Vienna's Foreign and Bilateral Relations

Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism between Austria and its partners

Slovak Banking Industry Records Growing Net Income

In the first nine months of 2013, Slovakia´s banking sector recorded a total net profit of € 449m.

November 1, 2013

Czech Unemployment Stable

In the last twelve months, the Czech labor market conditions remained almost unchanged. Employment was up slightly, unemployment was flat.

November 1, 2013

Banks Jeopardize Austrian Triple-A Rating

In case further aids will become imminent, Austria could lose its rating.

October 31, 2013

Prosperity Index: Poland Moves Upwards

Above all, Poland´s strengths are seen in the fields of security and safety.

October 31, 2013

EANS-Total Voting Rights: Atrium European Real Estate Limited / Release according to article 93 BörseG with the aim of a Europe-wide distribution

EANS-Total Voting Rights: Atrium European Real Estate Limited / Release according to article 93 BörseG with the aim of a Europe-wide distribution

October 31, 2013

World Bank: Croatia Showing Progress

Despite notable progress the country slipped back to beigt 89th out of 185 countries in the ranking “Doing Business” by the World Bank.

October 31, 2013

Bulgaria: Unemployment Anticipated to Decrease

Regarding the economic development in 2014, Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association demonstrates optimism.

October 31, 2013

Romania: Budget Gap Revised

In 2013, Romania´s fiscal shortfall is projected to reach 2.5% of GDP.

October 31, 2013

Czech Banking Industry Is “Healthy”

According to the Czech banking association (CBA), the Czech banks are well equipped with capital.

October 31, 2013

Czech Republic: Stock Exchange Reacts to Election Results

After the general elections the Prague Stock Exchange (BCPP) grew significantly since corporate taxes, as threatened by the policymakers, will not be introduced.

October 30, 2013

Immofinanz to Build Shopping Center in Poland

With Warbud SA, the general contractor, listed real estate company Immofinanz will establish a shopping center for around € 95m in Poland.

October 30, 2013

Cernko: Bank Shops in Austria Have to Be Reduced

In spite of the banks’ progresses Austria still has a high densitiy in bank branches.

October 30, 2013

Czech Republic: Monetary Easening Not an Option for CNB

Improper exit policy could cause currency swings or inflation, according to expert.

October 29, 2013

Slovakia: Economic Sentiment Up Slightly

According to the results published by the Slovak Statistical Office, the economic sentiment indicator indicates a moderate economic upward trend.

October 29, 2013

CESEE: Poland is Most Business-Friendly

According to the latest “Doing Business” report published by the World Bank, Poland is the most business-friendly country in the CESEE region.

October 29, 2013

BGZ: Santander Aims to Expand into Poland

In order to complete its local affiliate Bank Zachodni WBK, Spanish Santander intends to take over the Polish lender BGZ.

October 29, 2013

Serbia: Privredna Banka to Face Bankruptcy Proceedings

National Bank of Serbia annuls the operating license from Privredna banka. Bankruptcy proceedings are ahead.

October 29, 2013

Hungary: Conflict with Banks Sharpens

Hungary´s Minister of Finance Mihaly Varga rejects the proposal submitted by the banking association.

October 29, 2013

Hungary: Junk Rating Remains

S&P has reiterated Hungary´s sovereign debt rating. Further cuts are not unlikely.

October 28, 2013

Romania: Taxes Expected to Be Raised

The local press reports that numerous anonymous sources from the larger ruling party say that the executive is considering a hike in profit and income tax.

October 28, 2013

Poland: T-Bonds not to Affect Budget Deficit

According to GUS, next year’s budget deficit will not be impaired by the transfer of treasury bonds and other assets.

October 28, 2013

Czech Republic Faces Political Stalemate

The Czech elections did not bring clear power relationships. The social democrats have to form a government, though.

October 28, 2013

Czech Republic: Social Democrats Ahead

Although the Czech Social Democrats (CSSD) rank first, the party is below expectations.

October 26, 2013

Czech Elections 2013: Tension Is Running High

Today, the Czech Republic holds new parliamentary elections. The Czech political landscape is expected to change fundamentally.

October 26, 2013

Record Profit at Zachodni Bank

The third-largest Polish lender has published the results for the third quarter. Net results are well above the estimates.

October 25, 2013

Czech Republic: Social Democrats to Win

Tomorrow, the Czech Republic will hold early elections. All polls are indicating a clear change in power. Bohuslav Sobotka is expected to become the next head of government.

