 17, 2022
Austria's Gas Storage Facilities Almost 60 Percent Full
As a result of the war in Ukraine, contingency plans are being put in place in Europe, as well as in Austria, to secure gas supplies. Gas storage facilities in Austria are 59.83 percent full. This means that a total of 57.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas is stored in domestic storage facilities.
August 17, 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
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
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