Moldovan artists in Vienna; scholarship internships announced in Austria
In 2026, Austria will provide artists from the Republic of Moldova with the opportunity to undertake scholarship-based internships at cultural institutions and in relevant artistic projects in Vienna. The Austrian Ambassador to Chisinau, Stella Avallone, highlighted the Focus International Moldova 2026 project as one of the key initiatives shaping Moldovan-Austrian cooperation. She emphasized that the bilateral relations between the two countries have become increasingly dynamic in recent years.
Scholarships for artists in renowned institutions
The aim of this program is to connect the Moldovan and European cultural scenes while supporting the professional development of artists in prestigious cultural institutions and projects.
"The program offers scholarships for artists and musicians from Moldova for a period of two months as part of an internship at renowned art and music institutions in Vienna, such as Music International Austria, MuseumsQuartier, or ART Vienna Contemporary," the ambassador stated in an interview with Anatol Caciuc for the show “Zi de Zi” on Radio Moldova.
The diplomat also emphasized initiatives in the field of literary translation, noting that Austria is a co-founder of the literary cooperation network Traduki. This network subsidizes translations of authors from Southeast Europe into German and vice versa.
"In November 2025, Moldovan writer Iulian Ciocan participated in the Vienna Book Fair, where he presented his book 'In the morning the Russians will come again' in German translation. The German market is crucial for authors from abroad, as it provides access to the German-speaking public," the ambassador remarked.
In the field of education, Stella Avallone highlighted Austrian School Moldova, an institution inspired by the Austrian education system that prepares young people for careers in electronics and information technology.
Austrian projects in infrastructure and investments
The ambassador described a project as "emblematic" — the water treatment plant in Edineț, which will supply drinking water to approximately 26,000 residents of the cities of Edineț and Cupcini.
She also mentioned that Austrian companies operating in the Republic of Moldova share their experience in implementing European standards with Moldovan partners.
"Around 26,000 people live in Edineț and Cupcini," the diplomat noted. "Austria is among the main investors in the Republic of Moldova. We are active in the insurance sector, with two companies; in the automotive industry, through a company in the Bălți Free Economic Zone; and in agriculture. However, this does not mean that we cannot further intensify economic cooperation."
New opportunities for cooperation
Stella Avallone believes it is important to foster cooperation in IT, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Austria is also open to offering its expertise in aligning education with labor market needs. Tourism is seen as a promising area for development.
"Moldova is home to many impressive wineries and has excellent quality wines, with attractive architecture. These attractions are also interesting to tourists, alongside important cultural sites such as Old Orhei and the Soroca Fortress. There is significant potential for the development of agritourism, but improving infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation, is necessary," the ambassador added.
At the institutional level, Stella Avallone mentioned a European project aimed at strengthening the capacities of the Moldovan legislature in the European integration process. "This project involves the Greek Parliament as the main institution, but also includes other participating parliaments, such as Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Romania, along with partners from the Netherlands," she stated.
The Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Austria established diplomatic relations on March 25, 1992, and bilateral cooperation has continued to develop, with Austria a significant partner in the economic, cultural, and educational fields.
