Sponsored Content
Vienna International Company News
Read the latest headlines about developments in international organizations, companies and institutions operating in Vienna, Austria
Austrian Universities in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking: Six Institutions Among the Top 500
In this year's Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), known as the Shanghai Ranking, six Austrian universities made it into the world's top 500. That is two more universities than last year.
September 16, 2025
ÖBB Invests €37 Million in the Full Expansion of the Vienna South Freight Center
ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is investing approximately €37 million in the final phase of expansion of the Vienna South freight center, aiming to increase its capacity and performance significantly. With this project, ÖBB aims to meet the growing demand for freight transport and shift an even larger proportion of goods transport from road to rail.
September 14, 2025
Problems in the Austrian Education System as per the OECD: High Expenditure, Low Success
A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) entitled “Education at a Glance” paints a critical picture of the Austrian education system. Despite high spending per student—US$16,604 in 2022 compared to an OECD average of US$11,843—Austria lags in key areas.
September 9, 2025
OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap
The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.
September 7, 2025
Bajaj-Teaser Causes a Stir: Will KTM's Future be Manufactured in India?
The relaunch of the long-established motorcycle manufacturer KTM after overcoming insolvency is being overshadowed by new uncertainties. Statements made by Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Indian major shareholder Bajaj Auto, have sparked a heated debate about the future of the production site in Mattighofen.
September 3, 2025
Prices in Vienna for Public Transport, Parking, and Local Taxes Are Going Up
The city of Vienna has announced far-reaching price increases for public transport, parking fees, and the city tax. These measures, which will come into effect on December 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, respectively, are intended to help consolidate the city's budget.
September 2, 2025
Austria's Public Education Expenditure in the Lower Middle Range of the EU
A report published today by the European Commission entitled “Investing in Education 2025” shows that public investment in education in the European Union is increasing again, but has not yet reached pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
August 27, 2025
Lufthansa Centralizes Power: AUA Loses Authority, But Expects Positive Effects
The Lufthansa Group, which also includes Austrian Airlines (AUA), is planning a far-reaching restructuring of the group that will concentrate more power at its Frankfurt headquarters. Following the plan, the subsidiaries, including Swiss and Brussels Airlines, will relinquish responsibilities starting at the beginning of next year.
August 25, 2025
New Twists in the Signa Scandal: Benko Incriminates Former Chancellor Gusenbauer
There has been a decisive turn of events in the ongoing investigation into the Signa bankruptcy. Real estate investor René Benko, who is currently in custody, has directly implicated former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer in a court hearing. Benko claims that Gusenbauer was fully aware of the dire financial situation of the Signa Group—a statement that contradicts Gusenbauer's previous denials.
August 21, 2025
Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Vienna Prepares, Economy Benefits
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 promises to be not only a musical highlight but also a powerful economic boost for the Austrian capital. According to a recent study by the economic research institute ECO Austria, demand is expected to increase by 57 million euros.
August 21, 2025
Broad Criticism, Including from Austria, of New Tariffs Deal Between the U.S. and the EU
The trade deal between the United States and the European Union, which was announced by both sides with pride, may have averted a looming escalation in the trade dispute. Still, it has been widely criticized in political and economic circles. While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefkovic defended the agreement as a “breakthrough” and “the best possible outcome,” numerous member states and business representatives, including many voices from Austria, see and feel significant disadvantages for the EU and are calling for renegotiation.
August 20, 2025 · Updated: August 21, 2025; 12:46
Another Bankruptcy Rocks the Real Estate Industry: Viennese Investor Klemens Hallmann Files for Personal Bankruptcy
Vienna-based entrepreneur Klemens Hallmann has filed for personal bankruptcy. The investor, who is active in the real estate and film industries, is seeking a restructuring process under his own administration. He is offering his creditors a 30% dividend, payable within two years. Hallmann Holding is not affected by the bankruptcy.
August 19, 2025
AT&S and European Partners Revolutionize Electromobility with Research Project “HiPower 5.0”
In a step forward for the European microelectronics and mobility industry, leading technology companies and research institutions in Europe have launched the EU research project “HiPower 5.0.” Coordinated by Austrian mobility technology company AVL List GmbH and with Austrian microelectronics manufacturer AT&S as a strategic partner, the project aims to develop intelligent and highly compact drive solutions for the automotive and shipping sectors that enable greater efficiency and range.
