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Austrian News
Austrian News: Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian domestic politics with reference to the international interest


Lopatka Demands Structural Reforms and Budgetary Discipline

The State Secretary for Finance at the German-Austrian Financial and Economic Forum.
February 11, 2011


Massive Increase in Public Debt

Austrian public debt could rise dramatically soon by a new calculation involving separate legal entities.
February 10, 2011


Property Restoration Provides Hopes for Growth and Employment

With the release of € 400m for thermal rehabilitation, five times as much is to be generated in sales. Up to 80% of this amount stays in Austria.
February 10, 2011


Tension between ÖBB and ÖVP

The conflict over the finances of the Austrian State Railway between the ÖBB and the ruling ÖVP goes on.
February 8, 2011


"Feibra" to Function as Discount Post

The Austrian Post is expanding its subsidiary Feibra. Letters are also to be sent in future.
February 5, 2011


WIFO Promotes Expansion of the State Holding

The Director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research wants to concentrate all Austrian state-owned enterprises in the ÖIAG.
February 5, 2011


Eder Considers European Manufacturing Industry is at a Disadvantage

For the CEO of the Austrian steel company voestalpine, the European manufacturing industry is at a disadvantage, despite innovative leadership.
February 5, 2011


Oettinger Increases Pressure on OMV

In an interview with the daily newspaper "Presse", the European Commissioner for Energy considers that OMV must move now regarding Nabucco.
February 4, 2011


Leitl Urges to Invest in the Future

Despite consolidation needs, the government has to invest more in education, research and innovation, says the President of the WKÖ.
February 4, 2011


Below Average Privatization in Austria, according to ECEG

Regarding privatizations, Austria is still far behind, according to the European Coalition for Economic Growth (ECEG).
February 4, 2011


Manufacturing Industry on the Rise

The economic barometer of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) grows. Production increase and stable employment are expected.
February 4, 2011


Mitterlehner Wishes to Push SMEs and Venture Capital

The Austrian Minister of Economy launches an initiative with the aim of doubling the venture capital of Austrian companies to € 400m.
February 4, 2011


The Westbahn Complains Because of ÖBB-Subsidies

In December, the new “Westbahn” (Western Railway) will start competing with the ÖBB (Austrian state railways) which are allegedly being privileged by the government.
February 3, 2011


Industrial Association: Internal Solution for Succession

After the departure of Markus Beyrer, Christoph Neumayer as Secretary General and Peter Koren will lead the Austrian Industrial Association (IV).
February 3, 2011


Leitl Demands Support for Brenner Tunnel

The President of the Austrian Economic Chamber considers the Brenner Tunnel infrastructure project as crucial for the business location Austria.
February 2, 2011


ÖIAG: Markus Beyrer is the New Chairman

The so far Secretary General of the Industriellenvereinigung (Industrial Federation), Markus Beyrer, is Peter Michaelis’s successor on the board of the ÖIAG.
February 2, 2011


Declining Unemployment in Austria

Uunemployment could be reduced by 4.3% even in the traditionally for the labor market difficult winter months.
February 2, 2011


Austrian Retail Trade Accelerates Economic Upward Trend

In 2010, the Austrian retail trade rose by 4.0%. Thus, this figure represents the highest retail trade growth since the 1990s.
February 2, 2011


Austria's Credit Industry Appeals to the Constitutional Court

The price gains tax introduced as of January 1, 2011 encounters legal resistance. The Banking Division of the Chamber of Commerce announced a complaint of unconstitutionality.
February 2, 2011


Innovativeness in Austria Drops

In the European comparison, Austria’s innovativeness is dropping and is presently located only in the upper mid-range.
February 2, 2011


Austria's Budget Deficit is at 4.1%

Although the budget deficit is lower than expected, but the official national debt could increase considerably due to the ÖBB.
February 1, 2011


Skylink: Judicial Investigations are Presently being Conducted

The final report of the Audit Court on the Vienna International Airport Skylink project has been submitted. Criticism is devastating. Criminal investigations are starting.
February 1, 2011


Up to 150,000 Insolvent People in Austria

According to the Kreditschutzverband (KSV, Credit Protection Association 9,028 people were forced into personal bankruptcy last year. The number of people at risk is many times higher.
January 29, 2011


Hope for Austria's Photovoltaic Industry

The development of alternative energy sources is being pushed by additional funding. EVN is also promoting alternative energies.
January 28, 2011


Leitl Welcomes Medvedev's Idea for a European-Russian Economic Area

Closer cooperation between the EU and Russia would "stabilize economic and social development". Austria's foreign trade with Russia is flourishing.
January 28, 2011


U.S. Embassy on Hypo Group: "Mini-empire in the Balkans"

