Sponsored Content
Ukraine
Nuclear Threat: Putin Does not Rule Out Strikes Against Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants
The nuclear safety situation in Ukraine is coming to a head. Amid ongoing concerns about the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened potential strikes against other Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is concerned.
October 2, 2025
IAEA Alarmed: Drones Pose Threat to Nuclear Power Plants in Ukraine
Nuclear safety in Ukraine has once again been seriously compromised. Just hours after the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered its longest complete loss of external power supply since the start of the war, a drone struck dangerously close to the active South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (Pivdennoukrayinsk).
September 29, 2025
Herbert Kickl Considers Russian Gas as a Solution to the Economic Crisis
Amidst an ongoing economic crisis and rising living costs, FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl presented his proposed solutions at the latest “summer talks.” His argument centers on a radical change of course in energy policy and far-reaching savings in the national budget.
September 9, 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
Austrian Foreign Minister on Mission for European Peace and Stability in Moldova and Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger sought to reinforce her vision for a united and resilient European Union with her latest trip and diplomatic efforts. During her visit to Moldova and Ukraine, she not only sent a message of solidarity, but also positioned herself as an advocate for an independent European defense policy upon her return to Alpbach.
August 25, 2025
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
Austria Calls for “Roam Like at Home” for the Western Balkans Too
Austrian state secretaries are calling for equal treatment in roaming charges and appealing to the EU to include the countries of the Western Balkans in the upcoming roaming regulations. Similar to Ukraine, which is to be integrated into the EU roaming area from 2026, the Austrian representatives see the need to give the accession candidates in the Western Balkans a clear perspective in everyday digital life.
August 11, 2025
UNODC: War is Transforming Ukraine's Criminal Landscape
The war in Ukraine has significantly altered the country's criminal landscape and caused considerable social and economic damage. In a report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) examined the development of organized crime in the fourth year of the war and found that criminal groups have adapted their business models to the new reality.
August 6, 2025
50 Years of the Helsinki Final Act: A Compass in Turbulent Times
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act with a series of high-profile events in Helsinki, featuring speeches by Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The historic pact, signed in 1975 amid the Cold War, is hailed by heads of state and government as a fundamental document for European security and cooperation. Despite serious challenges, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine, the continued relevance of the Helsinki principles was reaffirmed.
August 4, 2025
Vienna and GLOBAL 2000 Secure Drinking Water Supply in Ukraine
The City of Vienna and the environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 are intensifying their long-standing cooperation to secure the drinking water supply in Ukraine. With the installation of nine additional water treatment plants in the Kharkiv region, thousands of people now have access to clean drinking water.
July 25, 2025
Austria Considers Participation in Peace Mission in Ukraine after End of War
Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) has once again signaled that Austria could consider involving its armed forces in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine after the war ends.
July 24, 2025
Wiiw Forecast: CEEC Countries Defy Global Uncertainties with Strong Growth
Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Trump's protectionist trade policy, and the war in Ukraine, the economies of most countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CEE) are expected to grow steadily in 2025 and 2026. This is according to the latest summer forecast by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), which covers 23 countries in the region.
July 1, 2025
Austria's Role in the Reconstruction of Ukraine: An Opportunity for Business and Long-Term Partnership
While the war in Ukraine continues to rage, attention is already turning to the aftermath: the massive reconstruction of the war-torn country. Austria, once the fifth-largest foreign investor in Ukraine, could play a decisive role in this process, not only to boost its economy but also to build a long-term partnership.
June 23, 2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vienna for the First Time Since the Start of the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his first official visit to Vienna since Russia launched its war of aggression in February 2022. Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were welcomed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, followed by a reception with military honors.
June 17, 2025
EU and UK Ambassadors to Austria Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
At the first EU-UK summit since Brexit in London, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a comprehensive security and defense partnership. The meeting focused on joint support for Ukraine, and the respective ambassadors in Vienna proudly announced this partnership in Austria as well.
May 29, 2025
Austria's Foreign Minister Launches EU Initiative for Ceasefire in Ukraine
In a foreign policy move, Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) and 14 other EU member states have launched a diplomatic initiative to end the war in Ukraine. The action aims to pressure Russia into an immediate ceasefire and the start of serious peace negotiations — a move that raises both hope and skepticism.
