During a sit-down dinner of Austrian cuisine, the ambassador spoke on a wide variety of topics while presenting slides and films on the country’s economy, culture and environment. She noted Austria's vibrant economy is almost entirely small to medium businesses, with 50% driven by exports. The US is a significant market with 800 companies selling here and 250 producing goods here, the ambassador said. Schneebauer is also a proponent of her country’s apprenticeship system, and the embassy is assisting a project in Vermont.
Austria gives a warm welcome to Club members at ICC event
Th Austrian Embassy and Ambassador Petra Schneebauer welcomed National Press Club members to its embassy on International Court on Nov. 16 for an evening that included Austria’s famed wine and beer, jazz music, dinner and an exhibit of Austrian architecture.
Club members enjoyed drinks, listened to jazz and wandered amid a large exhibition on Austrian-born architect Victor Gruen, whose vision of urban planning profoundly shaped America’s built environment during the last half of the 20th Century, from the world’s first regional shopping centers to an eventual focus on making inner-city cores more socially and environmentally conscious.
Schneebauer elaborated on the nuances of remaining relevant in foreign policy after neutrality became constitutionally mandated in 1955, a policy still supported by 77% of Austrians. Despite its small size, Austria hosts more than 100,000 Ukrainians who have full access to health services, labor market and education. It is providing more than 190 million euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, she said. An EU member since 1995, Austria is also a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace. Austria supports the goal of a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine.
Tourism plays big. Vienna retained its crown as the world’s most livable city in rankings of 175 cities by The Economist. In 2024, it will be the European Culture Capital. Samplings of upcoming offerings, as well as the stunning alpine environment, can be seen here. The county will also celebrate famed composer Anton Bruckner, born two centuries ago.
Schneebauer became ambassador to the US this past summer following a diverse career including coping with crises related to terrorist attacks and natural disasters throughout the world, and tackling human trafficking. She has a legal background as well as a doctorate in philosophy.
Club members are invited to sign up for Austria's newsletter at [email protected]. Upcoming offerings include a Christmas jazz concert on Dec. 14th, rsvp required.