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Trump's “Board of Peace”: An Exclusive Club Divides Europe and Austria Rejects It
The diplomatic world is looking to Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting the first meeting of his newly created “Board of Peace.” But while preparations are underway at the White House, there is deep skepticism in European capitals. Austria has now also given the project a definitive rejection. The reasoning from Vienna is clear: they do not want to create “parallel structures” to the United Nations (UN).
February 18, 2026
Iran and IAEA Push Ahead with Talks Ahead of U.S. Summit
Diplomatic tensions are running high in Geneva. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi negotiates with IAEA chief Grossi on Iran's nuclear program, Tehran is simultaneously sending a show of military force to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
February 16, 2026
From Vienna to the Moon: NASA Astronaut Stephen Bowen Promotes U.S.-Austrian Space Cooperation
Space is moving a little closer to the Austrian capital. Experienced NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen visited Vienna to honor the scientific cooperation between the U.S. and Austria and to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming historic Artemis II moon mission.
February 9, 2026
Building Bridges Across the Atlantic: U.S. Embassy Promotes Investment from Austria
Economic ties between Austria and the United States are becoming closer. Following the successful conclusion of the “Destination USA” investment roadshow event in Vienna, the U.S. Embassy has given a positive assessment. The goal is clearly defined: to support Austrian companies in gaining a foothold in the world's largest economy.
January 28, 2026
“Former Friend”: Van der Bellen Settles Scores with the U.S. in Diplomatic Hofburg Speech
At the traditional New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke clearly about the current world situation. In particular, the actions of the U.S. in Venezuela and the threats against Greenland led to a notable escalation in diplomatic rhetoric.
January 21, 2026
OPEC+: Alliance of Eight Countries Slows Oil Production Until Spring 2026
In a time of global economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ remains a dominant force in the worldwide oil industry. At a virtual meeting, the eight leading member states decided to suspend the planned production increases for the coming months for the time being.
January 12, 2026
Epstein Files Reach Vienna: Fake Austrian Passport and Secret Mission at Café Landtmann
Years after his death in a New York prison cell, the Jeffrey Epstein case still casts a long shadow over Austrian domestic politics. Newly released files from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) now reveal explosive details about a travel document that nearly cost Epstein his freedom when he was arrested in July 2019: a forged Austrian passport.
December 23, 2025
Vienna as a Bridge for Diplomacy: The United States and Austria Reaffirm Their Strategic Alliance
In the midst of a global political realignment, government representatives from the United States and Austria convened their latest “Strategic Dialogue” in Vienna. In addition to record economic figures, the talks focused primarily on peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as closer military cooperation.
December 21, 2025
Trump's "America First" Policy Divides Europe: The New U.S. Security Strategy Causes an Uproar in Austria
President Donald Trump's recently published National Security Strategy (NSS) for 2025 is causing a stir in Europe. The 33-page document, which sets out the US foreign and security policy guidelines, is being interpreted by experts as a drastic departure from traditional transatlantic partnerships and as an ideological declaration of war against the European Union, with Austria being targeted as a destabilizing force.
December 16, 2025
OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna: Between Principles, Pressure for Reform, and the War in Ukraine
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has concluded its 32nd Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna. The meeting, attended by over 1,200 participants from member states, partners, international organizations, and civil society, was dominated by Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the urgent need for internal reforms.
December 8, 2025
30 Years Dayton Agreement: Austria Calls for Decisive Reforms for Bosnia and Herzegovina
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, experts and diplomats gathered in Vienna to discuss the future of the agreement that ended the war. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized Austria's essential contribution to stability and Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to EU membership.
December 3, 2025
Former Pornhub Owner and Austrian Bergmair Eyes Lukoil's Foreign Business Under US Sanctions
According to insiders, Austrian businessman Bernd Bergmair, known as the former majority owner of the porn platform Pornhub, is considering investing in the foreign holdings of Russian oil giant Lukoil.
December 3, 2025
U.S. Ambassador Fisher Launches His Mission in Vienna: Diplomatic Talks and Focus on Transatlantic Partnership
The new United States Ambassador to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has held a series of important meetings during his first weeks in Vienna to reaffirm strong bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities. The North Carolina real estate entrepreneur described his new ambassadorial role as “the honor of his life.”
November 26, 2025
Meinl-Reisinger Calls for a Defensible EU and Criticism of U.S. Peace Plan
During her meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels and on Austrian radio-televison, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) called for a stronger, defensible, and geopolitically capable European Union.
November 23, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”
Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.
November 19, 2025
Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting
Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.
