Vienna International Community - People in the News - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about key players in Vienna's international community, such as expats, executives, politicians, diplomats, investors, artists and others.

Schwarzenegger's Interest in the Jewish History of Vienna

During a visit to the Jewish Museum Vienna (Jüdisches Museum Wien) together with his partner Heather Milligan, the former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, expressed great emotion.

January 30, 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

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Fighting Anti-Semitism with All Strengths

Jews should feel safe in Europe and be able to live without fear of attacks.

January 28, 2020

Minister for European Affairs Edtstadler: Inaugural Visit to Brussels

During her inaugural visit to Brussels, the new European Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler met members of the EU Commission as well as the Special Representative for the Fight against Anti-Semitism, Katharina von Schnurbein. In the course of her talks with EU Neighbourhood Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, Edtstadler stressed that "Austria remains committed to the rapid start of EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania".

January 23, 2020

Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Japan, Croatia, El Salvador, Somalia, Andorra and Nicaragua

Last week Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the six newly accredited Ambassadors of Japan, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of El Salvador, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of Nicaragua to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.

January 20, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Akira Mizutani

The new Ambassador of Japan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Akira Mizutani presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 20, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Julia Emma Villatoro Tario

The new Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador to Austria, H.E. Ms. Julia Emma Villatoro Tario presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. She already held the position of Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of El Salvador to Austria and Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna from 2010-2011.

January 20, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of Nicaragua, H.E. Mr. Carlos Ernesto Morales Dávila

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to Austria, H.E. Mr. Carlos Ernesto Morales Dávila presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 19, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Daniel Glunčić

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Croatiato Austria, H.E. Mr. Daniel Glunčić presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 19, 2020

Traditional New Year Reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

The Federal President's Reception for the Diplomatic Corps annually gathers all diplomatic representatives in Vienna in the Ceremonial Hall of the Hofburg.

January 17, 2020

Karl Nehammer Takes Over Austrian Ministry of the Interior

The new Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer recently introduced himself to the executives of the Ministry of the Interior during the handover of office. He had previously been sworn in at the Hofburg by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Wolfgang Peschorn returns to his position as President of the State Financial Procurator's Office.

January 17, 2020

War in Iran: Austria for EU Mediation Role

In view of the tense situation in the Middle East, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg pleads at a special meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels for a return to dialogue, the continuation of the nuclear agreement and a possible mediation role for the EU.

January 10, 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

Who is the New Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel?

Following the inauguration of the new Austrian federal government, the reins of office were handed over to Gernot Blümel, as Eduard Müller symbolically handed over the historic keys of the Finance Ministry to the Ministry's new boss.

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

Alexander Schallenberg Remains Foreign Minister

Alexander Schallenberg will remain Foreign Minister, but with considerably less power.

January 2, 2020

Egyptian Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly Appointed Executive Director of United Nations Agency UNODC

The United Nations announced the appointment of Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt as the next Executive Director of the Vienna based United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Ms. Waly will also serve as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She succeeds Yury Fedotov of the Russian Federation.

December 20, 2019

Ludwig van Beethoven, the Immigrant, Turns 250

In 2020, the City of Vienna will celebrate the 250th birthday of a Viennese by choice, Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born in Bonn on 17 December 1770.

December 16, 2019

EU Climate Neutrality by 2050, but Austria Against Nuclear Energy

The EU's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 is an important milestone. Each state is free to evaluate its own national climate mix. The Austrian head of government stressed that nothing had changed in Austria's attitude that nuclear energy is not a safe and sustainable source of energy.

December 13, 2019

Green Deal: Austria Against Nuclear Energy

In contrast to other partners, MEPs from all Austrian political groups stressed that Austria should oppose nuclear energy at European level. From Austria's point of view, the climate neutrality sought by the European Commission should be built up safely and sustainably.

December 11, 2019

Vienna Energy Forum 2020 as a Hub for Innovative and Sustainable Energy Solutions

During high-level talks at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25), Maria Patek, Austria's Federal Minister for Sustainability and Tourism, announced the hosting of the Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) 2020.

