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Sebastian Kurz


Swiss President Welcomes Kurz

Swiss President Sommaruga and Austria's Chancellor Kurz met near Bern to discuss current topics related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cooperation between the two countries. Kurz also met with CEOs of leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies to discuss the current vaccine developments.
September 21, 2020



Austrian World Summit 2020 Was a Success


The Austrian World Summit 2020 was held in a mixture of analog and digital setting due to Covid-19, yet starred international personalities that all highlighted the importance of sustainability and the fight against climate change.
September 17, 2020


Zelensky Visits Austria

Ukrainian President Zelensky came to Austria to visit President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and President of the National Council Sobotka. The topics comprised the successful bilateral economic relations and regional conflicts in the Ukraine.
September 16, 2020
Japan's Abe Thanked Kurz for Cooperation

In a telephone summit, Japan's Prime Minister Abe and Austria's Chancellor Kurz wished each other farewell since Abe will step down as Japan's leading politician due to health issues.
September 10, 2020


Slovak-3 Summit with Matovič, Babiš, and Kurz

The Slovak-3 Summit with the highest officials from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria took place in Vienna. The topics comprised cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and the overall relations between the three neighboring countries.
September 10, 2020


Joint Statement by Greece and Austria

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz have issued a joint statement that deals with European refugee policy and the ongoing dispute with Turkey over the natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean.
September 9, 2020


Meeting Between Janša and Kurz

Slovenia's Prime Minister Janša and President Pahor welcomed Chancellor Kurz for a working visit. All three politicians highlighted the important bilateral economic and political relations.
September 8, 2020

Kurz: "There is light at the end of the tunnel"
Today, Chancellor Kurz was holding a State of the Union Address and talked about the Coronavirus, special vacation for parents and a "pact against isolation". According to him, the next summer will be normal again. However, the time until then will be challenging.
August 28, 2020


Van der Bellen Promoted a Common, Greener European Future at the 75th European Forum Alpbach

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen opened the 75th European Forum Alpbach with his speech that focused on international cooperation and an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
August 26, 2020

Kurz is Giving a Speech with 3 Major Topics
On Friday, Chancellor Kurz is giving a speech concerning the current situation in Austria and the planned political content of the following months. The three major topics are economy and labour, digitization and education as well as social cohesion and civil society involvement.
August 26, 2020


Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus

Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.
August 20, 2020


US Ambassador Trevor Traina: Relations with Austria Stronger Than Ever

US Ambassador in Vienna Trevor Traina praises the improvement of US-Austrian relations in the recent year. A visit of President Donald Trump to Vienna is likely to happen once the travel restrictions fall.
August 20, 2020

Austria Introduces Travel Warning for Balearics
The government announced a travel warning for the Balearics and therefore reacts on the increasing number of Corona infected returners. The travel warning is valid since Monday, August 24 onwards and a negative PCR-test or a home quarantine is necessary to enter Austria.
August 19, 2020 · Updated: August 19, 2020; 18:37


Austrian Government Provides Humanitarian Assistance for Lebanon

Austria provides supplies and financial aid for severely impacted Lebanon after explosion disaster at the beginning of August. In total, about EUR 2 million are provided.
August 19, 2020


European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23

The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.
August 18, 2020


US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Visits Austria

The visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Austria comprised discussions with highest officials of the Austrian government including Chancellor Kurz and President Van der Bellen. Discussions were held about the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations as well as about topics of international importance.
August 17, 2020


Visit of US Secretary of State to Austria Results in a Joint Declaration by Austria and the United States

A joint declaration by Austria and United States was issued as part of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Austria. The declaration included, among other topics, commitment to rebuilding efforts after the Covid-19 crisis and the creation of an even better bilateral dialogue.
August 15, 2020


Austrian Airlines Deal: EUR 450 Million for Vienna Hub Guarantee

The Lufthansa subsidiary will receive EUR 450 million from the Republic of Austria, EUR 300 million of which as a loan guarantee and EUR 150 million as equity.
June 9, 2020

