Bulgaria in Austria | Bulgarians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations

Austria and Bulgaria - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism

RBI: Profit Shrinks by Almost A Quarter

RBI with consolidated profit of € 557 million Austria’s most profitable bank for the fourth time.

March 27, 2014

CEE: Investments to Boost Economic Growth

In the coming two years economic growth in Eastern Europe is expected to accelerate to an average of two to three percent of GDP triggered by a boost in investments.

March 13, 2014

Poland: Banks Expected to Preserve Ratings

According to US rating agency Standard&Poor;’s, Polish banks will be able to keep their credit ratings this year.

March 4, 2014

Bulgarians Pessimistic about Own Future

More than 90 percent of Bulgarian citizens deem the country to be in an economically bad situation.

February 20, 2014

Bulgaria: FDI Keeps Increasing

FDI (foreign direct investments) increased by € 1,229.4m in Bulgaria in 2013 while equity capital came at € 953.4m last year.

February 18, 2014

Dramatic Capital Outflow in CESEE

The countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe suffer from the dependence on foreign investments. Despite the economic recovery, FDIs are falling persistently.

February 15, 2014

CEE: Still Growth Market in Real Estate Sector

The region is still a growth market in the real estate sector even after the crisis. However, the legal situation in some CEE countries can be a pitfall to real estate companies.

February 10, 2014

“Fragile Recovery in CEE Banking Sector”

According to the U.S. rating agency Fitch, the banking sector in Central and Eastern Europe is highly heterogeneous.

February 6, 2014

CESEE: Stuck in Transition or Just a Break?

Despite all difficulties in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the region remains essential for Austria. The long-term growth potential remains intact.

February 6, 2014 · Updated: February 6, 2014; 13:41

IMF: Bulgaria May Reach European Standards in 40 Years

According to the International Monetary Fund, the poorest EU member faces a long transition period.

February 4, 2014

EBRD: CESEE Not Under Pressure Yet

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, most countries in CESEE are relatively unaffected despite the renewed pressure on emerging markets.

February 4, 2014

CESEE: Corruption Is Still a Major Obstacle

The European Commission has published its first Anti-Corruption Report today. Above all, the economies in Southern and Southeastern Europe are suffering from corruption.

February 3, 2014

Bulgaria: IMF Puts Pressure on Government

The International Monetary Fund demands Bulgaria´s government to accelerate economic reforms.

February 3, 2014

„We Must Watch CESEE Very Carefully“

In an interview with the Austrian daily „Standard“, board member of Österreichische Kontrollbank AG Angelika Sommer-Hemetsberger said that the economic crisis in CESEE is not over yet.

February 3, 2014

CESEE: Overtaking Western Europe Not Before 2055

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the transition period of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe will take longer than initially expected.

January 29, 2014

Foreign Banks Leaving Bulgarian Market

In the past three years three non-domestic banks have left the Bulgarian market.

January 24, 2014

Bulgaria Imposes Interest Ceiling on Quick Loans

The Bulgarian parliament plans on putting a lid on the interst rates of quick loans.

January 23, 2014

Considerable Differences Across European Mortgage Markets

According to Fitch Ratings, the performance of European residential mortgage markets as a whole has improved. In Southeastern Europe, by contrast, the recovery will take some more time.

January 23, 2014

CESEE: Recovery Remains Modest

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published a report on the regional economic prospects. The economic recovery in CESEE remains fragile.

January 23, 2014

Insurance Industry Faces Growing Risks

According to the U.S. rating agency Fitch, insurers in Europe have to accept riskier investments. Ratings may deteriorate, Fitch warned.

January 22, 2014

Austria: Debt Rate Rises Unstoppably

In the third quarter last year the Austrian public debt rate increased significantly compared to the previous quarter.

January 22, 2014

“No Real Wage Loss This Year“

In terms of real wages, Austria may face a trend reversal this year. In Southeastern Europe, by contrast, poverty is growing considerably.

January 21, 2014

S Immo Looking Forward to 2014

9.98% price performance and new projects in Berlin. Summary of 2013 and outlook for 2014

January 21, 2014

Bulgaria: Loan Portfolios Expected to Increase

The increase in industrial production will have a positive effect on the number of loans taken out.

January 16, 2014

CESEE: Massive Increase in Real Estate Investments

In Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the total volume of real estate transactions totaled € 10.bn last year. Most transactions were recorded in Russia and Poland.

January 15, 2014

Citizens from CEE Major Benefit for EU

A current paper published by the OECD shows that the European Union benefits from migration of Eastern European citizens as they compensate imbalances in the labor markets.

