Vienna International Company News

Read the latest headlines about developments in international organizations, companies and institutions operating in Vienna, Austria

Vienna Will Host Pathologist and Muscle Researcher Congresses

The City of Vienna has successfully brought two high-ranking medical congresses to Vienna. The 28th International Congress of the World Muscle Society will be in Vienna from September 23 to 29, 2024, and the European Society of Pathology will be meeting in Vienna from September 6 to 10, 2025.

March 22, 2021

Two of Austrian Biggest Commercial Real Estate Companies Could Turn to One

The Austrian commercial real estate company Immofinanz AG has decided to make a voluntary public takeover offer for the s Immo AG. The two companies have considered a merger in the past, but the intentions never succeeded. Whether or not the public takeover offer will be going through this time depends on the General Meeting of s Immo and antitrust approvals.

March 18, 2021

All Eyes on Vienna for ViennaUP'21

Central Europe's largest startup event "ViennaUP'21" will once again take place in the spring of 2021 in Vienna. The event offers a variety of different programs and business-to-business networking opportunities. Many other events, such as the "Fintech Week" and the "Creative Days Vienna" will be part of ViennaUP'21.

March 18, 2021

High-Level Exchange on the "European Battery Alliance" with Austrian Participation

Austria's State Secretary at the Ministry of Technology, Magnus Brunner, participated in a high-level discussion on the "European Battery Alliance", which focused on the goal of making Europe an important and global player for battery innovation. Austria will be investing EUR 45 million in the project, while Austrian companies add another EUR 110 million.

March 17, 2021

AstraZeneca Vaccine: Anschober Demands Clarity from EMA

Some of the biggest European countries, including Germany, Italy and France, have suspended the use of the Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca after reports of possible adverse health effects. Austria's Health Minister Rudolf Anschober does not see any evidence for causality between the vaccine and the health events and demands clarity from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

March 16, 2021

Austrian Foreign Trade: Covid-19 Pandemic Takes its Toll

Austria's imports and exports both declined heavily in 2020. A year characterized by the Covid-19 pandemic, the total value of imports decreased by around 9 percent compared to 2019, while Austrian companies exported 7.5 percent less than the year before. In total, imports and exports resulted in a trade balance deficit of around EUR 2 billion.

March 15, 2021

Fourth Covid-19 Vaccine Approved: Austria Expects 2.5 Million Doses

The European Medicines Agency and the European Commission have approved a fourth Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine developed by the Johnson & Johnson group only requires a single dose for proper immunization. Austria is to receive about 2.5 million doses by the end of 2021 with the first delivery expected already in the second quarter.

March 12, 2021

Austria Switches Completely to Renewable Energy Sources

By 2030, Austria's current government wants to achieve a total anergy transition. In the next nine years, the government plans for massive investments in the renewable energy sector in order for Austria to be able to produce 100 percent of its electricity with renewable energy sources by 2030.

March 12, 2021

Vienna Still Attractive for International Companies

In 2020, Vienna has welcomed more than 200 new companies despite the difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Michael Ludwig interprets "the high level of interest" from foreign companies in Vienna as a result of Vienna being regarded as "stable and safe economic ground".

March 12, 2021

Increase in Financial Aid for Companies in Austria Introduced

Austria's Minister for Finance Gernot Blümel has presented an increase of measures to alleviate companies from the hardships of the Covid-19 crisis. Funding for the turnover loss bonus has been increased and compensation for vacation days during short-time work has been introduced.

March 11, 2021

Vorarlberg Eases Lockdown on March 15

The model region Vorarlberg will start the easing of its lockdown on March 15. Opening steps as announced by the Austrian Health Minister and Vorarlberg's Governor include the sectors of restaurants, youth sports, events and self-help groups. The whole project will be accompanied scientifically.

March 10, 2021

EU Commissioner Breton and Kurz Discuss Vaccine Production

In a meeting in Vienna, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is responsible for vaccine production, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Minister for Economic Affairs Margarete Schramböck discussed the possibilities of Covid-19 vaccine production in the EU and talked about other issues evolving around the different Coronavirus vaccines.

