Hans Winkler

Hans Winkler is an Austrian diplomat and former State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry. From April 1, 2009 to 2017 he was director of the Diplomatic Academy Vienna.

After completion of the graduation at the Theresian Academy in Vienna studied Winkler Law at the University of Vienna . In 1968 he received his doctorate in law. From 1968 to 1970 he expanded his training with postgraduate studies at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.

Following this, his career in the foreign service began in 1970: After working in the Austrian delegation in Berlin (West), he held various functions in the Austrian embassies in Washington , Belgrade and Cairo . From 1992 to 1996 Winkler was the permanent representative of Austria to the Council of Europe ; from 1996 to 1999 head of the department for America in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs ; from 1999 to June 2005 head of the international law office , from 2002 to June 2005 also deputy secretary general for foreign affairs .

On July 4, 2005 he was appointed State Secretary in the Federal Government Schüssel II – mainly to prepare for the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU (1st half of 2006, [1] the 2nd of Austria) in the first half of 2006 as a politically responsible person perform. Surprisingly, the non-party was also appointed in the Gusenbauer federal government and sworn in again on January 11, 2007. Until the inauguration of the Faymann I cabinet on December 2, 2008, he was State Secretary.
As head of the international law office, Winkler was involved in the negotiations on the compensation of forced laborers and the issue of restitution .

Awards:
• 2001: Great Golden Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria [4]
• 2008: Great Silver Decoration on Ribbon for Services to the Republic of Austria [4]
• Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
• 2008: Commander of the Star of Romania