FAQs about Russia’s war in Ukraine

Austria condemns Russia’s unprovoked military aggression in violation of International Law and executes all restrictive measures that have been taken by the European Union (EU). 

If your company is affected, please turn to this Ministry’s citizens‘ service bureau:
Hotline:
0800-240 258 (free of charge from anywhere in Austria) or
(+43) 1 711 00-805555
E-Mail: service@wirtschaftsministerium.at
Further information can also be obtained on the site WKO.at 

The short term focus of Ukraine's government is on reconstruction of housing and infrastructure (critical and social infrastructure, transport and energy infrastructure). Ukraine wants to become a magnet for attracting foreign investment, and this ambition is underpinned by progressing approximation of Ukraine’s laws toward Europe's acquis. Reconstruction is guided by the principle "Build back better" - catchwords sustainability and digitalization - and this means significant opportunities and potential for Austrian companies.

The Internationalisation Initiative go-international, carried out jointly by this Ministry and the WKO, features a focus on Ukraine in its programme. Events at home and abroad, both offering information or B2B, are supplemented by direct funding.  A variety of cheques are available facilitating entry to Ukraine’s marketplace. In addition, a special Ukraine service point for interested Austrian companies was established in the framework of go-international. Information is available at www.go-international.at

Bilateral economic relations are strengthened by an intense exchange between high level Austrian and Ukrainian political decision makers. 

In April, 2025, Wolfgang Anzengruber was appointed the government's coordinator for reconstruction of Ukraine. He coordinates reconstruction efforts among various stakeholders in Austria and with Ukrainian and European partners. 

Via Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB), limited export credit guarantees are available under strict conditions. To a limited extent, stakes may be ensured. For more information, consult Website der OeKB.

The European Commission and the EU's member states support Ukraine in humanitarian, macroeconomic and military dimensions. Together with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the so-called "EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes" were established – important corridors which enable Ukraine on the one hand to export grain and other agricultural products and on the other, to import those goods it needs, including humanitarian aid, fodder and fertilizers. Medical care is provided as well as access to the labour market, education for children and means for housing.

A travel warning is in force for Ukraine. Because of the unpredictable safety situation, strict abstention from travelling to Ukraine is recommended. And those already there are strongly advised to leave Ukraine immediately. 

Current information is available on the Foreign Ministry’s site: BMEIA-Infoseite Ukraine

Alongside financial support for Ukraine and its neighbours, seriously injured civilians are taken in for treatment and humanitarian aid is delivered. Austria's Federal Government reacts swiftly to calls for support by Ukraine's government after large-scale devastation such as after the attack on the Kakhovka dam.  The Federal Government participates in numerous reconstruction conferences, the topic of which is optimisation and coordination of support. Austria's focus is on humanitarian aid and reconstruction of energy infrastructure, which has been badly damaged.  

Restrictive measures (sanctions) make a continuation of the war increasingly difficult and expensive for Russia. For instance, certain parts necessary for the military industry are no longer delivered. The effect of restrictive measures goes far beyond the clear message that the EU does not tolerate Russia's behaviour. For the measures to unfold continuing effect, the EU as a community of values must send a powerful, joint signal. The EU has decided to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation with third countries and the provision of technical help in order to combat increasing circumvention of EU sanctions. This aims at a lasting effect of sanctions in the medium and long run. 

Vocational training completed abroad can be put on an equal footing with a final apprenticeship examination by the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET). 

Recognition of professional education 

There is a simplified procedure of evaluation in the process of acknowledgement of vocational qualifications obtained abroad. This low-threshold procedure under "§ 6 Anerkennungs- und Bewertungsgesetz" (Acknowledgement and Evaluation Act) facilitates companies' and job seekers' orientation in the labour market and thus, facilitates employment in Austria corresponding to individual qualification. In order to support swift integration in the labour market, this simplified procedure may be used especially by people from Ukraine.  

Antragsformular: Bewertung einer Ausbildung (PDF, 74 KB) (german only)