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

More than 300,000 Unemployed

The situation of theAustrian labor market remains tensioned. At the end of May, 300,000 persons did not have a job.

June 1, 2012

Economic Balance: EU Warns Austria

The Commission of the EU issues an early warning for Austria as the thresholds of three macro-economic indicators were exceeded.

May 31, 2012

Allianz Austria Records Higher Earnings

The Austrian subsidiary of the German insurance group could achieve a higher premium intake and and increase in earnings.

May 31, 2012

OeNB Reacts to EU-Commission´s Critique

The EU Commission warned Austria of the big lending exposure in Eastern Europe. According to the Austrian Central Bank, the CESEE region must be seen differantiated.

May 31, 2012

Austrian Business Location: Further Slump in Competitiveness

According to the Swiss Management Institute IMD, Austria only ranks 21th among 59 analyzed countries. The Austrian tax policy is the absolute weak point.

May 31, 2012

Switzerland Ratifies Tax Treaty with Austria

The Swiss National Council approved the tax deal with Austria. Illegal funds of Austrian nationals in Switzerland will be taxed.

May 30, 2012

Austrian Industry: „Growth Instead of Redistribution“

After the Austrian Chamber of Labor claimed he Federation of Austrian Industry underlines that Austria has the highest redistribution quota among OECD members.

May 30, 2012

Exposure in Eastern Europe Remains Austria´s Weak Point

The Commission of the European Union warned Austria of the big exposure of domestic banks in Eastern Europe. Moreover, the austerity package was criticized.

May 30, 2012

Schlecker Austria: Sale Seems Likely

The Austrian subsidiary of the German chemist retail chain is said to be sold.

May 30, 2012

S Immo Does Not Plan Investments

The Austrian real estate company regards the current framework conditions as not suitable for investing in new projects. S Immo plans more sales, by contrast.

May 29, 2012

Andritz Expands in Germany

Andritz acquires 38.5% stake in Schuler AG, Germany, and announces takeover offer to purchase the remaining shares.

May 29, 2012

U.K.: Mayr-Melnhof and Trade Union Settle Dispute

The Austrian manufacturer of packaging products grants a better social package to the former employees of the Liverpool-based factory.

May 29, 2012

AUA: Last Chance

The loss-making Austrian Airlines has only little time left to achieve the turnaround. Lufthansa´s patience is wearing thin.

May 26, 2012

"Europe Needs Economic Growth and Budget Discipline“

Structural reforms are necessary to make Europe sustainably more competitive, Christoph Leitl, President of Austria´s Chamber of Commerce (WKO) says.

May 26, 2012

bwin.party received licence in Germany

The British-Austrian betting company is allowed to operate online sports betting in the Northern German province of Schleswig-Holstein.

May 24, 2012

Immofinanz Expands in Germany

The Austrian real estate group launches first internal development project in Germany with construction project at Düsseldorf Airport.

May 24, 2012

Austrian Industrial Sector Pushes for Austerity

The Federation of Austrian Industries sees still a huge potential to reduce public expenses and underlines the importance of the industrial sector.

May 22, 2012

Fekter: Hollande´s Suggestions are “Nonsense”

Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger and Finance Minister Fekter are strictly against the introduction of Eurobonds and any amendments of the Fiscal Treaty.

May 22, 2012

Immofinanz: Takeover of Rostokino in Moscow Finalised

Following the approval by the Russian antitrust authorities, the purchase of the remaining 50% of the Golden Babylon Rostokino shopping center by Immofinanz Group was finalised on 16 May.

May 21, 2012

Downsizing Program at Hypo Tirol

After the major losses in 2011, the Austrian regional bank is obliged to withdraw from Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

May 19, 2012

Austrian Interest Rate Reaches a Record Low

The interest rates for German and Austrian sovereign bonds are as deep as never before. Thus, in Europe, the gap widens further.

May 18, 2012

Baxter Enlarges Viennese Site

The U.S. pharmaceutical group makes investments of € 30m in Vienna. The start of operation of a new production facility is planned in 2014.

May 18, 2012

Lam Research Expands in Austria

The U.S. company opens a new research laboratory in Villach (Carinthia) and thus makes a clear commitment to its Austrian operations.

May 18, 2012

Congresses: Vienna Ranks First

Vienna is still number one worldwide in cities hosting international congresses. The U.S. takes first in the country category.

