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Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship in 2025: Focus on Resilience and Support for Ukraine
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined Finland's priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2025 to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. Finland's approach is based on three central pillars: resilience, support for Ukraine and upholding OSCE principles that have been violated by Russia's actions. This comes at a time when the European security architecture is under severe pressure.
September 25, 2024
Global Peace Photo Award 2024: “Dreams of Childhood” Honored as Peace Photo of the Year
The Global Peace Photo Award ceremony took place in the Austrian Parliament. The peace photo of the year 2024, “Dreams of Childhood”, by photographer and multimedia artist Elisa Iannacone from the UK, was honored.
September 24, 2024
Austria's Nehammer and Britain's Sunak On Asylum Procedures and Migration
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has received British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for an official visit to Vienna. The talks between the two Conservative heads of government focused on migration and geopolitical challenges. In a joint press statement, Nehammer and Sunak emphasized their agreement on the issue of asylum procedures in safe third countries and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships to combat illegal migration and save lives.
May 21, 2024
Diplomatic Collisions on the Nuclear Front: Global Nervousness over Russia's Nuclear Maneuvers
Increasing tensions and recent developments regarding nuclear exercises and rhetoric pose a number of challenges for Europe, European security and especially Austria as the home of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
May 6, 2024
UK Minister Chris Philp Advocates for Stronger International Cooperation at UN Narcotics Commission in Vienna
The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing, and Fire, represented the United Kingdom at this year's United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna. The CND serves as the UN's foremost policymaking body in the sphere of drug control, tasked with overseeing the application of international drug control treaties.
May 2, 2024
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
Israel Raises Travel Warnings: Tightened Security Situation in Austria and Europe
In a significant security measure, Israel's National Security Staff has increased travel warnings for its citizens in several countries, including Austria, Germany, France and the UK. The decision follows growing threats from Iran and its allies, as well as an increase in anti-Semitism worldwide.
December 4, 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 the UK Join Forces Against Illegal Migration
A new era of cooperation in the areas of security and migration policy between Austria and the UK was heralded when the Home Secretaries of both countries, Gerhard Karner and Suella Braverman, signed an agreement to combat cross-border crime. This took place during the British Home Secretary's working visit to Vienna, where in-depth discussions were held on the bilateral relationship and the strengthening of internal security.
November 5, 2023
Construction Stop of "High Speed 2" in Northern England: Austrian Companies Affected
The surprising halt to the construction of part of the major British project, the "High Speed 2" (HS2) high-speed rail line, is causing discussion among the companies involved. Austrian companies in particular, which are involved in the rail project worth billions, could be affected.
October 5, 2023
The Royal Foundation and UNODC Join Forces to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade
The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has announced a landmark partnership to address the global illegal wildlife trade through the United for Wildlife program.
July 23, 2023
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and United Kingdom Strengthen Cooperation on Space Sustainability
As part of a new project to strengthen space sustainability, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership. A broad range of activities will be undertaken to raise awareness and build capacity related to the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.
December 28, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and United Kingdom on Global Space-Related Climate Action Efforts
With the support of the UK Space Agency, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs has published a report on the use of space technology to support climate action. At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), the report was released to coincide with Earth Information Day. It aims to improve understanding of how selected stakeholders are utilizing space technology.
November 11, 2022
Delegation of Iranian Nuclear Negotiators Will Arrive in Vienna
An Iranian delegation will travel to Vienna in the coming days to try to resolve differences with the International Atomic Energy Agency. This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
November 3, 2022
Austria Celebrates Its National Day Again in Old Normality
The Austrian National Day (Nationalfeiertag) is celebrated annually on 26 October, the anniversary of the announcement of Austrian neutrality in 1955 and the departure of the last allied occupying forces from Austria. On this October 26, the national holiday will return to normality after two years of coronavirus mode. As the Austrian Armed Forces return in full force to their performance on Vienna's Heldenplatz, the doors of government and parliament reopen to the public.
October 26, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?
The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.
September 20, 2022
Funeral of Queen Elizabeth: Austria's President Condolences British Royal Couple
Following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Austria's Federal President flew to Great Britain this weekend to personally express his condolences to the Royal Family. In addition to his presence at the reception on Sunday evening, he also attended the official state funeral on Monday and signed the various Queen's book of condolence.
September 19, 2022
UK Embassy in Vienna Opened Book of Condolence
The Embassy of the United Kingdom has opened a condolence visit at the British Residence in Vienna for all those who wish to pay their respects.
September 13, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Iranian Delegation Heads to Vienna
An Iranian delegation is set to leave for Vienna for a continuation of nuclear negotiations. Chief negotiator Ali Bagheri and his team will set off within the next few hours, the Iranian government announced today.
August 3, 2022
UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York
The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.
August 1, 2022
Human Rights in Russia: Third Appeal to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Since the Outbreak of War in Ukraine
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism was recently requested by 38 states, including Austria, to appoint an OSCE expert to review the human rights situation in Russia. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the Moscow Mechanism has already been contacted three times.
July 29, 2022
Why Germany and Austria Are More Dependent on China for Strategic Raw Materials than on Russian Gas
China has established global dominance over many of the strategic raw materials needed to be competitive in the economy of the future. Read how Austria, Germany, and others have arguably become more dependent on these materials from China than on Russian gas.
