Austria's Foreign Minister after 56 Days in Office Once Again Merely Ambassador in Berlin
After returning control of the Austrian Foreign Ministry to Alexander Schallenberg after only 56 days, former Foreign Minister Michael Linhart is likely to become the new Ambassador to Germany. Read about the chaotic government reshuffle and Mr. Linhart's demotion.
High-level Belarus Conference in Vienna
Chancellor Schallenberg participated in a video conference to discuss the situation in Belarus and the worsening humanitarian crisis at the EU's external border with numerous representatives from other EU member states and Belarusian opposition politicians. Read what was discussed at the meeting and watch a joint press conference with Schallenberg and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
Merkel Receives Kurz: Connected Through a Multitude of Relationships
German Chancellor Angela Merkel received Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the German Federal Chancellery in Berlin. In addition to a discussion of the issues Germany and Austria are currently dealing with, such as Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting also served as Kurz's farewell to the German Chancellor, who is leaving office after 16 years.
At Summit With Merkel, Kurz Reaffirms Support for Western Balkan EU Accession
German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and other leaders for the Western Balkans Summit. Kurz expressed his full support for the six Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Read what he said.
Steinmeier and Van der Bellen Demand European Cohesion
At a working meeting in Germany, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier discuss European unity and bilateral cooperation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more below.
Macron, Merkel, Von der Leyen and Kurz on the Fight Against Terrorism
At a video conference, Macron, Merkel, Rutte, Von der Leyen, Michel and Kurz have agreed that the EU needs to act decisively and jointly against a terrorism and extremism. Following the recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria, the politicians demand further discussions about the future procedure of the fight against terrorism.
Integration Minister Raab: "Increasing Radicalization Tendencies Need More Determined Cooperation"
At a video conference with her European counterparts, Austria's Integration Minister Raab demanded even more determined cooperation at the EU level to fight extremism and terrorism. She emphasizes the fact that this fight can be only battled together and that it is important to detect the breeding ground for ideologies that stand against common European values.
Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus
Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.
Inaugural Visit: Kurz Meets Merkel in Berlin
The multi-year financial framework, the EU's future process and climate protection in focus at meetings with Chancellor Merkel. There is broad agreement on the financial framework, but on many other issues the chancellors are far apart.
Meet Her Excellency Austria's New Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl
Karin Kneissl (53) was recently appointed Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. At present, she is busy touring Europe and introducing herself to her counterparts, or inviting them to the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs in Vienna.
Romania: Taxes Expected to Be Raised
The local press reports that numerous anonymous sources from the larger ruling party say that the executive is considering a hike in profit and income tax.
Serbia: No EU Accession Negotiations in 2013
Serbia will not be able to start the desired negotiations for an EU membership this year.
Turkey: Protests Claimed Life of At Least One Person
According to the medical association at least one protestor was killed in Istanbul. Despite of unequaled violence by the police protests against Prime Minister Erdogan will not break down.
Orban's "Derailment" Causes Indignation in Germany
Hungary's head of government Viktor Orban seems to love the confrontation. However, with the accusation of Germany using Nazi-methods he overstepped the mark in terms of tact.
Serbia: Vucic "Deeply Disappointed"
Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has given up hope for a new date in June for the beginning of EU accession negotiations. Russian Prime Minister Medvedev expressed support.
Russia to Contribute to Cyprus Aid-Package
President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will contribute to rescue-package for Cyprus.
Roiss: "A European Concept and Joint Investments Are Needed"
In an interview with the Austrian newpaper Kurier, CEO of OMV explains why Europe needs other sources of energy and why there is a growing competitive disadvantage compared with the USA.
Cyprus: Negotiations About "Plan B" Today
After days of negotiations in Moscow, Cyprian Finance Minister had to return empty-handed. Talks about "plan B" will continue today.
Cyprus Appeals for Help to Russia
In a vote on Tuesday the government has decided not to use the private money of Cyprus' citizens to help bail out the banks. After the rejection, the EU aid package is now off. Cyprus hopes rest on Russia at this point.
Klaus Meets Merkel
Czech President Vaclav Klaus wants to persuade Merkel to stop the integration process in the EU.
EU Accession: Turkey Shows Self-Confidence
Turkey puts further pressure on Brussels. Until 2023, Turkey wants to become a EU member country.
Erdogan Tries to Put Pressure on EU
The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns of postponing the EU accession of his country.
Hungary Reaffirms Not to Enter Eurozone
After the meeting with Germany´s Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hungary´s Prime Minister Viktor Orban explained that the euro must offer a perspective again.
Orban Rejects Joining Eurozone
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thinks that the introduction of the euro in Hungary would be "irresponsible".
Croatian EU-Accession: Slovenia as Obstacle
Slovenia may put a veto on Croatia´s EU accession. Croatia should withdraw lawsuits against the biggest Slovenian bank NLB, Slovenia says.
Orban to Visit Germany
In October, Hungary´s Prime Minister will be on an official state visit in Berlin in October.
Tusk: Good Prospects to Become Head of EU Commission
According to the German magazine "Der Spiegel", the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is considered as favorite candidate for the next President of the EU Commission.
Merkel and Faymann Reaffirm their Commitment to the Euro
The German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel met her Austrian counterpart Werner Faymann and Vice Chancellor Michael Spindelegger in Vienna. It was Merkel´s first state visit in Austria since 2006.
Merkel Meets Austrian Government
This Friday, Germany´s Chancellor Angela Merkel will have talks with the top of the Austrian government in Vienna.
Controversy About Nowotny
Ewald Nowotny, the governor Austrian Central Bank (OeNB) argued that the austerity policy in the 1930s caused the rise of the Nazi regime. A wave of indignation emerged.
Fekter Emphasizes: "Eurobonds Do Not Solve Debt Problem"
Maria Fekter, Austria´s Minister of Finance, thinks that the idea of common bonds is no real solution, but only symptom fighting.
Austria to Participate in Merkel´s Bond Plans?
According to the German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, triple-A countries should issue common "elite bonds". Austria should take part.
Austria Benefits from Low Loan Interest Rates
Because of low interest rates and spreads, Austria is able to get convenient financing on the loan market. Euro-bonds would mean significant costs for Austria.
Nowotny Pleads for Euro-Bonds
The governor of the Austrian National Bank, Ewald Nowotny, is for the introduction of euro-bonds. Germany's resistance is pre-programmed.