May 18, 2012

Bank Secret: EU Commission is Frustrated

The European Commission is dissatisfied with Austria´s and Luxembourg´s blockage of the interest taxation directive.

May 16, 2012

Austria´s Bank Secret Endangered

„I will withstand.“ Maria Fekter, Austria´s Minister of Finance said. The resistance against the EU directive on the taxation of interest will not be given up, Fekter reaffirmed.

May 15, 2012

AT&S Expands in the U.S.

The Austrian printed circuit board manufacturer opens second US office.

May 14, 2012

Passenger Growth: Vienna Airport Ranks Second

Regarding growth in number of passengers, only Copenhagne Airport could record a higher increase than Vienna Airport.

May 14, 2012

Cerberus May Sell Bawag

Five years ago, the U.S. investment fund Cerberus acquired the financially stricken Austrian Bawag bank. Next week, the retention period expires.

May 12, 2012

„Combining Austerity and Growth Measures“

The Austrian Minister of Economics and the President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce claim a European growth strategy without turning down austerity policies.

May 11, 2012

AUA: Leaving Pilots May Cost up to € 80m

The transfer of undertakings at Austrian Airlines is irrevocable, the management points out. In case of a lack in pilots, Lufthansa and Swiss would close the gap.

May 11, 2012

Commerzbank Has Growth Plans in Austria

The German commercial bank wants to become number one in Austria. At the moment every second big company is a customer at Commerzbank.

May 11, 2012

ATB Records Mixed Results

In spite of stagnating revenues the Austrian subsidiary of Wolong Group recorded an increase of 50% in operating results. Net income was down, though.

May 11, 2012

T-Mobile Austria Posts Stable Results

The Austrian subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom published its results for the first quarter of 2012. Revenues and EBITDA remained stable.

May 10, 2012

Constant Rise in Austrian Research Spending

Austrian spending on research and development is set to increase by 4.2% in 2012 to reach € 8.6bn.

May 10, 2012

Strong Growth at Palfinger

Revenue and EBIT increased by another 17 per cent. The Austrian crane manufacturer expects a moderate growth trend in 2012.

May 10, 2012

Lufthansa Considers Selling AUA

There seems to be no end to the turbulences at Austrian Airlines. The owner, the German Lufthansa, considers selling AUA in case of a failed restructuring.

May 9, 2012

Raiffeisen Against Bank Insolvency Act

The Austrian government announced to introduce a bank insolvency act in summer. Raiffeisen wants a European solution.

May 9, 2012

Orange Takeover: T-Mobile Claims Legal Restraints

According to the Austrian subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, the takeover of the third-largest Austrian telecommunication service provider would lead to a distortion of competitions.

May 8, 2012

bwin.party Expands in California

The Austrian-British gambling company achieved an online poker agreement in California

May 8, 2012

Austria Emphasizes Importance of Partnership with Russia

Austrian State Secretary Wolfgang Waldner meets Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Titov.

May 8, 2012

Global Demand for Solar Technology from Austria

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is currently home to the world's largest solar thermal plant. The technology behind this plant came from Austria.

May 8, 2012

AUA: Last Chance for Workforce

Austrian Airline´s works council tries to prevent the already resolved transfer of undertakings to Tyrolean. AUA´s management does not want to re-negotiate again.

May 7, 2012

VTB Continues Growth Course

The Austrian subsidiary of the Russian VTB Bank registered a 39.8% growth in net income. Total assets grew by 43%.

May 7, 2012

Century Casinos Records Rising Earnings

The New York and Vienna-listed Century Casinos, Inc. announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Operating income was up slightly.

May 7, 2012

AUA to Offer More Flights to USA

After having implemented the austerity package, Austrian Airlines wants to expand. Above all, more flights to the U.S. will be offered.

May 5, 2012

Leitl: „EU Needs Budget Consolidation and Growth Measures“

The President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce claims to create a European fund in order to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

May 5, 2012

Immofinanz Expands Investor Base

In order to gain U.S. investors, the Austrian real estate company started an American Depositary Receipt program.

May 4, 2012

Albrecht Wants Common Collective Agreement

After the transfer of undertakings, the CEO of Austrian Airlines aims to create a collective agreement for the whole workforce. Further cuts are not excluded.

May 4, 2012

Decent Growth in Austrian Retail Trade Sector

Sales rose by 2.3% for Austrian retail trade in the first quarter 2012.

May 4, 2012