Sponsored Content
Syria
EX-FPÖ Defense Minister Herbert Scheibner: Shadow Diplomacy in Syria and Iran
In the summer of 2019, when Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was acting with extreme brutality against the rebels in Idlib, former FPÖ Defense Minister Herbert Scheibner went on a trip to Syria. He met high-ranking representatives of the Assad regime in Damascus and later visited the Iranian ambassador in Vienna. But what drove Scheibner to these meetings?
October 9, 2023
AACC Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting” at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in harmonious collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies or Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, successfully conducted the “Ambassadors’ Meeting”.
September 17, 2023
Austria Delivers Food Aid to Earthquake Victims in Türkiye
Austria's Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig visited the province of Adiyaman, which borders the epicenter of the earthquake. Austria delivered 6 million euros from the special pot for international food aid.
April 2, 2023
Türkiye Must Comply with International Law Obligations, Says Foreign Affairs Committee
The Foreign Affairs Committee has urged the Republic of Türkiye to comply with International Law. This was done after the opposition parties set a motion to condemn Türkiye’s attacks in Northeast Syria and North Iraq.
March 27, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Emphasizes Migration Subject in the EU
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the EU summit has called for more financing for EU border protection. He also called for more control on irregular migration at EU level.
February 9, 2023
Austria Supports Earthquake Victims in Turkish-Syrian Border Area
The devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria left devastation and over 6000 people dead. The search for survivors in the rubble continues, among other things with numerous international aid. Austria is also sending aid with 82 soldiers and 3 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) for relief organizations. NGOs in Vienna, meanwhile, are asking for monetary donations.
February 7, 2023
Weekly Briefing: Austria’s Dealing with Rising Energy Prices
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austria is trying to stop the rise of energy prices through multiple discussions, possible laws and creative methods. Read about the latest developments!
December 1, 2022
Austria Gives 8 Million Euros to Syria and Jordan
The Syrian conflict, which has been going on for more than 10 years, has led to one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises. The precarious situation on the ground and in neighboring Jordan, where many Syrian refugees are, is worsening and a political solution to the conflict is not in sight. Austria's humanitarian aid on the ground is helping to prevent illegal migration to Europe, the government said.
November 30, 2022
Austro-Arab Chamber Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting at Vienna School for International Studies”
The Vienna School of International Studies hosted the "Ambassadors' Meeting at Vienna School of International Studies", organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber (AACC).
September 14, 2022
Forgotten Crisis: Austria Supports Syria at International Donor Conference
This week, the 6th donor conference to support Syria and the region is taking place in Brussels. This conference is the most important donor event for the country, which has suffered enormously in recent years, mainly due to war and natural disasters, and is still dependent on humanitarian aid from other countries. Austria is also represented and will contribute to the relief efforts.
May 10, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: EU Tries To Revive the Negotiations
European officials are trying to save the Iran nuclear deal. To find a solution to the months-long standoff between Tehran and Washington, EU coordinator Enrique Mora is scheduled to visit Tehran. Read about the newest developments in Iran and the JCPOA.
May 8, 2022
Arab Chambers’ Day at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
The event "Arab Chambers' Day" at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 provided an opportunity for Emirati, Arab and Austrian delegates to meet and become acquainted with leading Austrian companies. Find out more about the event and which senior Arab and Austrian officials and delegations attended.
April 5, 2022
Arab Chambers' Day at Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai
The event "Arab Chambers' Day" at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 will provide an opportunity for Emirati, Arab and Austrian delegates to meet and become acquainted with leading Austrian companies. Find out more about the event.
March 18, 2022
UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine
By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.
March 2, 2022
Ukraine Invasion: Austria Also Possesses a "Willkommenskultur"
Austria is already preparing to receive Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The people of Austria have a chance to once again display their "Wilkommenskultur" ("welcoming culture") and welcome those fleeing the brutal conflict into their country with open arms. Read what Vienna is currently doing to help welcome the refugees.
March 2, 2022
Brussels: Schallenberg Attends Ukraine Crisis Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Schallenberg attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The meeting, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended virtually, focused on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Read about the meeting and watch an interview with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 26, 2022
Additional Millions for the Fight Against Terrorism, Armed Conflict, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Austrian government has decided to provide millions of euros to help Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, and Jordan deal with the humanitarian crises they are facing. Read how this aid will be allocated and why Austria believes it is necessary.
December 3, 2021
What's on the Agenda for the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, November 24-26, 2021?