Corona Measures: Further Relaxation in Austria - Mandatory Masks Largely Removed from 15 June
From 15 June, the current obligation to protect the mouth and nose will be abolished. What is now permitted and what is not?
May 29, 2020


Austria Becomes Self-sufficient in the Supply of Mouth and Nose Masks

Hygiene Austria LP GmbH, founded only 4 weeks ago by a cooperation of Lenzing AG and Palmers Textil AG with the aim of producing and selling protective masks for the domestic and European market, was made known to a wider public today by the visit of Federal Chancellor Kurz and Minister of Labour Christine Aschbacher, and two weeks ago by the visit of Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck.
May 19, 2020


Austria and Germany Agree to Open Borders on 15 June

The gradual opening of the borders between Austria, Germany and Switzerland will begin as early as Friday. From May 15th onwards there will only be spot checks at the borders between Austria and Germany, both countries announced. From 15 June, the borders are to be opened completely. Opening to Italy is not an issue for the time being.
May 13, 2020


Corona-App Statement: Antonella Mei-Pochtler Remains in Office

The Austrian opposition parties have unsuccessfully tried to remove the advisor and one of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz' closest confidants, Roman-born Antonella Mei-Pochtler, from all functions.
May 13, 2020


Chancellor Kurz: ''As much freedom as possible, as much restriction as necessary"

First step towards new normality: Small shops were opened in Austria. Curfews still apply.
April 14, 2020


Austria to Ease Anti-Corona Measures from Mid-April

The drastic Austrian measures in the fight against the coronavirus are to be gradually eased after Easter.
April 6, 2020


Austrian Government Extends Measures: Masks Partially Obligatory

At a press conference today, the government presented further measures to contain the coronavirus.
March 30, 2020


Federal Chancellor: "The situation is still serious"

Austrian government presents details of the aid package designed to save jobs and businesses.
March 26, 2020


Austrian Government to Boost Coronavirus Testing Capacity

The government announced on Tuesday that it would greatly increase the capacity for coronavirus testing, apparently after the WHO had asked European countries to do so the day before.
March 24, 2020


Austrian Government Says It is Prepared to Pump Virtually Unlimited Money into Economy

The Federal Government announced today that an aid package of up to 38 billion euros is being prepared to deal with the consequences of the coronavirus.
March 18, 2020


COVID-19 Bill Adopted by National Council and Upper House of Parliament

Both the National Council and the Federal Council today approved the major legislative package to deal with the coronavirus crisis. The signing by the Federal President took already place this evening.
March 15, 2020


Coronavirus Crisis in Austria: Four Billion Euro Package for the Economy

The Austrian government today cancelled the budgetary "zero deficit" for 2020 and announced the provision of four billion euros for immediate measures.
March 14, 2020

COVID-19: Further Drastic Measures - Reduction of Social Life to a Minimum
In order to slow down the spread of the virus, it is necessary for the Austrian population to continue to take consistent measures, in particular to reduce social contacts to a minimum in the near future.
March 13, 2020


State of Emergency in Austria: Federal Government Appeals to Population

The Federal Government informed about further necessary steps and the current situation regarding coronavirus. From Monday, March 16, 2020, social life will be reduced to a minimum. Air and train traffic to Switzerland, Spain and France will be suspended. Many shops will be closed, with the exception of those necessary for basic services. Public transport will be maintained. With a few exceptions, cafés, restaurants and bars will only be open until 3 p.m. from Monday onwards. Visitors are prohibited in all hospitals.
March 13, 2020



Crisis Between Athens and Ankara: Greek Prime Minister in Vienna


Thousands of refugees still hope to enter the EU from Turkey. Athens is therefore strengthening its border management, seeking support from the EU and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis travelled to Vienna.
March 11, 2020

Austrian Government Announces Drastic Measures on Coronavirus
In the fight against the coronavirus, the government has announced drastic measures for the first time. Entry ban from Italy, partial suspension of air and train traffic, cancellation of events, suspension of teaching at universities and technical colleges.
March 10, 2020