October 25, 2013

EU Summit Calls for Finalization of Joint Guidelines for ESM

The EU Summit presses for faster changes to achieve the aim of a banking union.

October 25, 2013

Austria to Remain at AA+

Austria has not yet been given back Standard & Poor’s Triple A.

October 25, 2013

Hungary: Orban Underlines National Sovereignty

On the occasion of Hungary´s national holiday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban stressed the importance of values. The high public debt limits Hungary´s effective sovereignty, however.

October 24, 2013

Poland: Key Rate to Remain Low

In order to support the positive growth trend, the Polish National Bank (NBP) will keep the key rate flat next year. Poland´s economic growth is mainly based on foreign demand, though.

October 24, 2013

RBI Discussing New Ways of Global Banking Regulations

RBI welcomes global finance at the ICC Banking Commission Meeting 2013.

October 24, 2013

Czech Republic: Overall Confidence Grows

According to the Czech statistial office, the increase in confidence in the Czech economy continues.

October 24, 2013

ECB: “Uniform Assessment for Banks Important Step for Europe”

Assessment of ECB is an important step in the preparation of the single supervisory mechanism.

October 24, 2013

Czech Economic Outlook Improves Slightly

Next year, the Czech economy will expand for the first time since 2011, economists say.

October 23, 2013

Czech Republic: Singer Nominated Central Bank Govenor of the Year

Miroslav Singer, govenor of the Czech National Bank (CNB) won the Central Bank Govenor of the Year for Emerging Europe 2013 presented by Emerging Markets Magazine.

October 23, 2013

Poland Intends to Keep Banking Sector Small

The Polish financial regulator intends to keep the frequency of bank shops low and avoid risks and bailout by this.

October 23, 2013

Croatia: 2012 Budget Deficit Revised

Because of the different EU methodology, Croatia had to revise its budget gap. The fiscal situation remains critical.

October 23, 2013

Romania Plans Next Privatization

According to the Romanian government, Romtelecom may be partly privatized via the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

October 23, 2013

H.E. Ambassador Alexa Lange Wesner, U.S. Embassy Vienna, presented her credentials to the Federal President of Austria

Ambassador Alexa Lange Wesner presented her credentials to Dr. Heinz Fischer, the Federal President of Austria on 22nd October 2013 and took charge as U.S Ambassador to Austria.

October 23, 2013

Austrian Banks Expected to Pass Auditing

According to the financial supervisors, the Austrian banks are likely to pass the ECB’s (European Central Bank) auditing since there are no significant adjustment requirements.

October 23, 2013

Slovenia: Real Estate Tax Wobbles

The ruling parties could not agree on a common standpoint yet. The controversial real estate tax may fail.

October 22, 2013

Poland: Economy Below Potential

In the first half of 2013, investments dropped significantly. Consumption was up moderately. In total, Poland´s economic growth accelerates gradually.

October 22, 2013

Austria: Bank Aids Burden State Budget

Since the beginning of the financial crisis, Austria has lost billions of Euros.

October 22, 2013

Austria: State Debts Could Amount to 74.5 Percent of GDP

The statistical office of the European Union, Eurostat, raised doubts about the Austrian budget deficit and public debts because of the financial scandal of the government of the province of Salzburg.

October 21, 2013

Poland: IMF Upgrades Growth Forecasts

According to the IMF, Poland´s GDP growth will reach 2.4%. In the prior forecast, the IMF anticipated a 2.2% growth rate.

October 21, 2013

Prague: Strong Foreign Demand for Real Estate

About a third of the buyers of Prague-based apartments are foreigners. Most buyers are Slovaks or Vietnamese.

October 21, 2013

Romanian Romgaz Starts IPO

Tomorrow, Monday, the Romanian government sells a 15% stake in Romgaz via the stock exchange. In the last months, the IMF has urged Romania to accelerate the privatization policy.

October 21, 2013

Polish Real Estate: Prices on the Fall

In the last twelve months, the price of Polish apartments has fallen moderately.

October 20, 2013

Mitterlehner: “2014 Will Become Significantly Better“

Austrian Minister for Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner considers the Austrian economy to be in a spirit of optimism as an upturn in Europe has become evident. According to him, 2014 is supposed to become “significantly better” than 2013.

October 17, 2013

Poland: Inflation Remains Stable

Inflation net of food and energy prices amounted to 1.3% y/y, representing a 0.1 pp decrease on the figure recorded in the two previous months.

October 17, 2013