March 9, 2021

AstraZeneca Vaccine: Approval Also for Older People in Austria

Austria's National Immunization Panel (NIG) has decided to repeal its restrictions for the Covid-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca. Previously, the panel had only released the vaccine for people from 18 to 64-years old, because of the lack of data for efficiency among older people. Now, however, studies have shown that the vaccine can be used for all age groups.

March 8, 2021

International Women's Day 2021: Gender Pay Gap in Austria Still Significant

Since the International Women's Day is on March 8, Statistics Austria has revealed some data that show the still significant differences between women and men in Austria's workforce. On average, women earn around 14 percent less than men and only 3.8 percent of employed women hold managerial positions, compared to 8.1 percent of employed men.

March 5, 2021

Israel, Denmark and Austria Agree on Covid-19 Cooperation

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz agreed on establishing a joint research and development foundation as well as on vaccine production. Chancellor Kurz stressed the importance of global cooperation in the fight against Covid-19.

March 5, 2021

Vienna Stock Exchange: EVN Replaces Telekom Austria in ATX

The semi-annual review of the Austrian leading index ATX has shown a change in the composition. EVN AG will replace Telekom Austria AG. Furthermore, voestalpine AG is included in the ATX five, which comprises the five largest listed companies, instead of Raiffeisen Bank International AG.

March 3, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Slight Easing of Regulations

The Austrian government has announced some new regulations with regard to the Covid-19 situation in Austria. The province of Vorarlberg will be facing relaxations of the current regulations as early as March 15, while the rest of the country will need to wait until the end of March and April for the opening of gastronomy and the cultural sector.

March 2, 2021

Austria Enters for the First Time as U.S. Exits Top Ten in Bloomberg's Innovation Index

Austria moves up one place to 10th place in the latest Bloomberg Innovation Index, while the U.S. dropped out of a top 10 that features a cluster of European countries. The Bloomberg index analyzes dozens of criteria using seven equally weighted metrics, including research and development spending, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public companies.

March 2, 2021

Austria's Culture Sector Met With German Scientists to Discuss Opening Steps

Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture Andrea Mayer and other representatives of the arts industry met with the authors of two German studies which concluded "that the risk of infection in the theater, cinema, opera or concert hall is a calculable one".

March 1, 2021

Vienna Ice Dream Concludes Extraordinary Season

The 26th Vienna Ice Dream has closed its doors for this season. After 66 days of ice skating under special circumstances, the organizers are pleased about the results and are particularly delighted about the fact that there was not a single reported case of infection which happened on the venue.

March 1, 2021

WKO President Mahrer Demands Tourism Opening in March

At the so-called "opening summit" initiated by Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO), the president of the WKO Harald Mahrer and other representatives of the affected businesses demand to open up the tourism and leisure industry. The currently successful model of entry tests for body-related services could be expanded to these industries as well, Mahrer emphasized.

February 26, 2021

Austrian Airlines: "Clear Focus on Tourist Destinations in Summer 2021"

Resumption of more than 20 destinations, up to 150 flights per week to vacation destinations in midsummer and the inclusion of the Vienna-Hanover connection in the 2021 summer flight schedule are in preparation.

February 25, 2021

Free Covid-19 Take-Home Tests Start March 1

Starting from March 1, another Covid-19 test opportunity will be available for Austrians. Pharmacies will offer five free take-home antigen tests per person per week. In addition to the free tests conducted at more than 900 pharmacies, testing conducted at Austrian businesses, and various testing lanes, the take-home tests will be yet another opportunity of self-assessment.

February 25, 2021

Schallenberg Delighted About Delivery of Vaccinations to Ghana

The international COVAX initiative shows its first remarkable success. 600,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca were delivered to West Africa, specifically to Ghana. Austria's Foreign Minister, an active supporter of COVAX, emphasizes the importance of cooperation and solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.