New Wikileaks documents indicate that the U.S. Embassy analyzed the symbiosis between the Austrian financial and political scene.
January 27, 2011


WKÖ Celebrates 40 years of Diplomatic Relations between Austria and China

The Austrian Economic Chamber stresses the relevance of China for Austria's foreign trade in the context of the anniversary.
January 27, 2011


Demand for Elimination of the ÖIAG

IAs part of the succession process for the CEO position at the Austrian industrial holding (ÖIAG) political representatives are increasingly imposing conditions.
January 27, 2011


Austria's Energy Self-sufficiency until 2050

The Minister for the Environment, Nikolaus Berlakovich presents a study on the Austrian energy supply. Self-sufficiency until 2050 is feasible.
January 27, 2011


Austrian Inflation to be well above 2% in 2011

Temporary price-drivers of fuels, commodities as well as the budget consolidation spurring inflation on, but lack of cyclical inflationary pressures.
January 27, 2011


Austria's Pension Funds: 6.61% yield in 2010

Austria's pension funds generated an income of around € 800m in 2010. The annual performance is above the long-term average.
January 27, 2011


Austria: The Gateway to Central Asia?

Leading Austrian politicians intend to attract attention at the World Economic Forum to what promises to be a new target region.
January 26, 2011


Bank Assistance is Lucrative for the State

Contrary to fears, revenues of the bank rescue package more than double the refinancing costs.
January 26, 2011


Shortage of Skilled Labor in Medium-sized Enterprises

According to a report by Ernst & Young, the growth of two out of every three Austrian companies is hindered by the lack of qualified personal.
January 26, 2011


Budget-saving Measures in Austria are Insufficient

According to the WIFO, budget deficit and public debt are lower than the EU average; central potential savings have been neglected however.
January 26, 2011


ÖIAG: Industrialist Beyrer is Favorite

In the discussion about the succession for the state holding company OIAG, the Secretary General of the IV (Federation of Austrian Industries), Markus Beyrer, is a favorite.
January 25, 2011


Germany: Largest Investor in Austria

Based on the number of new companies settling in Austria, Germany is the largest investor. More than 40% of the new arrivals come from the northern neighbor.
January 25, 2011


Austria's Growth Remains Dependent on Exports

The Austrian GDP will grow in real terms, according to WIFO, at an annual average of 2.2% per year between 2011-2015. The unemployment rate is expected to stagnate.
January 25, 2011


"Conversations about the Future" between Austrian and Canadian IT companies

The Austrian IT industry, motivated by Canadian success models, intends to strengthen its role in the domestic economy significantly.
January 22, 2011


EU: New Early Warning System Against Financial Market Risks

Two Austrian officials point out the relevance of the new institution, which will particularly benefit Austria.
January 21, 2011


Pricing Agreements in Austria's Transport Industry

The Austrian Federal Competition Authority has ncovered two shipping cartels involving several well-known carriers.
January 21, 2011


12% of Austrian Population at Risk of Poverty

Europe 2020 strategy against risk-of-poverty and exclusion: Every sixth person in Austria is in target population.
January 21, 2011


Viennese Economic Chamber Demands Tax Relief for SMEs

The President of the Viennese Economic Chamber, Brigitte Jank, presents a three-stage relief model for small and medium-sized enterprises.
January 20, 2011


Pröll is Against the Extension of the Euro Shield

The Austrian Finance Minister, Josef Pröll (ÖVP), called for stricter budget discipline and pronounces himself against a more extensive rescue shield
January 20, 2011


WKÖ Expects further Rise in Energy Prices

Due to the economic recovery, the Austrian Economic Chamber forsees further increases in oil prices. However, there also exists some saving potential.
January 20, 2011


Tax Treaty between Austria and Germany

Austria and Germany sign a revision protocol on double taxation agreements to implement the OECD standards of transparency and effective exchange of information.
January 19, 2011


Demand to Unburden Business Founders

The Austrian Economic Chamber demands the creation of tax and corporate law unburdening for company founders.
January 19, 2011


Reform Backlog Prevents Austria Being a Success Model

The chairman of the WIFO, Karl Aiginger considers that Austria’s future capital has been gambled away because of lack of reforms. The EU, however, is "not on track" either.
January 19, 2011


Hungary: Calls for Boycotts against Foreign Companies in Hungary

A Hungarian initiative demands that 13 foreign companies be boycotted, including Austrian OMV
January 18, 2011


OMV Pulls its Staff out of Tunisia

Due to the recent developments in Tunisia, the Austrian OMV pulls back to a large extent. The cardboard manufacturer Mayr-Melnhof stays on.
January 18, 2011