On November 12, 2026, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) welcomed around 100 guests to the presentation of Stefan Karner's new book, "Secret Files on Prisoners of War in Russia – The First to Access the Archives in 1991," at the Old Main Customs Office in Vienna. The focus was on the historian's personal experiences as the first Western representative to gain access in 1991 to millions of secret prisoner-of-war files from the Soviet secret police, the NKVD. Austrian contemporary history was also given ample attention in the engaging and accessible presentation.
The welcoming remarks were given by Roland Goiser, Deputy Director of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), and Stefan Gartler from Leykam Publishing. The foreword was written by Ambassador Johannes Eigner, who himself was stationed at the Austrian Embassy in Moscow from 1987 to 1995.
Secret files as the key to unresolved fates
In his lecture, Stefan Karner described his experiences in the Soviet Union at the time, the detective work that ultimately led him to the secret archives, and his extraordinary research in Moscow. This unprecedented access to previously sealed archives opened up new possibilities for tracing the fate of prisoners of war. His research made it possible to clarify the fate of thousands of missing persons far beyond Austria's borders.
In addition to the lecture, excerpts from television interviews and segments featuring Stefan Karner were shown. During the subsequent reception in the foyer, guests had the opportunity to network and have their books signed by the author.