August 14, 2025
Signa Insolvency Proceedings Take a New Turn: €191 Million Claim Against Benko
In the insolvency proceedings involving former Signa founder René Benko, a new development is once again causing a stir. A company from Abu Dhabi has filed claims against Benko in the amount of €191 million at the Innsbruck Regional Court.
August 13, 2025
Austria Calls for “Roam Like at Home” for the Western Balkans Too
Austrian state secretaries are calling for equal treatment in roaming charges and appealing to the EU to include the countries of the Western Balkans in the upcoming roaming regulations. Similar to Ukraine, which is to be integrated into the EU roaming area from 2026, the Austrian representatives see the need to give the accession candidates in the Western Balkans a clear perspective in everyday digital life.
August 11, 2025
Just in Time for the End of Summer: Vienna Public Transportation Ends Summer Construction Projects
The major summer construction spurt at Wiener Linien is coming to an end. Just in time for the start of school on September 1, numerous restrictions on the tram and subway network will be lifted. According to Wiener Linien, the extensive modernization work, which is intended to strengthen the backbone of public transport in the Danube metropolis, is on schedule.
August 10, 2025
Kaufhaus Tyrol in Innsbruck Sold After Signa Bankruptcy
The sale of the Kaufhaus Tyrol department store in Innsbruck, once a prestigious project of Signa founder René Benko, is now officially complete. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings of Signa Prime Selection AG, the newly founded company KHT AcquiCo SARL has taken over the downtown department store.
August 6, 2025
Austria's Armed Forces Want Own Satellites for Greater Independence
The Austrian Armed Forces are finalizing their plans to venture into space. According to an announcement by the Ministry of Defense, the first Austrian satellites are scheduled to be launched in late 2026 or early 2027. The aim is to reduce dependence on other countries for important satellite services and to establish an independent infrastructure in space.
August 5, 2025
FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.
The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.
August 3, 2025
EU Approves 1.6 Billion Euros for Comprehensive Reforms in Austria
The European Commission today approved Austria's second payment request for €1.6 billion from the NextGenerationEU recovery plan. In doing so, the Commission confirms that Austria has successfully met the ambitious 67 milestones and targets for the second and third installments.
July 30, 2025
OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025: Global Partners Seek Ways to Build a Stronger Future
The international development community is gathering in Vienna for the fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum. Under the theme “A Transition that Strengthens Our Tomorrow,” more than 500 high-level representatives, including heads of state, ministers, and heads of international institutions, are coming together in the historic setting of the Hofburg Imperial Palace to discuss pressing global challenges.
July 29, 2025
AUA Resumes Flights to Tel Aviv in August
Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flights to the Israeli metropolis of Tel Aviv on August 1. The Lufthansa subsidiary announced this decision following a “thorough security assessment.”
July 25, 2025
Vienna and GLOBAL 2000 Secure Drinking Water Supply in Ukraine
The City of Vienna and the environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 are intensifying their long-standing cooperation to secure the drinking water supply in Ukraine. With the installation of nine additional water treatment plants in the Kharkiv region, thousands of people now have access to clean drinking water.
July 25, 2025
Austria's Debt Relief: A Focus on Billions
Since the turn of the millennium, Austria has waived debts amounting to around €3.4 billion owed to other countries. This information is based on a recent parliamentary response from the Ministry of Finance, which has drawn particular criticism from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).
July 16, 2025
Vienna Airport Defies Global Challenges with Strong Half-Year Results
Vienna International Airport (VIE) experienced solid passenger growth in the first half of 2025, despite a slight decline in June, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. A total of 14.7 million passengers traveled through Vienna Airport between January and June, representing a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
July 15, 2025
Chinese Embassy Hosts Traditional Summer Festival for China Alumni in Austria
The Chinese Embassy in Austria hosted its annual summer party for China-Alumni. Around 100 guests from various professional fields attended the event, which celebrated the deep ties and cultural exchange between China and Austria.