The IAEA Board of Governors will convene its regular November meeting virtually, starting at 10:30 CET on Wednesday, 24 November. Board discussions are expected to include verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015).
November 23, 2021
The U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and its New Chargé d’Affaires
A brief look at what the U.S. Mission to the OSCE does and its new Chargé d’Affaires, Courtney E. Austrian.
July 7, 2021
Permanent Representative of Syria to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents his Credentials
The new Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations (Vienna), Hasan Khaddour, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
June 18, 2021
Israel Flag Hoisting Crisis: Protest of Arab Ambassadors in Austria
All 17 ambassadors of Arab states accredited in Vienna protest against the raising of the Israeli flag on the roofs of the Austrian Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
May 27, 2021
Austria Continues Support for Syria
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has agreed on providing aid of more than EUR 18 million for Syria and Syrian refugees. On the occasion of the ten year anniversary of the crisis and the fifth Brussels Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region", Schallenberg demands an end for the wait for peace in Syria.
March 31, 2021
Austria's Schallenberg and Nehammer at EU Foreign and Interior Ministers' Meeting
For the first time ever, EU Foreign and Interior Ministers met jointly to discuss migration issues. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg and Interior Minister Nehammer demand a better system for the repatriation process of migrants who have not been granted asylum.
March 16, 2021
Austria Supports Syrian Refugees in Lebanon and Jordan
The Austrian government has decided to support Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon with EUR 1 million. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister are sure that by supporting Austrian NGOs, the aid will "be helping directly in the crisis regions of the Middle East".
November 11, 2020
Austrian Assistance to Palestinian Refugees with EUR 8.1 Million
Over the period 2020 to 2022, Austria will pay a total of EUR 8.1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
August 19, 2020
Crisis Between Athens and Ankara: Greek Prime Minister in Vienna
Thousands of refugees still hope to enter the EU from Turkey. Athens is therefore strengthening its border management, seeking support from the EU and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis travelled to Vienna.
March 11, 2020
Start of Arab-Austrian Cultural Season 2020
The Arab-Austrian Cultural Season 2020 will be carried out under the motto “Austria and Arab Countries: A Cultural Partnership And An Extended History” has officially started.
March 9, 2020
Turkey: Schallenberg Calls for an End to EU Candidate Status
The meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg focused on the Turkish military offensive in Northern Syria. In the run-up to the meeting, Foreign Minister Schallenberg emphasised that the military action was "simply wrong" and that it was now the EU's turn to take clear decisions.
October 16, 2019
Syria Conflict: Humanitarian Assistance to Jordan and Lebanon
Austria has decided to disburse humanitarian funds totalling EUR 1 million for Syria's most severely affected neighbouring countries. The funds from the Foreign Disaster Fund will each amount to half a million euros for Jordan and Lebanon.
September 12, 2019
Austria to Support Syria and Mali with EUR 2.5 Million
The Austrian Council of Ministers approved a total of 2.5 million euros in aid payments from the Foreign Disaster Fund for humanitarian aid in Mali and Syria. The money is intended for refugees in the two crisis areas.
July 31, 2019
Get to Know Austria's New Minister of Defence Thomas Starlinger
Thomas Starlinger (56) is an Austrian officer (Major General), consultant and politician. He is regarded as a proponent of a professional army. Most recently, he worked as an adjutant to Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who also appointed him Federal Minister of Defence on 3 June 2019.
June 18, 2019
IS Returnees to Austria - No Consular Protection Abroad
Austria adopted an autonomous consular law whereby consular protection abroad is regulated in a separate law for the first time and IS returnees can be denied consular protection.
April 26, 2019
Austrian Military Investigation into the Golan Heights Ambush: Soldiers' Actions Correct
In September 2012, Austrian UN soldiers on the Golan did not prevent Syrian security forces from entering a deadly ambush. The disciplinary assessment concludes that the conduct of Austria's soldiers had been stressful, but correct, so that the soldiers do not need to be prosecuted.
June 5, 2018
Update of Austria's Probe of UN Golan Troops Over Deaths of Syrians
According to media reports, the video, which shows the fatal incident in September 2012 on the Golan Heights, when Austrian blue helmet soldiers sent 9 Syrian security forces into a deadly ambush, was used as a "training film". In parallel with these reports, the former Defence Minister points out that the start of the Syrian Civil War has removed the basis of the UN mandate, which should focus exclusively on monitoring the ceasefire between Syria and Israel.
