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Charges Against René Benko Loom Closer: New Lines of Investigation Revealed
In the far-reaching Signa affair, the first charges could soon be brought against the insolvent company founder René Benko. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) has submitted an initial “proposal report” to the Ministry of Justice.
Yesterday
Vienna as Europe's AI hub: Supercomputer Launched, Gigafactory in Sight
The Austrian capital is consolidating its position as a European hub for artificial intelligence (AI). With the imminent launch of AI Factory Austria (AI:AT) and its active bid to become one of Europe's AI gigafactories, Vienna is sending a strong signal for innovation and digital sovereignty.
Yesterday
Austria Relocates Embassy from Tehran to Baku
The Austrian Embassy in the Iranian capital, Tehran, has been temporarily relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, due to security concerns. This was announced by the Austrian Foreign Ministry in a statement. The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of embassy staff. At the same time, the ministry assures that there are still ways for Austrians to leave Iran.
Yesterday
ISTA and Google Forge Long-Term Research Partnership in Klosterneuburg
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg and global technology giant Google have signed a far-reaching Master Sponsored Research Agreement to consolidate their existing collaboration and jointly advance innovative scientific research projects. This long-term partnership, which also includes financial support for research projects from Google, aims to further strengthen the ecosystem at the ISTA campus and open up new avenues in science.
Yesterday
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
Austrian Chancellory Reaffirms its Commitment to the Rule of Law and Multilateralism
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, together with Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Minister for Europe and Family Affairs Claudia Plakolm, invited the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations to a reception at the Federal Chancellery. The reception, which took place exactly three months after the government took office, emphasized the central role of diplomacy and dialogue in an increasingly uncertain world.
June 18, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Oslo: Appeal to Revitalize the “Spirit of Helsinki”
In light of an escalating geopolitical situation and a Europe at war, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has concluded his first official visit to Norway. The focus of his visit was participation in an international seminar at the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Sinirlioğlu took the opportunity to emphasize the fundamental principles of the landmark 1975 document as a guide for addressing today's crises.
June 18, 2025
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”
June 18, 2025
OSCE Chairpersonship Conference Emphasizes Comprehensive Approach to Climate Protection
The third annual OSCE Chairmanship Conference on Climate and Security, held in Espoo, Finland, emphasized the urgent need to respond to the pressing national, regional, and global security challenges posed by climate change. The conference highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach to advancing the climate and security agenda.
June 17, 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
Timothy Snyder Sheds Light on Belarus: A Sold-Out Journey Through Past and Future
Renowned historian and publicist Timothy Snyder, IWM Lesya Ukrainka Permanent Fellow and Chair of Modern European History at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, will give a lecture on “Belarus: Ancient and Modern. A Reconsideration of a Central European History” at the Wien Museum on June 27, 2025. The event is already fully booked.
June 16, 2025
Vienna Music Theater Days 2025: Social Upheavals on Stage
The Vienna Music Theater Days will once again serve as a platform for innovative and contemporary music theater this year. From September 17 to 27, 2025, the festival will focus on the social upheavals and fractures of our time, inviting the audience to question established structures.
June 16, 2025
Summer Night Concert at Schönbrunn: Premieres, Commemorations, and a Musical Journey
The idyllic Schönbrunn Palace will be the venue for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Summer Night Concert this evening. Under a bright blue sky and against the majestic backdrop of the illuminated palace, thousands of music lovers gathered to enjoy an evening full of musical highlights. This year's concert featured numerous premieres, a touching minute of silence, and a musical journey across Europe.
June 13, 2025
City Trialogue in Vienna: Working Together for a Sustainable and Livable Future
The mayors of Zurich, Hamburg, and Vienna met in the Austrian capital for the fifth “City Trialogue.” This year's exchange focused on pressing issues such as climate protection, renewable energies, circular economy, technology development, health infrastructure, care, and culture.
June 13, 2025
Monaco’s Club Allemand International Uncovers Treasure in Vienna's Imperial Archives
What began as the annual cultural excursion for Monaco's Club Allemand International (International German Club) transformed into a historical discovery of significant proportions. During their recent trip to Vienna, members of the club unearthed a remarkable historical document about the Principality of Monaco, hidden for centuries within the imperial archives of the Hofburg Palace.