July 10, 2025
Austria, Bavaria, and Italy Push for Digital Slot System for Brenner Transit
To alleviate the long-standing congestion on the Brenner transit route, Austria and Bavaria are collaborating with Italy to implement a digital slot system for truck journeys. This initiative was agreed upon by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during Söder's working visit to Vienna.
July 10, 2025
Wirecard Scandal: Liquidator Reveals Billion-Euro Loss
Five years after its collapse, the Wirecard scandal continues to reverberate: Insolvency administrator Dr. Michael Jaffe revealed in the trial against former CEO Markus Braun that an incredible €1.1 billion was “burned” at the payment processor. While Braun claims in court that a shadow network existed, the main suspect, Jan Marsalek, remains at large, presumably in Russia.
July 9, 2025
Prix Ars Electronica 2025: Robotics and AI in the Spotlight of Media Art
The renowned Prix Ars Electronica has announced its winning projects for 2025, with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a particularly prominent role. From nearly 4,000 submissions from 98 countries, four Golden Nicas and numerous other awards were presented, underscoring the diversity and innovative power of the media art scene worldwide.
July 7, 2025
Vienna as Europe's AI hub: Regional Support and Billions in Investment Expected
Parallel to the establishment of AI Factory Austria, Vienna is intensifying its campaign to host one of up to five planned European “AI Gigafactories.” The official application, a joint project of the federal government, the city, and the business community, was signed on June 20, 2025, by top politicians, including Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Mayor Michael Ludwig.
July 7, 2025
Vienna: Still Among the World's Leading Conference Cities
Vienna consolidates its position as a leading global conference destination: after taking first place in the prestigious ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in May, the city has now achieved second place worldwide for the third time in a row in the latest congress ranking of the Union of International Associations (UIA) for 2024.
July 4, 2025
Vienna Public Transport Company Opts for Air Conditioning and Increased Comfort for Passengers
Wiener Linien has recorded a record number of air-conditioned vehicles in its public transport network. According to the company, three out of four journeys on buses, subways, and trams are already air-conditioned. This is intended to make travel more comfortable for passengers, even on hot days.
July 4, 2025
Microsoft Strengthens Austria's Digital Future: Billion-Euro Investment in New Cloud Region
Technology giant Microsoft officially opened its new cloud region in Austria in the presence of State Secretary Alexander Pröll. With an investment of one billion euros and three data centers in the Vienna metropolitan area, which will go into operation in August, Microsoft is sending a strong signal for the country's digitalization and economic development.
July 3, 2025
Port of Vienna Enjoys Record Year in 2024: Increased Turnover and High Investments Secure Future
Port of Vienna, a key company within Wien Holding, can look back on an exceptionally successful 2024 financial year this summer. Despite a challenging economic environment, the trimodal logistics center significantly increased its revenue and achieved a record operating result. At the same time, extensive investments were made in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability to further consolidate its position as one of Europe's most important hinterland hubs.
July 3, 2025
UNOOSA and Exolaunch Enable Satellite Launches for Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal
In a move to promote equal access to space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Exolaunch GmbH have announced that institutions from Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal have been selected to launch their CubeSats.
July 1, 2025
Vienna No Longer the Most Livable City in the World: Copenhagen Takes Top Spot
After three years, Vienna has lost its top position in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025 to Copenhagen. The Austrian capital now shares second place with Zurich. The main reason for Vienna's decline is a loss of points in the area of stability, influenced by foiled terrorist attacks.
July 1, 2025
Austria's Art Market at a Crossroad: Calls for a Reduction in VAT
Interest groups representing the Austrian art trade are concerned that Austria may fall behind in the international art trade due to significant market shifts and substantial reductions in VAT in neighboring European countries.
June 27, 2025
Charges Against René Benko Loom Closer: New Lines of Investigation Revealed
In the far-reaching Signa affair, the first charges could soon be brought against the insolvent company founder René Benko. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) has submitted an initial “proposal report” to the Ministry of Justice.