December 11, 2019

Outstanding Artist Awards: International Flagships of the Art Scene

The awards are presented annually to artists of the younger and middle generation for outstanding achievements. At this year's presentation of the awards in the Federal Chancellery, Minister of Art and Culture Schallenberg stressed that the aim of this award was to highlight the extraordinary achievements of Austrian artists, "especially those who have a particular influence on the current art scene", i.e. who are " outstanding".

December 9, 2019

Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger Elected President of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

In 2020 Austria is taking over the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for the first time. The Council elected Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN Office at Geneva, to serve as its President for a one-year term beginning on 1 January 2020.

December 7, 2019

High-Level Delegation in Vienna ahead of Parliamentary Elections in Uzbekistan

The Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Uzbek Senate, Alisher Kurmanov, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Dilshod Akhatov, were received in the Hofburg by the President of the Federal Council, Karl Bader. The talks focused on bilateral economic relations and the forthcoming elections in Uzbekistan on 22 December this year.

December 6, 2019

Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Australia, Israel, UAE, Kenya, Cuba and Libya

Recently Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the six newly accredited Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, the Commonwealth of Australia, the State of Israel, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Cuba and the State of Libya to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.

December 3, 2019

Meet the New Ambassador of the State of Libya to Austria, H.E. Mr. Jalal E. A. Alashi

The new Ambassador of the State of Libya to Austria, H.E. Mr. Jalal E. A. Alashi presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

December 3, 2019

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mr. Robinson Njeru Githae

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Austria, H.E. Mr. Robinson Njeru Githae presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

December 3, 2019

Meet the New Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Mordechai Denis Paul Rodgold

The new Ambassador of the State of Israel to Austria, H.E. Mr. Mordechai Denis Paul Rodgold presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

December 2, 2019

Meet the New Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Mr. Richard Travers Sadleir

The new Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Richard Travers Sadleir presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

December 2, 2019

Meet the New Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh

The new Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Austria, H.E. Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. He is also non-resident ambassador to Hungary, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia.

December 2, 2019

Hedy Lamarr: Most Beautiful Woman in the World and Inventor Returns to Vienna

The Jewish Museum Vienna presents the new exhibition "Lady Bluetooth. Hedy Lamarr". Hedy Lamarr, born in Vienna in 1914, made a career in Hollywood as an actress and was crowned "the most beautiful woman in the world". In addition, the world owes her one of the most far-reaching inventions without which mobile telephony, WLAN or Bluetooth would be unthinkable today.

November 19, 2019

Viennese Honour for George Soros the Donor of the Central European University

The investor, philanthropist and sponsor of the CEU Central European University, George Soros, has been awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Province of Vienna.

November 19, 2019

Upward Trend in Foreign Trade Between Uzbekistan and Austria

With 33 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is the most populous country and Austria's second largest export destination in Central Asia.

November 18, 2019

Schallenberg in St. Petersburg: Art, Culture and Human Rights

Alexander Schallenberg travelled to Saint Petersburg to sign a declaration with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Medinsky on the programme of the "Year of Literature and Theatre Austria".

November 18, 2019

OPEC Headquarters Vienna: World Oil Market Outlook 2019 Launched

OPEC's Chief Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo released its 2019 World Oil Outlook, in which the OPEC states that the oil market may have upside potential in 2020.

November 17, 2019

Extradition of Oligarch Firtash to United States Remains "Suspended"

Although Austria has already agreed to the extradition of Dmytro Firtash, the latter may remain in Austria, as the resumption application submitted by his lawyers has a suspensive effect. During the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Vadym Prystaiko, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was confronted with the question of the state of affairs regarding Dmytro Firtash.