November 18, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Art Fisher Arrives in Vienna
The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has arrived in Vienna and officially taken up his post. Upon his arrival at Vienna Airport, the real estate entrepreneur from North Carolina emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
November 16, 2025
25 Years of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation: Transatlantic Bridge for Science and Innovation
The Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary at TUtheSky at the Vienna University of Technology. Under the motto “25 Years of Transatlantic Exchange,” the foundation brought together high-ranking representatives from politics, science, diplomacy, and numerous alumni to honor a quarter-century of successful transatlantic knowledge transfer between Austria and the United States.
November 13, 2025
Meet Secretary General of AmCham, Karin Zeltner, the Bridge Builder for Transatlantic Relations
The American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham) has had a new Secretary General for some time now: Karin Zeltner. Born in Vienna in 1982, the expert is taking up her post at a time when transatlantic trade relations are not only of crucial importance to the Austrian economy, but are also significantly affected by the tariff dispute between the EU and the US.
November 11, 2025
Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.
The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.
October 8, 2025
Austria With Billion-Euro Deficit in Agricultural Foreign Trade
Imports of agricultural products are rising significantly faster than exports, which is alarming industry representatives. Austria's overall agricultural foreign trade balance is falling at a rapid pace. While export volumes are stagnating, import volumes are growing.
October 8, 2025
Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War
For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.
September 26, 2025
Alternative Right in Austria: Technology, Theology, and Political Strategy
In August of this year, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who is also known for his proximity to the new right, caused confusion by visiting the University of Innsbruck unnoticed. At the same time, the FPÖ in Austria is moving closer to the U.S. right wing. The FPÖ has a long history and has undergone a transformation to become an international pioneer of the new right.
September 25, 2025
Despite UN Sanctions Looming, Iran Refuses to Make Further Concessions
Iran does not intend to change its stance in the nuclear dispute with the international community, even in light of the imminent reintroduction of UN sanctions.
August 31, 2025
WIFO Chief Calls for Tougher Stance in Tariff Dispute with the U.S.
In the ongoing tariff dispute between the European Union and the United States of America, Gabriel Felbermayr, Director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), advocates a reorientation of the European negotiating strategy.
August 28, 2025
Trump Meeting with Zelensky Without Breakthrough Analyzed by Austrian Security Experts as Stalemate in Washington
The diplomatic summit in Washington between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leading European heads of state kept the channels of communication open but failed to produce any concrete results in the Ukraine war.
August 27, 2025
Austria Could Grant Vladimir Putin Immunity for Peace Talks Despite Arrest Warrant
Amid ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war, neutral Austria could play a decisive role as a mediator. As confirmed by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, it would be prepared to host possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A possibility was also raised of granting Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity despite an international arrest warrant.
August 27, 2025
Broad Criticism, Including from Austria, of New Tariffs Deal Between the U.S. and the EU
The trade deal between the United States and the European Union, which was announced by both sides with pride, may have averted a looming escalation in the trade dispute. Still, it has been widely criticized in political and economic circles. While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefkovic defended the agreement as a “breakthrough” and “the best possible outcome,” numerous member states and business representatives, including many voices from Austria, see and feel significant disadvantages for the EU and are calling for renegotiation.
August 20, 2025 · Updated: August 21, 2025; 12:46
Austria's Armed Forces and Defense Minister Tanner Hold Back on Possible Ukraine Mission
The question of Austrian participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is becoming the focus of Austria's military debate, but it is met with skepticism in the Ministry of Defense. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a recent meeting in Washington, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) remains cautious.
August 20, 2025
“Operation Luxor”: Nehammer's PR Success That Turned Into a Judicial Debacle With a Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit in the U.S.
The major crackdown on “political Islam” staged by then-Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to great media fanfare has since proven to be a legal “fiasco.” Almost five years after the spectacular operation, a large-scale police raid against suspected members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Austria, the affair has taken a new turn.
August 12, 2025
FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.
The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.
August 3, 2025
Nuclear Talks in the Shadow of Tensions: Iran and the E3 Struggle for Nuclear Agreement
Nuclear talks between Iran, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom took place in Istanbul, aimed at finding a solution to the controversial Iranian nuclear program. Although no concrete results have been announced yet, the talks are set to continue.
July 28, 2025
Rubio Received Meinl-Reisinger: Focus on Trade, Global Tensions, and the Transatlantic Partnership
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to Washington to meet with her U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss pressing global challenges. The focus was on issues important to Europe, such as transatlantic trade dialogue, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and stability in the Western Balkans.
