Where you can find us

Hunyadi Castle

The Austria Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) is seated in Hunyadi castle in Maria Enzersdorf near Vienna (address / driving directions). The three-winged, late-baroque castle complex was built by the Viennese merchant Joseph Patuzzi in the middle of the 18th century. After his death, the castle changed hands several times. The castle’s present-day name originates from the couple Alexandrine and Koloman count Hunyadi inhabiting it from 1876 to 1901. Koloman count Hunyadi was Master of Ceremonies at the Viennese imperial court. At that time the castle undoubtedly experienced its heyday. Nowadays Hunyadi castle is used as event centre for concerts, readings, balls, exhibitions, receptions, celebrations and seminars. In 2004 the building was completely renovated. Since 2005 the AIES has had its office on the 2nd floor of the castle.

Hunyadi. castle © Rainer Mirau Photography

Vienna

Vienna, the heart of the Habsburg monarchy and former residence of the Austrian emperors, is well-known for its multitude of world-famous museums and treasures as well as for its impressive monumental buildings in the inner city. With the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Viennese Choir Boys, performing both in splendid concert halls, the Viennese State Opera House and the Burgtheater (National Theatre) the Austrian capital city offers a unique and fascinating cultural life.

Most of the landmarks are situated in the inner city. The 1st district outshined by the mighty gothic tower of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) and the majestic Hofburg are encircled by the famous Ringstraße, from which manifold roads and narrow streets disperse into all directions. The heart of Old Vienna with its many churches, palaces, parks and the world-famous cafés is really worth a visit!

Die Hofburg (Imperial Palace – winter residence of the Habsburg family)

Other famous attractions of the city are Schönbrunn castle, an outstanding baroque structure which was the summer residence of the Habsburgs housing the world’s oldest zoo and the Prater, Vienna’s famous amusement park with its most prominent landmark, the Ferris wheel (Riesenrad).

There are many reasons why we organise many of our meetings in Vienna. Since the peace talks that marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars (also known as the “Congress of Vienna”) in 1815, Vienna has become one of the most important, popular and well-established international conference locations.

Vienna, as one of the seats of the United Nations, houses the IAEO, the UNIDO, CTBTO and many other members of the UN-organisations (e.g. UNODC, UNCOPUOS). Besides, Vienna accommodates the Secretariat and the OSCE Permanent Council as well as the OPEC and the OPEC Fund. Vienna is also the seat of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency which, as the name implies, is responsible for guaranteeing the observance of fundamental and human rights.