July 5, 2022
Three Seas Initiative in Riga for Common Ground against Russia
The Three Seas Initiative met in Riga. Austria and eleven other Central Eastern European countries accepted Ukraine as a member of the Three Seas Initiative at the Presidential Summit in Riga. Austrian President Van der Bellen traveled to Riga and appealed for unity against Russia.
June 20, 2022
IAEA Censures Iran for Insufficient Cooperation
Due to recent developments, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reprimanded Iran's behavior toward the UN nuclear watchdog. Previously, the latter had neglected to declare three undeclared sites with detected uranium traces. Now it is accused of lack of cooperation.
June 9, 2022
Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe
Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
April 21, 2022
U.S. and UK Sanction Individuals in the Balkans
The Balkan states are plagued by corruption, which only fosters an unstable situation. The Balkans are important for the stability of Europe and especially in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Balkans remain important for the West. That is why the U.S. and UK have sanctioned individuals.
April 13, 2022
G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.
April 7, 2022
The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna
In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.
March 24, 2022
Schallenberg in Brussels Condemns Playing with Nuclear Fire
At a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Schallenberg condemned the Russian shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Read more about this special meeting and what was discussed there.
March 10, 2022
Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise Again Due to Descendants of Nazi Victims
Naturalizations in Austria are on the rise again, mainly due to the large number of descendants of victims of nazi persecution who applied for citizenship thanks to the amendment to Austria's Citizenship Act. Read more about this increase in naturalizations.
February 17, 2022
Viennese Museum Returns Looted Colonial Artifacts to the USA
The Natural History Museum in Vienna is returning looted items from the colonial era to the United States. Read more about the two artifacts and why they are being returned.
February 14, 2022
Disinformation and Propaganda: How Russia Reverses Reports of International Media
The Russian Foreign Ministry has claimed that Western media is spreading disinformation to unfairly paint Russia as an aggressor towards Ukraine. Read how Russia manipulates Western media sources to create its own narrative.
February 14, 2022
Vienna Business Agency Sees Significant Increase in Expat Advice Requests
The Expat Center and the Business Immigration Office of the Vienna Business Agency saw a stark increase in the number of expats seeking advice during the COVID-19 crisis. Read about this increase and how the Vienna Business Agency has assisted expats.
February 9, 2022
Ai Weiwei at the Albertina Modern: "In Search of Humanity"
A new exhibition at the Albertina Modern entitled "In Search of Humanity" will display works by renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Learn more about the new exhibition and see some of the pieces that will be on display.
February 2, 2022
Vienna Nuclear Talks: Direct Contacts between Tehran and Washington Possible
Iranian leadership has suggested that Iran may be open to meeting directly with U.S. officials for negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read about this significant stance change and what it means for the JCPOA.
January 27, 2022
Covid in Austria: Borders Are Open Again
Since January 24, guests from all countries with 2G+ or boosted can enter Austria - there are then no more virus variant areas. Great Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway are no longer considered virus variant areas. Tourist travel is possible for vaccinated and recovered persons. Here is an overview of the updated entry regulations.
January 23, 2022
Meet the Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Intl Organisations in Vienna, H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll
The new Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Organizations in Vienna is H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll. Learn more about Ms. Skoll and her impressive career.
January 13, 2022
Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action
"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.
January 10, 2022
Omicron Has Led to Quasi-Ban on Entry of Britons, Norwegians, Danes and Dutch into Austria
Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout Austria, entry rules to Austria have been tightened. With Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, four important countries of origin of tourists have been declared virus variant areas. Read about the restrictions.
December 21, 2021 · Updated: December 23, 2021; 19:35
Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics
The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.
December 16, 2021
Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.
December 14, 2021
International Organizations Continue to Favor Austria as Their Seat
The hosting of international organizations is of great importance for Austrian foreign policy, secures 19,000 jobs and has a gross value added effect of € 1.35 billion per year.
December 13, 2021
Iran Nuclear Talks In Vienna To Be Continued
Negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program and a return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are set to continue in Vienna. Read about the ongoing effort to save the Iran Nuclear Deal.
December 9, 2021
Meet the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna, Ms. Nerys Jones
The Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna is Ms. Nerys Jones. Learn more about her extensive career in the foreign service and what she does for the embassy.
December 3, 2021
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the British Embassy Building in Vienna
The British Embassy building in Vienna has a rich history stretching back to the late 19th century. Read the captivating story of this beautiful building.
December 3, 2021
Last Call for Britons in Vienna: Apply for Residence by End of 2021
The City of Vienna is reminding all British residents and their families that they must apply for a residence permit by the end of 2021 due to Brexit. Read about this fast-approaching deadline for Britons in Vienna.
November 29, 2021
Travel and Covid: Austria Imposes Entry Ban on Southern African Countries
Due to the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, Austria has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini/Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Read about the new travel restriction and the variant causing it.
November 26, 2021 · Updated: November 26, 2021; 15:11
Climate Crisis: Vienna Joins "Race to Zero" Campaign
At the World Climate Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Vienna has announced that it is joining the "Race to Zero" campaign, which aims to cut emissions in half by 2030 and create a carbon-free world. Read about Vienna's new climate change commitment.
November 8, 2021
Iran Nuclear Talks to Resume November 29 in Vienna
The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks between China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Tehran on reviving the Iran nuclear deal will convene in a physical format on 29 November 2021 in Vienna, the EU says.
November 5, 2021
Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"
Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.
November 2, 2021