June 12, 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
IAEA Chief Grossi Voices Interest in UN Leadership
António Guterres' term of office expires at the end of 2026. The next Secretary-General should come from Latin America, through a geographical rotation system. A well-known UN official in Vienna, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, as chance would have it, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has now voiced interest in seeking to become UN Secretary-General when the position becomes vacant in 2027.
June 11, 2025
Export Day 2025: Austria's Export Economy with its Opportunities and Challenges
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's (WKÖ) Export Day 2025 was once again the largest internationalization event in Central Europe. Under the motto “Seizing Business Opportunities. NOW!”, the event brought together around 3,000 participants, including over 2,500 decision-makers, more than 60 WKÖ economic delegates, top international speakers, and leading export service providers. The aim was to encourage companies to actively seize international business opportunities and put the Austrian export industry in the spotlight.
June 11, 2025
Sara James Concert Concludes the Cultural Program of the Polish Embassy in Vienna
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Austria, in cooperation with the Polish Institute in Vienna, organized an extraordinary concert by Sara James to mark the conclusion of the cultural program within the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
June 10, 2025
French Art History Festival: Austrian Cultural Diplomacy on Display
Austria was the guest country at this year's renowned “Festival of Art History,” which attracted up to 10,000 visitors and took place at the Palace of Fontainebleau, around 70 km south of Paris. The importance of cultural diplomacy for Austria was once again emphasized.
June 10, 2025
Austria Designates Special Envoys for Austrian Candidacy for the United Nations Security Council
For quite some time now, the new federal government has pursued a more active role in international diplomacy, and a defined goal is a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28. Being elected requires a two-thirds majority vote from the United Nations General Assembly, and therefore, the federal government designated special envoys to advocate for Austria.
June 8, 2025
Susanne Raab Elected as New Director General of ICMPD
Representatives of the 21 ICMPD member states have elected Susanne Raab, a former ÖVP Integration Minister, in Stockholm to succeed Director General Michael Spindelegger, who is stepping down at the end of the year. This means that after nearly 10 years, the organization in Vienna will have new leadership, albeit Austrian once again.
June 7, 2025
International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action
The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.
June 4, 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
ICMPD and Ireland Intensify Cooperation on Migration Policy
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Ireland have further deepened their cooperation in the field of migration policy. During an official visit, ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy to discuss common priorities.
June 3, 2025
Planned Messenger Surveillance in Austria: Between Security Needs and Fundamental Rights Protection
The debate surrounding state surveillance of encrypted digital communications in Austria is heating up once again. The latest draft bill from the Ministry of the Interior on so-called “messenger surveillance” has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and parts of the governing coalition under the NEOS. After several previous attempts failed in recent years, the current attempt also appears to be in jeopardy.
June 3, 2025
New Leadership Team Elected at the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) elected a new Bureau for the coming term at its 143rd session. Turkish forensic scientist and professor H. H. Sevil Atasoy was appointed as the new president of the board. She succeeded the previous incumbent, Prof. Jallal Toufiq, who thanked the meeting for the trust and support he had received during his term of office.
June 2, 2025
Signa Insolvency: Creditors Demand €11.7 Billion, Sale of Luxury Real Estate Underway
Following the collapse of the real estate group Signa, founded by René Benko, creditors have filed claims totaling €11.7 billion. The insolvency administrator of Signa Prime Selection AG (SPS), Norbert Abel, is working to sell the remaining assets to satisfy creditors.
June 2, 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
“Tea for Harmony” in Vienna: Chinese Embassy Invites Guests to Intercultural Tea Salon
The elegant premises of the Chinese Embassy hosted the “Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salon on International Tea Day. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, business, science, and culture enjoyed an evening dedicated to the millennia-old Chinese tea culture—a symbol of harmony, modesty, and exchange between civilizations.
May 29, 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
Meet Khadra Ahmed Dualeh, Somalia's New Ambassador in Vienna
Khadra Ahmed Dualeh presented her credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She takes office as the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations in Vienna and at the same time assumes the office of Ambassador for Austria and Switzerland.
