Lobbying to become ambassador, Fate Velaj's case 'shakes' the Austrian Foreign Ministry; threat of a diplomatic scandal

The appointment of Fatmir Velaj as Albania's ambassador to Vienna in 2023 is turning into a diplomatic and political "powder keg" in the Foreign Ministry of Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Neos), placing the new federal government in an uncertain position, according to local media in Austria.

In 2024, a parliamentary investigation was requested by NEOS National Council member Helmut Brandstätter into Velaj's appointment as ambassador. The investigation shed light on several doubts regarding his suitability as a diplomatic figure.

Brandstätter, in the prepared investigation, wanted to know whether Velaj was a dual Austrian-Albanian citizen at the time of his appointment and whether he was engaged in commercial activity in Austria. Under current practice, both of these would be grounds for exclusion from accreditation as an ambassador to a third country.

"Is it true that the designated candidate is engaged in commercial activity in Austria? Would this be grounds for exclusion?"

"Is it known whether the designated candidate has renounced Austrian citizenship or would renounce it if appointed?"

At the time, there were suspicions that the then Federal Minister for EU Affairs and Constitutional Affairs, Karoline Edtstadler, had also intervened in Fate Velaj's appointment.

The issue has also put the Foreign Ministry at the center of criticism. The question is whether the Federal Ministry for Europe, Foreign Affairs and Integration (BMEIA) has already asked the Foreign Ministry in Tirana to appoint another candidate with a verbal note in July 2023 and whether this request has not been fulfilled to date. At that time, Alexander Schallenberg was Foreign Minister. Specific questions also arise in this regard:

“Which departments or individuals within the Federal Ministry for Europe, Media and Foreign Affairs made the decision regarding accreditation?”

"When and to what extent was Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg involved in the process?"

The suspicion arises that behind the appointment lies a murky web of political lobbying and diplomatic opportunism. The party-political entanglements in Austria, in particular, raise key questions. How did these state awards come about? Who initiated them and for what reason?

Investigation proves abuses – without consequences

Based on Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's response to the investigation on July 24, 2024, new details emerged about the Velaj case.

The official response of the Foreign Ministry confirms the main allegations surrounding the appointment of Fatmir Velaj as Albania's ambassador to Vienna. According to the statement, the Albanian embassy requested a diplomatic agreement on July 27, 2023. The Federal Ministry for Europe, Foreign Affairs and International Affairs subsequently determined, during a routine review, that the nominee held both Austrian and Albanian citizenship and had previously engaged in commercial activities in Austria. Both of these were incompatible with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Only on March 19, 2024, did the Albanian embassy announce that Velaj had renounced his Austrian citizenship, officially paving the way for accreditation. On April 3, 2024, the Federal President granted him the agreement – ​​based on the proposal of the Federal Ministry for Europe, Foreign Affairs and International Affairs. On June 26, 2024, Velaj finally submitted his credentials. This means: Despite years of working in Austria, despite his dual citizenship, and despite his commercial past, Velaj was diplomatically accredited – after the formal obstacles were removed through subsequent steps.

The Council of Ministers under pressure

Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger is under pressure. According to internal files of the Foreign Ministry, Velaj is said to have personally intervened in the Federal Ministry for Europe, Foreign Affairs and Security (BMEIA) on several occasions. In the interests of transparency and political hygiene, the entire process should be reexamined. The main question is whether there was any undue influence during her appointment as ambassador. If so, her dismissal would be almost inevitable.

Such a move would also have international implications. It could lead to diplomatic tensions with Tirana and cast a worrying light on the standards of Austrian foreign policy. This goes beyond any devious variant of "divide and rule."

Transparency is the order of the day

The parliamentary investigation touched an open wound. Why did the Federal Ministry for Europe, Foreign Affairs and Security hesitate for months to reject or confirm Velaj's appointment? Why was no alternative candidate proposed despite clear concerns? Who bears responsibility for this blatant disregard for diplomatic customs?

Albania is currently under pressure: just last month, the Albanian Special Prosecution Office arrested the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, on suspicion of bribery, money laundering, and concealment of income.

One thing is certain: many questions remain unanswered in the Velaj case. But one thing is already clear: if it turns out that an unsuitable candidate was appointed ambassador through political interference, a diplomatic scandal with significant consequences threatens. And one thing is equally certain: this issue cannot be dismissed simply with a smile from a foreign policy perspective.