November 14, 2019

Ukraine: Schallenberg Meets New Ukrainian Foreign Minister Prystaiko

During his visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met the new Ukrainian counterpart Vadym Prystaiko, and highlighted the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

November 14, 2019 · Updated: November 14, 2019; 16:09

Casinos-Austria Affair: Austria's Previous Finance Minister No Longer Available

Austria's former and potentially future Finance Minister Hartwig Löger is no longer available for another term in office. A connection with the current Casinos-Austria Affair, in which the Office of the Public Prosecutor for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) is investigating, would not exist.

November 13, 2019

Paris Peace Forum: "Protecting Civilians in Populated Areas"

At the Peace Forum, Austrian Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein met French President Emmanuel Macron, several Heads of State and Government and directors of international organisations. She also presented the initiative "Protecting Civilians in Populated Areas".

November 12, 2019

Repatriation: Round-Table with Representatives of African Embassies at the Ministry of the Interior

Embassy representatives from French-speaking African countries, representatives of the French Office for Immigration and Integration and representatives of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior met in Vienna to strengthen cooperation in the field of return and reintegration.

November 12, 2019

Prorussian Alexander Lukashenko Meets Van der Bellen

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in office since 1994 (now in his fifth term of office), was received by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen during an official visit with military honours.

November 12, 2019

Austria Acquires Extraordinary Estate of Star Photographer Yoichi Okamoto

The Austrian National Library recently scored a special coup by purchasing the personal photographic estate of Yoichi R. Okamoto. The Japanese-American, who was promoted to official photographer of the White House under President Lyndon B. Johnson, was head of the American photography service in Austria from 1948 to 1954 and thus had the opportunity to capture post-war Austria directly with his camera.

November 7, 2019

Martin Weiss Accredited as New Austrian Ambassador in the United States

The newly appointed Austrian Ambassador Martin Weiss presented the copies of his credentials to U.S. Chief of Protocol Cam Henderson.

November 7, 2019

Current Austrian Ambassador to Israel to Become Top Diplomat in the United States

Ambassador Martin Weiss, the current Ambassador in Tel Aviv and former Speaker of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, will become the new Austrian Ambassador in Washington D.C., USA.

January 24, 2019 · Updated: November 7, 2019; 09:12

French "Ordre National du Mérite" Awarded to Major General Dorfer

François Saint-Paul, French Ambassador to Austria, has elevated Major General Martin Dorfer, Director in the Cabinet of the Minister of Defence, to the rank of Knight of the French National Order of Merit "Ordre National du Mérite".

November 6, 2019

Austro-Arab Chamber Secretary General Receives “Decoration of Merit in Gold of the Province of Vienna”

The AACC Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Vienna announced that Secretary General Dipl.-Ing. Mr. Mouddar Khouja was awarded the "Decoration of Merit in Gold of the Province of Vienna", in recognition of his dedication and devotement to the province of Vienna through his personal initiatives and in his professional capacity as Secretary General of AACC.

November 4, 2019

Argentine Ambassador to Austria Rafael Grossi Appointed New IAEA Director General

Ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi is set to take office as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency in early December, following his appointment to the post by the Agency’s Board of Governors.

November 1, 2019

Presentation of the Intercultural Achievement Award 2019 - Dialogue is the "Art of Encounter"

Successful and innovative projects in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue have been awarded by the Federal Ministry for Europe Integration and Foreign Affairs.

November 1, 2019

New Head of the European Commission in Austria Took Up His Post

Martin Selmayr, until recently Secretary General of the European Commission and previously Head of Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker, became Head of the Commission's Representation in Austria on 1 November. The Representation has around 20 staff and acts as a link between Brussels and the people, politics, business, media and interest groups in Austria.

October 31, 2019

Sobotka, Bures and Hofer Form New National Council Presidency

Parties staked out positions in the first debate in the newly elected Austrian National Council. Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP), Doris Bures (SPÖ) and Norbert Hofer (FPÖ) form the presidency of the new National Council. Wolfgang Sobotka elected President of the National Council with 143 of 163 valid votes. He called for respectful treatment and tolerance.

October 23, 2019