May 26, 2025
Acquittal for Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in False Statement Trial
The Vienna Higher Regional Court (OLG) acquitted former Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the charge of making false statements in connection with the Ibiza Investigation Committee. The judgment of the Vienna Regional Court from February 2024, which provided for an eight-month conditional prison sentence, was thus overturned.
May 26, 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
New Natural Gas Well in Upper Austria: ADX Expands Exploration Area in Molln
The Australian-Austrian energy company ADX Energy has received approval from the Austrian authorities to significantly expand its exploration area in the Upper Austrian district of Kirchdorf an der Krems. The measure relates in particular to the so-called Welchau area in the municipality of Molln, which had already come into focus last year with an initial well.
May 23, 2025
Vienna Signals Support for Serbia's Accession to the Schengen Area
Serbia is currently stepping up its diplomatic efforts to join the Schengen area. During an official visit to Vienna, Serbia's Minister for European Affairs, Nemanja Starović, emphasized that his country's accession to Schengen is not only a strategic goal, but is also in Europe's security policy interests. Austria once again signaled its support for Serbia's European integration ambitions - both concerning the EU and the Schengen area.
May 22, 2025
Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
May 22, 2025
China's Ambassador Qi Mei Deepens Bilateral Relations with Austria
Ambassador Qi Mei used May 2025 to intensify diplomatic and cultural rapprochement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Austria. In addition to political meetings at the highest level, important educational and cultural events also took place, underlining the efforts of both countries to strengthen their cooperation in the long term.
May 21, 2025
The MQ Summer Stage 2025 Kicks Off with Art, Music and Social Reflection
The MQ Summer Stage started its new season with a powerful mix of performance, music, and public art. The main courtyard of Vienna's MuseumsQuartier will once again be transformed into a stage for a diverse, freely accessible cultural program until the end of September - a venue that brings art, society, and the public together in a special way.
May 21, 2025
Thai Anantara Celebrates Debut in Austria with New Luxury Resort in Vienna
With the reopening of the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, the Thai hotel group Anantara Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in Austria in May 2025. The historic building on Schottenring, originally designed by architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World Exhibition, has been extensively renovated over the past 18 months and repositioned as an urban luxury resort.
May 20, 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
Meet the New Georgian Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze in Vienna
Alexander Maisuradze is the new Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of his country to the international organizations in Vienna. The experienced diplomat formally presented his credentials to the Austrian president and several leading representatives of multilateral diplomacy in the Austrian capital.
May 19, 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
Vjosa Osmani Awarded in Vienna with Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, was honoured with the prestigious Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize at a ceremony held by the Pan-European Union in Vienna. The award recognizes her commitment to European integration and her dedication to peace, democracy, and transatlantic partnership.
May 18, 2025
New Panda Ambassadors in Vienna: Chinas “Fluffy Diplomats” Renew Friendship with Austria
The two giant pandas “Lan Yun” and “He Feng” were officially welcomed to Schönbrunn Zoo with much media attention and political prominence. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Li Hongzhong, Vice President of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, participated in the ceremony - a strong diplomatic signal in a globally complex time.
May 18, 2025
“Austria is free” - 70 Years of the State Treaty: A Reminder and Mission in Turbulent Times
On May 15, 2025, Austria celebrated the 70th anniversary of the signing of the State Treaty of 1955 with a ceremonial act of state. The events took place both in parliament and in the palace gardens of the Upper Belvedere and commemorated the historic moment when Foreign Minister Leopold Figl proclaimed the words “Austria is free!”.
May 15, 2025
Commemoration, History and Geopolitics: Russia Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Vienna
The Russian Federation commemorated Austria's liberation from National Socialism in 1945 with a series of ceremonial events in Vienna and several Lower Austrian cities, focusing on the 80th anniversary of the capture of Vienna by the Red Army, which had made a significant contribution to the defeat of the Nazi regime. The Embassy of the Russian Federation used the occasion to celebrate historical commemoration on the one hand, but also to anchor its foreign policy narrative in the present.
May 15, 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
UNOOSA and Singapore Agree on Cooperation in the Field of Space Law
The United Nations and Singapore have announced a new partnership under the “Space Law for New Space Actors” project. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) are working together to support the development of a national legal framework for space activities. This initiative aims to align Singapore's emerging space sector with international standards.
May 14, 2025
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