July 28, 2025
UN Drug Policy in Peril: U.S. Cuts and Global Tensions Could Spark Global Crisis
International drug policy and the organization that implements it, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. A dramatic shift in U.S. policy under Donald Trump's “might makes right” approach, drastic funding cuts, and the unexpected departure of Executive Director Ghada Waly have undermined the United Nations' long-standing consensus-building mechanisms, casting doubt on the future of global drug control.
July 22, 2025 · Updated: July 23, 2025; 14:20
Ultimatum to Iran: Four Countries set Deadline for Nuclear Agreement by End of August
Diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran are entering a critical phase. The United States and the three European powers, France, Germany, and Great Britain, have set Iran a definitive deadline of the end of August to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.
July 16, 2025
U.S. Independence Day in Vienna: A Celebrations of Friendship and 250 Years of Diplomacy
During this year's celebrations of the United States' Independence Day in Vienna, Chargé d'Affaires Kami Witmer emphasized the outstanding partnership between the U.S. and Austria. This celebration, which took place in the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, highlighted the deep historical ties and continued cooperation between the two nations.
July 7, 2025
Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute after Israel War
Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Massoud Peseshkian enacted a law to that effect, which the Iranian parliament had already passed in June. This decision exacerbates the already tense nuclear dispute and follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.
July 2, 2025
Iran Tensions Overshadow IAEA Meeting in Vienna: Tehran Warns of 'Strategic Mistake'
A resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemning Iran for “failing to fulfill” its nuclear safeguards obligations has led to sharp warnings from Tehran at the ongoing meeting of the Board of Governors in Vienna.
June 12, 2025
Austria Recruiting U.S. Researchers: Science Committee Discusses Simplified Appointment Procedures
The Austrian Parliament's Science Committee is considering a draft law that would facilitate the appointment of professors without a competitive application process. The aim is to attract researchers from the U.S. who want to leave their home country due to political developments under President Donald Trump.
June 4, 2025
After 17 Years, ams-Osram Wins Multi-Million Dollar Legal Dispute in the USA
The Styrian-Bavarian semiconductor manufacturer ams-Osram has achieved a historic legal success: After almost two decades of litigation in the United States, the company has finally prevailed in a case concerning stolen trade secrets. With a legally binding judgment and a subsequent settlement of around 52 million US dollars, one of the longest and most significant commercial disputes in the industry has come to an end, with a significant signal on the protection of intellectual property.
May 27, 2025
Austria Wants to Position Itself as a Safe Haven for International Science
Given the increasing restrictions on academic freedom in the U.S.A., the Austrian federal government has adopted a comprehensive package of measures to support international researchers and students. The Council approved the Minister's package and aims to strengthen Austria as an attractive and secure location for science.
May 27, 2025
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
Alfred Stern Leaves OMV in Summer 2026: End of an Era of Change
Alfred Stern, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of OMV, will not extend his contract beyond August 31, 2026. The 60-year-old top manager announced this decision to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Lutz Feldmann. This marks the end of a term of office characterized by far-reaching strategic upheavals, geopolitical challenges, and ambitious sustainability goals.
May 20, 2025
80 Years of Liberation of Mauthausen: Diplomacy, Remembrance and the Reminder of History
Over 20,000 people commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, with high-ranking guests including the Spanish royal couple, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani.
May 14, 2025
Ex-Meinl Austrian Banker Peter Weinzierl in U.S. Pretrial Detention
The former CEO of the now-defunct Meinl Bank, Peter Weinzierl, is in custody in the United States. After years of investigations and complex extradition proceedings, the 59-year-old Austrian was transferred to a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York.
May 11, 2025
Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs
Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.
April 29, 2025
Nuclear Dispute: Iran Urges Talks with Europe - Vienna and Oman as Key Factors
In the struggle to save the international nuclear agreement with Iran, Tehran wants to seek a meeting with the European signatory states before a possible new round of talks with the USA. According to diplomats, such a meeting could take place soon if the planned round of negotiations with the United States comes to fruition. In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to explain suspicious facilities near its suspected nuclear sites.
April 28, 2025
OMV Stops Fuel Procurement from Serbian NIS due to U.S. Sanctions
The Austrian oil, gas, and chemicals group OMV has stopped purchasing fuel from the Serbian energy company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) due to the threat of U.S. sanctions. NIS is majority-owned by the Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Gazprom.
April 10, 2025
U.S. Tariffs Cause Tensions: Austria between Willingness to Negotiate and Strong Response
Transatlantic economic relations are once again being put to the test. Following the US decision to impose import tariffs on European products - particularly steel, aluminum, and a range of industrial goods - under former President Donald Trump, the EU has responded with a second package of sanctions. Stakeholders in Austria are also taking a clear stance - between calls for diplomacy and calls for consistency.
April 9, 2025
Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East
Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.
March 23, 2025
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