Steinmeier celebrates 45 million euro embassy: A symbol of partnership!

Steinmeier celebrates 45 million euro embassy: A symbol of partnership!

Last week, Vienna was the venue for an important state visit: German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the city from October 21st to 23rd, 2025. The focus of his stay was on strengthening the close partnership between Germany and Austria. A highlight of the visit was the ceremonial opening of the new German Embassy building on October 22nd, which cost 45 million euros. In the presence of Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, he emphasized in his speech that the embassy is a "symbol of our close partnership" and thus underlines the deep-rooted connections between the two countries.

The new building was designed by the architects Schulz and Schulz from Leipzig. In addition to the embassy itself, the noble building also houses the German Permanent Mission to the OSCE. The opening was attended by a varied cultural program that included, among others, the Motus Quartet and the well-known artists Jonas Kaufmann and Daria Kolisan. An exhibition of contemporary art from Austria and Germany was also opened, further strengthening the intercultural exchange between the two nations.

Political exchange and European security

However, Steinmeier's visit was not just a ceremony, but also an opportunity for in-depth political discussions. Topics such as European security policy, the war in Ukraine and the challenges in the Middle East were on the agenda. Steinmeier's wife Elke Büdenbender accompanied him and her program focused on the promotion of women and equality. An emotional moment was the commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust at the Shoah Name Wall Memorial, which brought the history and responsibility of both countries into focus.

Another sign of the close cooperation was the visit to the Brenner Base Tunnel, which is considered a symbol of European infrastructure cooperation. It is no coincidence that Germany is Austria's most important economic partner. With a trade volume of over 100 billion euros annually, both countries demonstrate how closely their economic relations are connected. Many German companies have production facilities and branches in Austria, while conversely many Austrians are also active in Germany in terms of work and education. And the cultural ties? They are strong and diverse – German artists work in Austria just as Austrian scientists work in Germany. This is also reflected in joint film and television productions that connect our two countries.

In summary, Steinmeier's visit not only underlined the current state of relations between Germany and Austria, but also set an example for the common future in an increasingly complex political landscape in Europe. The new embassy building is symbolic of dialogue, cooperation and the effort to stick together even in challenging times. This bond runs deep, as shown by the cultural-historical connection between the two nations in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation under the House of Habsburg, which still resonates today.

In this sense, it is to be hoped that the embassy will not only function as a diplomatic headquarters, but also as a place for exchange and encounters in order to keep the cooperation between the two countries alive in the future.