May 19, 2025
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Austria Strengthens its Commitment to the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Gymnich Meeting
While the EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine at the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and discussed security policy decisions for Europe, the Austrian federal government also sent a clear signal: Wolfgang Anzengruber, an experienced economic and energy expert, was appointed national coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
May 8, 2025
OSCE Conference in Vienna: Joint Strategies for Climate Security and Resilience
Under the motto “Resilient Together in a Changing Climate”, over 140 representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, partner countries, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Vienna. The event was organized as part of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship 2025 and was dedicated to strengthening resilience to the security challenges posed by climate change.
May 5, 2025
Vienna as a Safe Haven for Ukrainian Corruption Suspects
In recent years, Vienna has become a preferred retreat for Ukrainian citizens who are wanted in their home country on corruption charges. Among them are high-ranking personalities such as the former head of the National Bank, Kyrylo Shevchenko, a former deputy minister, the chairman of a state-owned arms company, a former member of parliament, and several oligarchs. Austria's cautious extradition practice compared to countries such as Germany or Poland contributes to this trend.
March 31, 2025
Russian Espionage Affair in Austria: A Targeted Disinformation Campaign in the Heart of Europe
Austria is once again at the center of an espionage scandal: The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has uncovered an extensive Russian disinformation campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion in favor of Russia and to the detriment of Ukraine.
March 24, 2025
Visit to Kyiv by Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a clear message of support. There, she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking government representatives to reaffirm Austria's solidarity and diplomatic long-term support in the fight against the Russian war of aggression.
March 17, 2025
Meet Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
The new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 11, 2025
ICMPD Director General Meets Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister
Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), met with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov to discuss enhanced cooperation. Key topics included support for Ukrainian refugees, the work of the newly established Ministry of National Unity, and ICMPD’s role in migration policy.
March 11, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Kyiv Visit
The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, recently visited Kyiv to reaffirm the organization's commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Over the course of his two-day visit, he held high-level discussions with Ukrainian officials, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and the OSCE’s role in addressing the humanitarian and security challenges facing the country.
February 25, 2025
Russia's Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky Calls for New Security Architecture for Europe
In a recently published article, the Russian ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, sharply criticized Western reporting on the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for sustainable peace solutions. But to what extent do his statements stand up to critical scrutiny?
February 25, 2025
EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Addresses Ukraine and Global Challenges
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg joined his EU counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine, assessing developments in the Middle East, and reviewing strategies for stability in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
February 24, 2025
Austria Strengthens Commitment to IAEA in Tackling Nuclear Security Challenges
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss pressing global nuclear issues. Their talks covered Iran’s nuclear program, security risks in Ukraine, and the IAEA’s role in international disarmament efforts.
February 23, 2025
Austrian National Council President Discusses Ukraine Crisis with Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada
Ahead of the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Austrian National Council President Walter Rosenkranz met with Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and Austria’s humanitarian assistance. The meeting focused on the broader implications of Russian aggression, Austria’s role in supporting Ukraine within the limits of its neutrality, and the challenges of post-war reconstruction.
February 19, 2025
Global Migration in 2025: ICMPD Identifies Challenges and Strategies
Global migration in 2025 will be characterized by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and new political dynamics. The International Migration Outlook 2025 published by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) identifies key issues that will shape global migration and states' responses to it.
February 16, 2025
Austrian National Council President Engages in Dialogue with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker
Austrian National Council President Walter Rosenkranz and Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Ruslan Stefantschuk recently held a video conference to discuss the pressing issues surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
February 10, 2025
Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen Calls on Diplomacy for Unity
In his traditional speech at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps in Vienna's Hofburg, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the challenges of the current global situation. He emphasized the need for closer international cooperation, warned against increasing disinformation, and called for greater efforts to combat the climate crisis.
February 5, 2025
Wiiw Forecast: Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe Defies Global Uncertainties
Despite weakening industry, private consumption remains a strong growth driver and makes a significant contribution to the region's economic stability. At the same time, the unpredictable economic policy decisions of the USA under President Trump pose considerable risks for the export-oriented countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
February 4, 2025
Poland as a New Military Power in Europe: A Bulwark against Russia and a New Strategic Leadership Role in the EU
In recent years, Poland has developed into one of Europe's most important defense powers. Given the ongoing threat from Russia, Warsaw is focusing on a massive rearmament, stronger military cooperation with allies, and an active role in European security policy. By assuming the EU Council Presidency in January 2025, Poland will also have the opportunity to anchor its security policy priorities at the European level and set a new security policy course.