COVID-19: Meeting between Donald Trump and Chancellor Kurz postponed

The Austrian Federal Chancellery has confirmed, that the follow-up meeting between Sebastian Kurz and Donald Trump has been postponed.
February 29, 2020



Austrian Coronavirus Summit: Population to Participate in Containment


In a meeting of Federal Chancellor Kurz, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer with the state governors in the Federal Chancellery, agreement was reached on uniform nationwide guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus. The Chancellor appealed to the population to actively participate in the containment of the virus.
February 28, 2020



Austrian Chancellor Kurz at 10 Downing Street


Chancellor Kurz met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London today. The discussion with Johnson focused on London's future relations with the European Union.
February 25, 2020


Austria is Arming itself against the Coronavirus

The Austrian Federal Government today presented a package of measures against "all" upcoming scenarios, with the aim of ensuring transparency, information and protection for the population. The next 2 to 3 weeks will be decisive in determining how the coronavirus situation develops.
February 24, 2020


Follow-up Meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chancellor Kurz

Following Alexander Schallenberg's visit to Mike Pompeo just a few days ago, the Federal Chancellery has now confirmed, according to various media, the fact that Sebastian Kurz will also be travelling to Washington, D.C. at the beginning of March.
February 14, 2020


Inaugural Visit: Kurz Meets Merkel in Berlin

The multi-year financial framework, the EU's future process and climate protection in focus at meetings with Chancellor Merkel. There is broad agreement on the financial framework, but on many other issues the chancellors are far apart.
February 3, 2020



Reception of Austria-Accredited Ambassadors in the Federal Chancellery


The new Austrian Federal Government is in favour of continuing multilateral cooperation, especially in cooperation with the European countries.
January 31, 2020


Schwarzenegger in Vienna: Kick-off for Climate Conference

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Federal Chancellor Kurz stress the need for effective climate protection.
January 29, 2020


Transfer of Office: Bierlein Passes to Kurz

Previous Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein handed over the affairs of state to Sebastian Kurz after the new federal government was sworn in.
January 7, 2020


More Women than Men - Who Forms the New Austrian Government?

Austrian President Van der Bellen has praised the new Federal Government in the Presidency Chancellery. In addition to Federal Chancellor Kurz and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler, the cabinet consists of 13 ministers and one state secretary. Among the 17 government members are 9 women and 8 men. Find out below who the new government members are.
January 7, 2020


Kurz Is Assigned the Mandate to Form a Government

Federal President Van der Bellen gave the mandate to form a government to the head of the Austrian People's Party, Sebastian Kurz. Kurz announced talks with all parties. The most discussed coalition variant is the cooperation with the Green Party.
October 7, 2019



Government Formation: Party Leaders in the Presidential Chancellery


Next Monday, Federal President Van der Bellen will commission ÖVP leader Kurz to form a government.
October 2, 2019 · Updated: October 4, 2019; 13:03


Austrian Caretaker Government Demission and Re-Appointment

President Van der Bellen has entrusted the transitional government with the temporary continuation of the administration. Until a new government is formed, Chancellor Bierlein's government will remain in office.
October 1, 2019
Juncker: EU Requires a Strong Austrian Voice


European Commission President Juncker congratulated Sebastian Kurz on his victory in the National Council elections.
October 1, 2019


Austrian Johannes Hahn Becomes EU Budget Commissioner

Today, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission. Austrian Johannes Hahn will be in charge of Budget and Administration, and will report directly to Von der Leyen. According to the President-elect von der Leyen, as a long-serving member of the College, he knows about the importance of nurturing a modern administration.
September 10, 2019
Criticism of the Lack of Foreign and European Policy Reports

The opposition, represented by Andreas Schieder (SPÖ), criticises the fact that for the last three years the Foreign Ministers Kurz and Kneissel have not submitted any annual Foreign and European Policy Reports for the purpose of reporting on fundamental foreign policy issues.
June 3, 2019