January 15, 2014

IMF and EBRD Deeply Concerned Over CESEE

Foreign banks continue to withdraw capital from the region. According to the International Monetary Fund, the development is highly considerable.

January 14, 2014

Basel III Framework to be Softened

The Basel Committee´s oversight body has amended the leverage ratio rules. For the banking industry, this step is an important success.

January 13, 2014

Europe/CESEE: Heavy Trade in Distressed Assets

Until 2018, European lenders will offload about 300bn of bad debts, according to PwC. Above all, U.S. private equity firms are taking the opportunity.

January 11, 2014

Bulgaria: Fitch Confirms Rating at “BBB-“

According to Fitch, the outlooks are stable. In case of an increase in political and social tensions, Bulgaria´s current rating would be in danger, however. Bulgaria´s financial situation is satisfying, though.

January 11, 2014

Bulgaria: Small Growth in Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Bulgaria saw a growth of 2.98 percent last year.

January 9, 2014

Erste Group Bank AG - SWOT Analysis & Company Report

This new report contains in depth information and data about Erste Group and its operations and markets. It contains an overview, business and strategy description, financial ratios, valuation & forecast data, SWOT analysis, plus data on key events.

January 6, 2014

Raiffeisen Bank International AG - SWOT Analysis & Company Report 2014

This new report contains in depth information and data about Raiffeisen Bank International AG and its operations and markets. It contains an overview, business and strategy description, financial ratios, valuation & forecast data and a SWOT analysis.

January 6, 2014

Southeastern Europe Endangered of Civil Unrests

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, several CESEE countries may face civil unrests in 2014. In particular, Southeastern Europe is in the danger zone.

January 4, 2014

CEE: Economic Sentiment Cautiously Optimistic

The economic sentiment for Eastern European countries is becoming more optimistic, however, only cautiously. Poland is on top of the list of economists at JP Morgan.

January 2, 2014

Croatia: Real Estate Market Crisis Goes On

After the collapse of the Croat real estate market in 2009/10, the price decrease still holds on.

December 30, 2013

Austrian and Germans Offered Most for Bulgarian Schuldschein

Average interest rates for Bulgarian Schuldschein loan range between 3.4 to 4.6 percent. Austrian and German investors offered most of the € 290m loan.

December 23, 2013

„CESEE No Driver Yet“

Birgit Kuras, CEO of Vienna Stock Exchange, thinks that the Vienna Stock Exchange is highly influenced by the CESEE operations of listed companies.

December 23, 2013

CESEE: Dependence on Foreign Demand Remains Main Obstacle

In 2014, Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) faces a slight upward trend. The structural difficulties persist, however.

December 21, 2013

Bulgaria Still Below Pre-Crisis Level

The World Bank predicts that Bulgaria will not reach the pre-crisis level before 2008 in terms of GDP. Regarding Bulgaria´s fiscal situation, the country performs well, though.

December 20, 2013

Bulgaria: Economic Upturn Not Sooner Than 2015

As reported by Bulgarian daily Standart, an economist at World Bank pointed out that the country has not yet reached the economic situation of before the start of the financial crisis in 2008.

December 20, 2013

Stable Outlook for CESEE Banking Industry

According to the U.S. rating agency fitch, the sector outlook remains stable in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. However, the well-known risks and weaknesses will persist.

December 19, 2013

CESEE: Potential to Return to Pre-Crisis Growth

According to a report published by the business adviser McKinsey, countries of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe are fundamentally strong.

December 18, 2013

CESEE: More Robust than in 2008

The U.S. Federal Reserve wants to reduce its easing policy gradually. For emerging markets, the end of the loose monetary policy may prove challenging.

December 17, 2013

Bulgaria: Majority of Citizens Call for Early Elections

According to a poll, 80 percent of Bulgarians demand early elections.

December 17, 2013

VIG: Sale of Bulgarian Affiliate Failed

Vienna Insurance Group has to find a new buyer for the Bulgarian pension fund Doverie. United Capital, the potential buyer of Doverie has lost its bank license.

December 16, 2013

Bulgaria: S&P Downgrade Criticized Sharply

Bulgarian Minister of Economy Dragomir Stynev does not agree with S&P´s view on Bulgaria´s creditworthiness.

December 16, 2013

Emerging Markets Face Decrease in Risk Appetite

Foreign investors become more and more cautious about investing in emerging markets. Regions like Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe are highly dependent on foreign sentiments.

December 14, 2013

Austrian GDP per Capita Second-Highest in EU

In terms of GDP per capita, Austria is the second-richest EU country.

December 12, 2013

Bulgaria: Prime Minister Stresses Positive Development

Plamen Oresharski stressed that Bulgaria has performed better than expected in 2013.

December 10, 2013