May 4, 2018
Austria's Role in Brussels' Syria Conference Rather Modest
Austria's recent efforts regarding Syria to make only 4 million additional euros available on the one hand, and Lawrow's clear rejection of Austria's possible mediation role in the Syrian conflict on the other, cannot be classified as a success. Rather than Vienna, the Brussels Conference will seek to resume the UN peace talks in Geneva.
April 24, 2018
Austrian Delegation Seeks to Improve Economic and Political Relations with Jordan
An official visit of President Van der Bellen to Jordan will take place from 17 April to 19 April 2018. The delegation to Amman will be accompanied by an economic mission headed by WKO Vice President Richard Schenz. The economic mission of the WKO is the response of an invitation issued some time ago by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom.
March 8, 2018
Chancellor Kurz Visits President Putin: "The situation in Syria is dramatic"
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz traveled to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin. The focus of the trip was a working meeting with the Russian President, with whom Kurz discussed, among other things, the bilateral relations of both countries, the relationship between Russia and the EU, the Ukraine conflict and the current situation in Syria.
February 28, 2018
Burgenland to Be Pilot-Province for Courses on Values for Refugees
On the sidelines of a conference of experts on Integration of Austria's regional governments in Eisenstadt, Sebastian Kurz and Norbert Darabos announced a workshop cooperation between the Austrian Integration Fund (AIF) and the Federal Province of Burgenland: the AIF will offer workshops on integration for refugees and immigrants.
December 15, 2015
Foreign Minister Kurz Met Adel al-Jubeir and King Salman bin Abdulaziz
During his first visit to Saudi Arabia, Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was received both by his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel al-Jubeir, as well as King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The talks included besides bilateral issues - which also include economic relations - the future of Syria, the danger of the "Islamic State" and human rights.
November 27, 2015
Linhart: “Foreign Policy Should Focus on Stabilization of Neighbouring Regions”
“The European foreign policy must focus more of its attention on the neighborhood, the stabilization thereof – and in the case of the Western Balkans, their way towards the EU – has to be our European priority”, Secretary General for Austrian Foreign Affairs, Dr. Michael Linhart declared on the occasion of the 19th Europe Forum of the Austria Institute for Europe and Security Policy (AIES) in the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
November 18, 2015
Austria will Remain an Asylum Country with Tradition
Since 1945 more than two million refugees have come to Austria, whereby almost 700,000 have remained here - that is about 9 per cent of the total population of Austria. Every second refugee had a different mother tongue than German. The refugee crises occurred in a mysterious sequence, as every twelve years, large waves of refugees arrived in Austria: 1956, 1968, 1980 and 1992.
October 28, 2015
Iranian Foreign Minister to Participate in Syria Conference in Vienna
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will attend the conference on Syria in Vienna on Friday. This has been confirmed today by the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, according to the official news agency ISNA. Iran will meet in Vienna not only to Russia and the USA, but also to its nemesis Saudi Arabia.
October 28, 2015
Joint Russia-US Fight against ISIS: Kerry and Lavrov to Hold Syria Talks in Vienna
US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday in Vienna to discuss the Syrian conflict together with their counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The meeting was made possible following the involvement of Vladimir Putin in serious diplomacy and the surprise visit by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Moscow on Tuesday.
October 23, 2015
Austrian President and Various Ministers at the UN-General Assembly
Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer, Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management Andrä Rupprechter and Minister for Education and Women’s Affairs Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek were in New York on the occasion of the leader’s week opening the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA).
October 8, 2015
Humanitarian Crisis: OSCE Can Be Important Platform for Co-Operation
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today met refugees and representatives of local aid organizations at the Vienna West railway station (Westbahnhof), where he was briefed by Austria’s Interior Ministry and the Vienna police about their operations.
September 24, 2015
Austria Pulling Back Peacekeepers from Syria-Israel Border
Austria announced to pull back its around 380 peacekeepers from the 1,000-strong UN force out of the Golan from the UNDOF mission after grave incidents occurred in Syria.
June 7, 2013
“Business development focus in solid Austrian ties to Qatar”
Austrian State Secretary meets the Emir of Qatar and Qatar’s Foreign Affairs State Secretary for working discussions.
March 1, 2013
OeNB Dismisses Management of Money Printing Subsidiary
Three persons were fired for suspicion of unlawful actions. € 14m have allegedly been paid as bribe to secure a deal with Syria.
October 28, 2011
OMV Affected by Sanctions against Syria
The Austrian oil and gas company does not have a local production but buys 7% of its oil supplies from the Arabic country.
August 29, 2011
Fast News Search
