About: Austrian Presidency
Six EU countries – and counting – back out from the global migration pact
Bulgaria has become the sixth EU country after Hungary, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Croatia to signal that it will not sign the global migration agreement at a ceremony in Morocco in December.
Commission regrets Austria’s decision not to sign the global migration pact
Austria will follow the United States and Hungary in backing out of a United Nations pact on migration over concerns that it will blur the line between legal and illegal migration, the right-wing government told media on Wednesday (31 October). The EU Commission regretted the decision.
Austria calls for EU-wide halt in arms sales to Saudi Arabia
The European Union should halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl told a German newspaper, saying such action could also help end "the terrible war in Yemen".
EU digital tax: MEPs call for higher rates
The European Commission should consider increasing the proposed rates in the controversial digital tax plans, MEPs from the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs committee suggested on Tuesday (9 October).
Juncker raises spectre of new Balkans war
European Union Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned on Friday (5 October) of a possible new war in the Balkans if Bosnia, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo do not feel the EU is serious about offering them future membership.
Kurz reacts after far-right-controlled ministry suggests muzzling press
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had to intervene Tuesday (25 September) in the wake of a reported suggestion from an interior ministry official that police should limit contact with three critical media to a minimum.
World’s first hydrogen train leaves station in Germany
The world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train service began operating in Germany on Sunday (16 September), while EU ministers debated the future potential of the clean fuel at an informal summit in Austria this week.
Clouds are gathering over the Salzburg summit
Brexit, internal security and immigration: the items on the agenda of the informal European Council summit in Salzburg on Thursday (20 September) could lead to lively discussions. EURACTIV France reports.
EU ministers wary of Kosovo-Serbia border changes
EU ministers voiced concern on Friday (31 August) about talk of potential border changes between Kosovo and Serbia, warning that it could destabilise the Balkans, a region still simmering with ethnic tensions.
No country offers ports to migrant ships, angering Italy
Italy demanded on Thursday (30 August) the EU find other ports to disembark migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, suggesting it would withhold support for the EU naval mission against people-smuggling unless other countries take in survivors.
More responsibility on migration issue needed, says Mogherini
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Thursday (30 August) "there is no consensus on practical solutions" to migration at the moment and urged member states to show more responsibility towards migrants in the Mediterranean.
Italy to push EU for reform of ‘Operation Sophia’
Rome will today (30 August) ask the European Union to rotate the ports where migrants rescued at sea disembark, Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta said, with France and Spain expected to top the list.
Austria FM defends Putin wedding invitation
Austria's foreign minister defended on Monday (27 August) the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin at her wedding, denying she had been used by him after photos of the two dancing fueled questions about her neutrality.
Austria’s Kurz wants to help EU’s Barnier avoid a hard Brexit
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, said on Thursday (23 August) he wanted to help the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator avoid a hard Brexit.
EU unlikely to heed British call for more Russia sanctions
The European Union is unlikely to heed London's call for it to match the latest US sanctions against Moscow over an attack on a former Russian spy in Britain earlier this year, diplomats in Brussels said.
Putin defends ‘private’ trip to Austrian FM’s wedding
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (22 August) defended his appearance at the Austrian foreign minister's wedding after his dance with the bride caused a furore.
Austrian Presidency on the road towards new markets
Austria's Federal Economic Chamber represents the interests of the country's economic operators but is also a cornerstone of the social partnership enshrined in the constitution. Its president, Harald Mahrer, spoke to EURACTIV Germany about Austria's economic goals in a changing global economy.
Of walls and wills, Austria, the current EU and migration
As Austria and Europe tighten the screws on migration throughout the Austrian EU presidency, they should also assess the ramifications this effort can lead to, writes Pedro-Manuel López.
Austrian far-right minister doubles down on asylum reform plans
Austria's hardline interior minister Herbert Kickl said yesterday (10 July) he would push to change the EU's migration policy to make it impossible to make asylum requests on European soil.
Commission to table EU external border proposal by September
The Commission will translate the Council's demands into a set of concrete actions in order to improve control of the EU external borders, Jean-Claude Juncker announced on Friday (6 July) during the visit of the College of Commissioners to Vienna.
Domino effect of German border closure awaits crucial Vienna talks
The Austrian government remains cautious but warned there will be consequences if the German border is closed, ahead of a meeting with Interior Minister Horst Seehofer on Thursday (5 July) in Vienna.
Austria Presidency pushes for dialogue on US-EU trade dispute
Austria's EU Presidency is committed to preserving EU unity on the US trade dispute during its mandate but wants the European Commission to prioritise a transatlantic dialogue and avoid escalation.
Kurz pledges to shield Schengen as border dispute unfolds
Austrian Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz prioritised the protection of the external borders during his country's EU Presidency stint, in order to safeguard the Schengen area, as a recent deal between Germany’s conservative parties could lead to a resurrection of the bloc's internal borders.