About: Austrian Presidency
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.
Austria kicks off EU Presidency with ‘a Europe that protects’
The first day of Austria's stint at the helm of the rotating EU Presidency already made clear that the next six months will be a diplomatic challenge for the country. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.
Austria unveils energy, environment work plan at EU helm
The Austrian Presidency of the EU will aim to reach agreement on two flagship pieces of legislation during its six-month stint at the EU helm – including new CO2 emissions standards for cars and vans for 2030 and a controversial reform of the electricity market.
EU puts ‘North Macedonia’ and Albania on hold until the European elections
The European Union agreed a compromise on Tuesday (26 June) whereby it would open negotiations to join the bloc with Albania and Macedonia in June next year, provided a string of conditions on rule of law, crime and corruption are met.
Tensions build ahead of hastily prepared migration meeting
Jean-Claude Juncker's invitation to a handful of EU leaders for an informal mini-summit on Sunday (27 June) to discuss migration and asylum appears to have raised more issues than the meeting can solve.
Juncker puts hopes in ‘pro-European’ Austrian Presidency
Although Austria’s government, in which the far right is represented, has plans for a tough anti-immigration agenda for its upcoming EU presidency, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he trusts its “European” credentials.
Ahead of Austria visit, Putin says Russia wants ‘united and prosperous EU’
President Vladimir Putin yesterday (4 June) downplayed suggestions Russia was seeking to disrupt the European Union's cohesion, saying it was in his country's interests for the bloc to remain "united and prosperous".