February 25, 2021

Vienna International Center Provides Heating for Viennese Households

With a new energy recycling plant, the Vienna International Center's (VIC) air conditioning system can now provide heat for around 2,400 households in the near proximity. Waste heat of the VIC's cooling system will flow into the district heating system, which can save around 3,400 tons of CO2 each year.

February 23, 2021 · Updated: February 23, 2021; 14:55

Covid-19 in Austria: More Than 500,000 Vaccinations

Austria has already carried out more than 500,000 vaccinations against Covid-19, 200,000 people have already received their second immunization. In March, Austria's Health Minister Anschober expects delivery of more than one million doses. The second quarter of 2021 should provide Austria three times the delivery volume of the first quarter.

February 23, 2021

ÖBB Is Internationally Recognized for Sustainability

The international rating agency ISS has awarded ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG the first place out of 55 international transport companies for its commitment to sustainability, climate protection and eco-efficiency. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler is delighted about the international recognition for ÖBB and emphasizes that climate protection is the right path for the future.

February 19, 2021

Vienna International Airport: Passenger Decline Minus 90.5%

Vienna's airport, which is also known as Vienna International Airport (VIA) or Flughafen Wien, continues to suffer massively from the COVID 19 pandemic. The passenger decline that has been taking place since February 2020 has continued in the new year. The airport recorded a decline to just 198,295 travelers. Only cargo volumes remained stable.

February 18, 2021

Corona Short-Time Work in Austria Is Extended

Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher has announced a new phase for the so-called Corona Short-Time Work in Austria valid from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. The conditions of the new phase are similar to the current regulations. The aim for after June is to gradually phase-out the short-time work where possible.

February 17, 2021

Austria's Economy Is Far Behind EU Average

According to the latest numbers issued by the EU's statistics office Eurostat, the gross domestic product of the EU fell by 0.6 percent in Q4 2020 compared to the third quarter of the same year. Austria, however, has performed the worst out of all EU member states and saw a GDP decline of 4.3 percent.

February 17, 2021

Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award

The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2021

WKO: Austria Needs to End Lockdown in March

After the recent announcement of Austria's federal government to have restaurants, hotels and the cultural sector closed until Easter, the heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) demand opening steps for March. They emphasize that all the current tools, such as mass testing, entry tests and stricter distance rules, would allow a safe gradual opening of the currently closed sectors.

February 16, 2021

Vienna International Airport: What Is the Current Situation and How Can I Take a Covid 19 Test?

Subsequently, you will find updated information from Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien) regarding the reduced flight offer (landing ban for flights from the UK, South Africa and Brazil), extended entry requirements, Covid-19 test possibilities directly at the airport, the new quarantine form, body temperature measurements and other important coronavirus safety measures.

February 16, 2021

Down Under Hotel Flair for Vienna

Adina Apartment Hotels, a hospitality brand and a market leader in high-quality apartment-style hotels originating from Australia, has announced its flagship Adina brand will debut in Vienna. One of only seven hotels to offer a swimming pool in Vienna, the "Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere", developed by Signa Real Estate Management GmbH, will literally make a splash in Vienna’s ultra-modern Quartier Belvedere when it opens in April of 2021, completed with a heated indoor pool and sauna.

February 15, 2021 · Sponsored Content

Deadline for Austrian "Reemployment Promise" Gets Extended

To further support the hard hit Austrian economy, the Minister of Labor and Minister of Tourism have decided to extend the deadline for the so-called "reemployment promise". This allows employers to lay off their employees and agreeing to re-hire them, once the sector is allowed to open up again. The affected employees receives unemployment benefits without any placement activities by the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice.

February 15, 2021

Covid-19 in Austria: Hotels And Restaurants Closed Until Easter

After easing the latest lockdown for the retail sector and schools in Austria on February 8, the opening of restaurants and the cultural and tourism sector was heavily discussed. However, Austria's government has announced that hotels, restaurants, cultural establishments and recreational facilities will remain closed until further notice.

