Foreign Ministry Finalizes Press Team Enhancements

On April 1, 2025, the Foreign Ministry of Austria announced the completion of its press team, marking a significant step in its communication strategy. The new team will be led by Federal Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, with Julian Steiner appointed as her spokesperson. Steiner will be supported by Clemens Gaiger and Elias Vonmetz, who bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to their roles.

Clemens Gaiger previously served as the spokesperson for the NEOS parliamentary club from 2015 to 2020, and most recently was active in the police service in Vienna. His experience in public communication and law enforcement is expected to enhance the ministry's outreach efforts. Meanwhile, Elias Vonmetz joins from the office of former Federal Minister Alexander Schallenberg, where he developed expertise in foreign policy communications. His primary focus will be to assist the Federal Minister in articulating Austria's positions on international matters.

Additionally, Nina Schwarz-Horn has been appointed as the spokesperson for State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn. Schwarz-Horn has previously served as the deputy spokesperson for Beate Meinl-Reisinger in the NEOS parliamentary club, providing her with a strong foundation in government communication.

The press team will also continue to include established figures such as Clemens Mantl, the department head and spokesperson, and Alena Baur, the deputy department head and spokesperson. Together, they form a cohesive unit aimed at enhancing the ministry's public engagement and response strategies.

This restructuring reflects the Foreign Ministry's commitment to effective communication and transparency, particularly in a time when international relations require clear and concise messaging. The team is poised to address the evolving challenges in global diplomacy and foster stronger connections with both domestic and international audiences.

For media inquiries, the contact details for the press team are as follows:

• Julian Steiner: +43 664 88782402, julian.steiner@bmeia.gv.at
• Clemens Gaiger: +43 676 89993131, clemens.gaiger@bmeia.gv.at
• Elias Vonmetz: +43 676 89993108, elias.vonmetz@bmeia.gv.at
• Nina Schwarz-Horn: +43 664 88782488, nina.schwarz-horn@bmeia.gv.at
• Press Department: +43 (0) 50 11 50 - 3320, aussenministerium.presseabteilung@bmeia.gv.at