Austria - European Union Political News

Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian - European Union (Brussels) politics with reference to the international interest

Dacic to Meet Head of EULEX Mission

International mission in Kosovo to ensure complete protection of all citizens.

March 26, 2013

Roiss: “A European Concept and Joint Investments Are Needed“

In an interview with the Austrian newpaper Kurier, CEO of OMV explains why Europe needs other sources of energy and why there is a growing competitive disadvantage compared with the USA.

March 25, 2013

Cyprus: Bail-Out Package Accepted

Cyprus has been granted the € 10bn worth aid package by the EU. After ten hours of negotiations in Brussels the decision was made early this morning. Assets below € 100,000 will not be taxed.

March 25, 2013

Croatia: Sluggish Economic Recovery

The improvement in the financing conditions in international financial markets in the second half of 2012 mitigated the risks to Croatias financial stability to an extent.

March 25, 2013

Cyprus: Agreement on Bank Asset Tax

Today, the Cyprian government has come to a solution on the compulsory charges on bank accounts.

March 23, 2013

Cyprus: Votes on Mandatory Levy

In case the government will not come to conclusion how to generate the required money (€ 5.8bn), the ECB will cut off the money supply for Cyprus’ ramshackle banks.

March 23, 2013

"Croatia Will Not Benefit From Joining The EU"

Croatia will join the European Union as the 28th member state in a few months. Economists criticize the country for not carrying out enough reforms and only focusing on tourism.

March 22, 2013

Fekter: “Austrians can rest easy knowing that their bank deposits are safe.”

Current situation in Cyprus is an exceptional case and not comparable in any way with Austria.

March 22, 2013

Cyprus: Negotiations About “Plan B“ Today

After days of negotiations in Moscow, Cyprian Finance Minister had to return empty-handed. Talks about “plan B” will continue today.

March 22, 2013

Medvedev: Harsh Criticism For EU At Conference in Poland

At a two day’s international press convention for EU journalists, Russian Prime Minister Medvedev has highlighted the improved political and economic interaction between Russia and Poland. However, he critized the EU on its Cyprus-politics.

March 21, 2013

Belgrade Considers Conditions Unacceptable

The sudden failure to reach a final conclusion to the Kosovo-issue puts a dampener on Serbia’s way towards the EU.

March 21, 2013

Vienna Among Top 10 of Strong Economic Regions

According to statistics, which were published by Eurostat on Thursday, Vienna is among the Top 10 of the economically strongest regions in Europe again.

March 21, 2013

National Bank of Slovenia Reports Slowing Growth

The banking system’s total assets were down by € 88.5m in January or 6.6% y/y. The banks repaid liabilities to foreign banks in the amount of € 171m and to the Eurosystem in the amount of € 78m.

March 21, 2013

Cyprus: No Hope in Sight Yet

It is still uncertain if an agreement with Russia about the sale of gas fields can be found. President of the EU commission has joined the talks in Moscow.

March 20, 2013

Time Is Running Out Fast for Serbia and Kosovo

It is probably one of the last chances for Serbia and Kosovo to make progresses for EU rapproachment.

March 20, 2013

Ukraine: Not Enough Progress

According to an evaluating report of the EU, Ukraine does not show enough progress in reforms.

March 20, 2013

Cyprus Appeals for Help to Russia

In a vote on Tuesday the government has decided not to use the private money of Cyprus‘ citizens to help bail out the banks. After the rejection, the EU aid package is now off. Cyprus hopes rest on Russia at this point.

March 20, 2013

Cyprus: Parliament Rejects EU Bail-Out Package

Not a single member of the Cyprian parliament has voted in favor of the controversial plan where a compulsary levy for all creditors was planned.

March 19, 2013

Austria: How to Keep Enterprises (from Drifting Away)

At the moment, there is a subtle fear in Austria’s economy that large enterprises are going to outsource to foreign countries which is currently the case with voestalpine.

March 19, 2013

Slovenia: Highest Decrease in Construction Industry

In January 2013, compared with December 2012, the production in construction in the Eurozone was down by 1.4% and down by 1.3% in EU27-states. Slovenia experiences the highest decrease with 7.4 %.

March 19, 2013

EVN to Start Arbitration Procedure

Today, Austrian power supply company EVN informed the state of Bulgaria about opening arbitration proceedings.

March 19, 2013

Cyprus: Small Investors To Be Excluded From Tax

After protests among Cyprus‘ citizens arised and harsh criticism was expressed, the government now intends to exclude small savers from the compulsary tax and grant them a relief.

March 19, 2013

EU Budget to be Increased

Because of Croatia’s EU entry on July 1, 2013 the budget has to be elevated

March 18, 2013

Czech Republic: Opposition Rejects Austerity Measures

Opposition leader Sobotka was re-elected last Friday as chairman of the Social Democrats. In an interview with Reuters he explains why the government needs to slow down on austerity measures.

March 18, 2013

Poland: Tusk Appears Optimistic On 2013 Budget

Prime Minister, Donald Tusk remains hopeful on fulfilling the 2013 budget criteria, despite of a disadvantageous macro economical outlook.