June 24, 2025
Vienna as Europe's AI Hub: Supercomputer Launched, Gigafactory in Sight
The Austrian capital is consolidating its position as a European hub for artificial intelligence (AI). With the imminent launch of AI Factory Austria (AI:AT) and its active bid to become one of Europe's AI gigafactories, Vienna is sending a strong signal for innovation and digital sovereignty.
June 24, 2025
ISTA and Google Forge Long-Term Research Partnership in Klosterneuburg
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg and global technology giant Google have signed a far-reaching Master Sponsored Research Agreement to consolidate their existing collaboration and jointly advance innovative scientific research projects. This long-term partnership, which also includes financial support for research projects from Google, aims to further strengthen the ecosystem at the ISTA campus and open up new avenues in science.
June 24, 2025
Austria's Role in the Reconstruction of Ukraine: An Opportunity for Business and Long-Term Partnership
While the war in Ukraine continues to rage, attention is already turning to the aftermath: the massive reconstruction of the war-torn country. Austria, once the fifth-largest foreign investor in Ukraine, could play a decisive role in this process, not only to boost its economy but also to build a long-term partnership.
June 23, 2025
Vienna Music Theater Days 2025: Social Upheavals on Stage
The Vienna Music Theater Days will once again serve as a platform for innovative and contemporary music theater this year. From September 17 to 27, 2025, the festival will focus on the social upheavals and fractures of our time, inviting the audience to question established structures.
June 16, 2025
Summer Night Concert at Schönbrunn: Premieres, Commemorations, and a Musical Journey
The idyllic Schönbrunn Palace will be the venue for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's annual Summer Night Concert this evening. Under a bright blue sky and against the majestic backdrop of the illuminated palace, thousands of music lovers gathered to enjoy an evening full of musical highlights. This year's concert featured numerous premieres, a touching minute of silence, and a musical journey across Europe.
June 13, 2025
Monaco’s Club Allemand International Uncovers Treasure in Vienna's Imperial Archives
What began as the annual cultural excursion for Monaco's Club Allemand International (International German Club) transformed into a historical discovery of significant proportions. During their recent trip to Vienna, members of the club unearthed a remarkable historical document about the Principality of Monaco, hidden for centuries within the imperial archives of the Hofburg Palace.
June 12, 2025
Austria Recruiting U.S. Researchers: Science Committee Discusses Simplified Appointment Procedures
The Austrian Parliament's Science Committee is considering a draft law that would facilitate the appointment of professors without a competitive application process. The aim is to attract researchers from the U.S. who want to leave their home country due to political developments under President Donald Trump.
June 4, 2025
Planned Messenger Surveillance in Austria: Between Security Needs and Fundamental Rights Protection
The debate surrounding state surveillance of encrypted digital communications in Austria is heating up once again. The latest draft bill from the Ministry of the Interior on so-called “messenger surveillance” has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and parts of the governing coalition under the NEOS. After several previous attempts failed in recent years, the current attempt also appears to be in jeopardy.
June 3, 2025
Signa Insolvency: Creditors Demand €11.7 Billion, Sale of Luxury Real Estate Underway
Following the collapse of the real estate group Signa, founded by René Benko, creditors have filed claims totaling €11.7 billion. The insolvency administrator of Signa Prime Selection AG (SPS), Norbert Abel, is working to sell the remaining assets to satisfy creditors.
June 2, 2025
After 17 Years, ams-Osram Wins Multi-Million Dollar Legal Dispute in the USA
The Styrian-Bavarian semiconductor manufacturer ams-Osram has achieved a historic legal success: After almost two decades of litigation in the United States, the company has finally prevailed in a case concerning stolen trade secrets. With a legally binding judgment and a subsequent settlement of around 52 million US dollars, one of the longest and most significant commercial disputes in the industry has come to an end, with a significant signal on the protection of intellectual property.
May 27, 2025
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
New Natural Gas Well in Upper Austria: ADX Expands Exploration Area in Molln
The Australian-Austrian energy company ADX Energy has received approval from the Austrian authorities to significantly expand its exploration area in the Upper Austrian district of Kirchdorf an der Krems. The measure relates in particular to the so-called Welchau area in the municipality of Molln, which had already come into focus last year with an initial well.
May 23, 2025
Fast News Search
This category only