February 15, 2021

Vienna - Salzburg: Frequent Intervals Will Be Maintained

The important rail connection between Vienna and Salzburg will keep having regular intervals due to an emergency award by the Austrian Ministry of Climate Protection. The ministry will continue to order trains from the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn in order to assure a frequent rail connection until April 7.

February 15, 2021

Austria's and EU's GDP Forecast Gives Hope

In the EU winter forecast for the level of economic output in the near future, Austria's and the whole Euro area's GDPs are said to grow by almost 4 percent in 2021 and 2022. Although the economies declined in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 due to the impact of the second wave, the economic outlook is still promising for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.

February 12, 2021

European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna

The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.

February 11, 2021

Austrian Museums Highlight UN's Sustainable Development Goals

Austria's Ministry of Arts and Culture together with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Austria have presented the project "17 Museums x 17 SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals", which will focus on 17 Austrian museums each focusing on one of the SDGs developed by the United Nations.

February 11, 2021

WKO: Austria's Tourism Industry Needs Every Possible Help

The chairman of the division responsible for tourism in the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, Robert Seeber, demands all possible help for the hard-hit Austrian tourism industry. Seeber emphasizes the need for urgent measures, so the tourism sector can once again "act as an economic locomotive and employment engine to boost the entire national economy."

February 10, 2021

Vienna Stock Exchange: New Calculation Technology Increases Quality

The Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse AG) has implemented a new index calculation technology, called "Vienna Index Engine" (VIE). The new software will allow even higher processing speed and stability for indices available on the exchange, which will also benefit more than 140 global financial institutions that rely on the indices of the stock exchange.

February 9, 2021

How the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Benefits Austria

The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) celebrates its second anniversary by adding 28 protected geographical indications, one of them important for Austria, and facilitating trade in wine and vehicles. The agreement does not only benefit the EU as a whole, but has also immediate impact on Austria's economy.

February 8, 2021

Free Coronavirus Antigen Tests in Austria's Pharmacies: How Does It Work and Where Are You Getting Them?

Approximately 450 Austrian pharmacies are now offering free coronavirus antigen tests. Following is how it works and a list of all participating pharmacies.

February 8, 2021

Covid-19: Austria Offers Admission of Portuguese Patients

To alleviate the current health crisis in Portugal, Austria accepted to admit ten patients that will be treated in Vienna and other provinces. Due to the slightly improved situation in Austrian intensive care units, the Portuguese Covid-19 patients and other patients with serious illnesses will be transfered to hospital in Austria.

February 5, 2021

Austrian "Stopp Corona" App Connected to Other EU Countries

The "Stopp Corona" app by the Austrian Red Cross goes international. The app has been connected to EU-wide data matching and will thus communicate with currently 11 other warning apps. This allows for an interconnected warning system that is important for travel abroad within the European Union.

February 5, 2021

Microsoft Investment in Cloud Data Center Adds €2 Billion in Value for Austria

The data center for Austria, which Microsoft announced last fall as a milestone, is taking concrete shape. Microsoft has acquired operational building land for this purpose. The data center ecosystem is expected to include more than 4,000 local partners and cloud-using customers. It also announced investments in a new Center of Digital Excellence and skills training for up to 120,000 Austrians by 2024.

February 5, 2021

Technology Oscar for Austrian Software

This year's "Oscar" awards have already an Austrian winner. Christoph Sprenger, a software developer who works in New Zealand, has written code which simulates realistic hair, fire and collapsing buildings. Together with two colleagues, the Salzburg native will receive the "Technical Achievement Award".

February 4, 2021

WKO Heads: Easing of Lockdown Was Necessary

Both, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce's (WKO) President, Harald Mahrer, and Secretary General, Karlheinz Kopf, are pleased by the government's decision to open the retail sector and body-related service providers again. They furthermore demand a clear perspective for industries that are yet to be opened.

February 4, 2021

Vienna Stock Exchange: Herrmann Joins Boschan and Koblic on the Management Board

The Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse AG) has announced that its Supervisory Board has decided to appoint Andrea Herrmann as a third member of the Management Board (CFO).

February 4, 2021