March 18, 2013

Slovakia: Fico’s Plans For The Future

In a speech at the congress of the Czech senior opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) on Saturday, Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico explained his future plans.

March 18, 2013

Cyprus: Parliament Votes Tomorrow For Rescue Package

The Cyprian parliament is unlikely to vote in favor for the rescue package which forces bank clients to contribute with their private money.

March 18, 2013

CSA: Korean Air Gets In

The South Korean airline will take over the publicly held stake in the loss-making Czech carrier.

March 16, 2013

Spindelegger Criticizes Orban Sharply

Austria´s Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger wants Hungary to “return to the European legal basis”.

March 16, 2013

Austria Pays Almost € 300m in Greek Aid

Eurosystem gives away profits from support operations of Greek government bonds. € 281m comes from Austria.

March 16, 2013

Historical Moment for Serbia And Kosovo

Both governments have come to an agreement, similar to the Treaty on the Basis of Relations (Basic Treaty) between the two German states.

March 16, 2013

Cyprus to Receive € 10bn in EU Aid Money

Russia being the biggest investor in Cyprus offered extension of credits. In return, austerity measures and reforms are demanded.

March 16, 2013

Future of the EU Requires Solidarity And Integration

The EU has declared the year 2013 to be the “year of citizens”. The citizens of the EU should become aware of their European identity and their rights that come along with it.

March 15, 2013

Romanian Labor Costs Increased Dramatically

The EU average increase in labor costs in the 4th quarter in 2012 increased by 1.3 % throughout the EU. Front runner turns out to be Romania.

March 15, 2013

Hungary: Orban Rejects Criticisms

After making amendments to the Hungarian constitution, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his leading Fidezs party have to face harsh criticisms. EU Justice Commissoner Viviane Reding announced to take measures.

March 15, 2013

Russia: Banks At Risk Of Losing Billions

According to rating agency Moody’s, Russians banking institutes are at risk of losing money to investments in Cyprus.

March 14, 2013

Economic Convergence: Slovenia Falls Back

In 2012, GDP in the euro area declined by 0.5%, as economic situation also worsened in the core countries. The gap by which Slovenia trails the euro area average further deepened.

March 14, 2013

Eurozone: Cut in Interest Rate Not Necessary

According to govenor of the Austrian National Bank an interest rate cut to improve the economic situation in the eurozone is not required at the moment. UKIP Leader Farage criticizes politicians for denying problems in eurozone.

March 14, 2013

Austria Welcomes Agreement between Croatia and Slovenia

"The last stumbling block for Croatia's accession to the EU has been removed by solving the Ljubljanska Banka issue."

March 13, 2013

Mignon (PACE) Praises Serbia For Progresses

Today, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Jean-Claude Mignon gave credit to Serbia’s progress in the execution of reforms and expressed faith in finding solution for the Kosvo issue.

March 12, 2013

Hungary: Constitutional Amendmends Signed By Vast Majority

EU Commission fears that Hungary’s state institutions will have to experience major restrictions.

March 12, 2013

Austria: Hypo Group Still Sailing in Stormy Waters

Hypo Group wants a fast selling until the end of 2013. Vending of Italian and CESEE subsidiaries could take longer as the economic situation is not appealing at the moment.

March 12, 2013

Austria: Nationalizing Hypo Group Prevented BayernLB from Losses

EU Competition Commission pushes the Austrian government to shut down the loss-making Hypo Group.

March 11, 2013

Hungary: Former President Urges Successor to Veto

Former President Lazlo Solyom warns his follower, President Janos Ader,in a dramatic speech of the end of checks and balances in Hungary’s political system.

March 11, 2013

Czech Republic: Slight Increase of Consumer Price Index

Consumer prices in February increased by 0.1% compared with January. This rise came primarily from price increases in 'transport' and 'recreation and culture'. The year-on-year growth of consumer prices decelerated to 1.7% in February (1.9% in January).

March 11, 2013

Slovenia/Croatia: Paving the Way for Brussels

Today, both heads of government, Janez Jansa and Zoran Milanovic, signed the “Memorandum of Understanding” in Mokrice which will permit Croatia to become a full EU member.

March 11, 2013

Bulgaria: EVN Under Surveillance

While the Austrian power supplier EVN is currently kept under surveillance of the Bulgarian judiciary and government, protests by the citizens all over the country continue.

March 11, 2013

Austria: Optimistic Economy Minister Forecasts Economic Growth

In an interview with Wirtschaftsblatt, Austria’s economy minister, Reinhold Mitterlehner, forecasts an economic growth rate of 2 % for the next year, 2014.

March 11, 2013

Hungary: Demonstrations in Budapest

Protests against the planned constitutional amendmends took place on Saturday, March 9. US and EU express their concern about the political developments.

March 9, 2013

Austria: Opposition Puts Forward Constitutional Challenge

Fiscal Pact undermines sovereignty of parliament and forces the country to severe austerity measures.

March 9, 2013