February 2, 2025
Austria and Ukraine Deepen Partnership in Culture, Education and Science
Ambassador Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Head of the Section for Foreign Culture at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Khymynets sealed a forward-looking agreement with a handshake. For the first time, a comprehensive bilateral work program for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science was adopted. At a time of geopolitical challenges, this initiative is an important signal of solidarity and the common will to shape the future.
January 15, 2025
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support
In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.
January 2, 2025
Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Ostchem Holding GmbH: Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash in Financial Difficulties
Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Salzburg Regional Court against Ostchem Holding GmbH, a company linked to a major oligarch in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash, considered one of Ukraine's most influential and wealthiest oligarchs, is the company's majority shareholder, which has increasingly run into financial difficulties in recent years.
December 23, 2024
OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture
The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
December 12, 2024
Firtash Remains in Vienna for the Time Being: Regional Court Stops Extradition to the USA
The long-running legal dispute over Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash's extradition to the USA has taken a new turn. The Vienna Regional Court ruled that the controversial businessman's extradition to the United States was inadmissible. However, this decision may not be the last word in the internationally sensational case, as the Vienna public prosecutor's office has already announced that it will appeal by December 16.
December 4, 2024
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Invites Donald Trump to Austria for Ukraine Peace Talks
In a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer congratulated him on his election victory and signaled Austria's willingness to act as a neutral venue for peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. The talks also covered energy security, economic and defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the USA.
November 27, 2024
Concert Night at the Austrian Foreign Ministry: Music as a Bridge between Cultures
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg hosted a special concert evening at the Palais Niederösterreich under the motto “The unifying power of music”. For the second time, this event, organized by the Foreign Ministry's “Dialogue of Cultures” task force, was an impressive example of how art and music can build bridges and promote dialogue.
November 26, 2024
1,000 Days of War: Austria Steps Up Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine and Moldova
Tuesday, November 21, 2024, marks the 1,000th anniversary of the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg condemned the “brutal war of aggression in violation of international law”, which has plunged Ukraine into a humanitarian and economic crisis for 1,000 days.
November 19, 2024
Orbán's Controversial Visit to Vienna: Talks, Alliances and Criticism
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Vienna caused a stir across Europe and highlighted the ideological tensions within the EU. His meetings with FPÖ representatives and the discussions about the war in Ukraine and the future of Europe divided opinion between supporters of national sovereignty and advocates of European integration.
November 3, 2024
Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.
October 29, 2024
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
Austria's Schallenberg and Ukraine's Sybiha with Talks on Solidarity and Peace
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha met in Vienna. This visit marked a key moment in Sybiha's first trip abroad, during which he represented Ukraine in neighboring countries. Having already visited Romania, Sybiha's tour now took him to Austria, where the focus was on support for Ukraine and the international peace process.
September 24, 2024
OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum 2024: Focus on Digitalization and Climate Protection
The 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum at the Czernin Palace in Prague focused on the global challenges posed by digital transformation and climate change. Under the theme “Strengthening security and stability in the OSCE area through digital innovation”, the risks and opportunities arising from technological change and climate adaptation were discussed in depth. The forum brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, business, and civil society to debate innovative approaches and policy solutions.
September 17, 2024
Austria's Colonel Markus Reisner: Escalation, Strategies and Possible Turning Points in the Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine has reached a new dimension in recent weeks. With intensified Russian airstrikes, fierce fighting in the Donbas, and a risky Ukrainian offensive across the Russian border, the conflict is facing a potential escalation and strategic realignment. Colonel Markus Reisner, one of the Austrian Armed Forces' strategists and military academics, assesses the situation.
August 27, 2024
Ukraine's Kursk Offensive: IAEA Concerned About Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
The situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border region continues to deteriorate as fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces intensifies in the immediate vicinity. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his deep concern about the extremely dangerous situation during his visit to the power plant on Tuesday.
August 27, 2024
Fast News Search
