Vienna International Company News

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

"Golden Sunday" Returns: Austrian Non-Food Retailers Allowed to Remain Open on December 19

In an attempt to recoup some of the billions of euros retailers lost out on due to the lockdown in the middle of the holiday season, the Austrian government has announced that non-food retailers will be allowed to remain open on Sunday, December 19 for what is known as "Golden Sunday." Learn which stores the exception applies to and when you can do some last-minute Christmas shopping on Sunday.

December 17, 2021

Expats Rank Vienna Last in Terms of "Local Friendliness"

The results of the "Expat Insider 2021" survey are in, and Vienna earned the top spot in quality of life but took last place in terms of the friendliness of the people. Read why Vienna simultaneously ranked so high and so low.

December 16, 2021

Nehammer on First Trip to Brussels as Chancellor: "I'm an Ardent European"

Chancellor Nehammer made his first trip to Brussels for the European Council and the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. There he met with the other heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read what Nehammer discussed on the trip.

December 16, 2021

Portrait: Who Is Robert Malley, the Old and New U.S. Lead Negotiator of the Iran Nuclear Talks?

In 2021, Robert Malley was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, which means he is once again the lead negotiator for the U.S. in the Iran nuclear talks. Read about Mr. Malley's career and his efforts to limit Iran's nuclear activities.

December 15, 2021

International Organizations Continue to Favor Austria as Their Seat

The hosting of international organizations is of great importance for Austrian foreign policy, secures 19,000 jobs and has a gross value added effect of € 1.35 billion per year.

December 13, 2021

These Covid Rules Apply After the Lockdown for Vienna and Surroundings

The Austria-wide lockdown ended yesterday and applies to vaccinated and recovered individuals (2G). For the unvaccinated, the lockdown continues to be in effect. What new rules now apply at the federal level and in Vienna and the province of Lower Austria (Wien und Umgebung)?

December 13, 2021

After Pandemic Shock, Strong Upturn in Foreign Trade: China +26.4 %, USA +18 %

New data for January to September 2021 shows that Austria's foreign trade is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Read about Austria's improving trade figures.

December 10, 2021

Austrian Compulsory Vaccination Bill is Ready: "We Want Freedom Back!"

The Austrian government has announced that the controversial compulsory vaccination bill is finally ready. Read what Constitutional Minister Edtstadler said about the bill and regaining freedom.

December 10, 2021

Inaugural Statement of Austria's New Chancellor: "We Want to Reconcile with History"

Newly appointed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer delivered his inaugural statement to the National Council. Read what the new chancellor said are some of the key issues his government will focus on.

December 10, 2021

Vienna Opera Ball 2022: Canceled Twice in a Row

The Austrian government has announced that the 2022 Vienna Opera Ball has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York City is still scheduled to take place. Read more about the two popular events.

December 9, 2021

Russian Trade Representation in Austria Celebrated 100th Anniversary

The Russian Trade Mission in Austria celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 7, 2021. On this day, exactly 100 years ago, the agreement between Russia and Austria was signed, after which the Trade Representation of Soviet Russia in Austria was established.

December 8, 2021 · Updated: December 8, 2021; 18:20

Luxury Goods Group: Swarovski Drops Further in Ranking

The famous Austrian crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski has fallen a further 3 places on the global ranking of luxury goods sales. The company's sales also halved between 2017 and 2020 from 3.5 billion euros to 1.7 billion euros. Read about Swarovski's decline in sales and the general downturn in the luxury goods industry.

December 8, 2021

Who Is the New Austrian Minister of Finance Dr. Magnus Brunner?

The new Austrian Minister of Finance, Dr. Magnus Brunner, has assumed his new position after being sworn in by President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Dr. Brunner and his career prior to becoming finance minister.

December 8, 2021

New 153-Meter Luxury Tower V22 in Vienna to be Completed by 2025

Construction is currently underway on a new 153-meter luxury tower in Vienna's 22nd district. The project, known as VIENNA TWENTYTWO or V22, is expected to be fully complete by 2025. Learn more about one of Vienna's largest urban development projects and see what it is expected to look like upon completion.

December 7, 2021

Wirecard Scandal: Europol Manhunt for Europe's Most Wanted "Marsalek"

Former COO of Wirecard Jan Marsalek, one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, is still the target of an international manhunt for his suspected role in a multi-billion euro fraud scheme. Read about the ongoing search for Marsalek and Europol's 2021 "EU's Most Wanted" campaign.

December 7, 2021

Austria's Mandatory Vaccination Bill on the Table

The first draft of Austria's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination bill is now available, and it details fines for the unvaccinated beginning in March 2022. Learn how much the fines could be and who may qualify for an exemption from compulsory vaccination.

December 6, 2021

Austro-French Vaccine Company Valneva's Covid-19 Jab under EU Review

The EU's medicines agency EMA launched an accelerated review of a Covid-19 vaccine by Austro-French biotech firm Valneva. Recently the European Commission agreed to buy as many as 60 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine. The deal would allow EU member states to purchase almost 27 million doses from Valneva in 2022, and an additional 33 million in 2023.

December 2, 2021

Staying Overnight in Vienna During Covid-Lockdown

During the current 4th Austrian Lockdown (November 22 to probably including December 12, 2021) overnight stays in Viennese hotels are allowed for business reasons, but not for personal reasons. Find out what the requirements for an overnight stay in a Viennese hotel are and what exemptions are possible.

December 2, 2021

City of Vienna Partner Lab Massively Expands Covid-19 Laboratory

The Lifebrain laboratory, which partners with the City of Vienna, is undergoing a massive expansion on its COVID-19 laboratory. This expansion comes just weeks after an unfair competition lawsuit brought against Lifebrain by the Vienna Medical Association was dismissed. Read about Lifebrain's lab expansion and legal issues.

December 1, 2021

Controversial Chinese 5G Network Operator Huawei Appointed New Austria CEO

The Mainland Chinese Harvey Zhang (38) has been appointed CEO of Huawei Technologies Austria, effective immediately. He replaces Jackie Zhang (38), who was appointed as the new Austria boss just a few months ago.

December 1, 2021

Austrian Covid Data: Vaccination Protects 95 Percent from Hospitalization

A new study from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has shown that the COVID-19 vaccines offer about 95 percent protection against hospitalization from coronavirus. Read about this study and the efficacy of the vaccines.

December 1, 2021

Austria Donated Unusable Covid Vaccine Doses to Bosnia and Herzegovina

It was recently reported that Bosnia and Herzegovina had to throw out an unknown amount of the 500,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccination doses that had been donated by Austria. Read more about this and the problem of global vaccine equity.

November 30, 2021

President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria Urges People to Vaccinate

Hans Dieter Pötsch, President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria (DHK), recently urged everyone to get vaccinated during the 66th General Assembly of the DHK. Read about Mr. Pötsch's urgent appeal and his outlook on economic relations between Germany and Austria.

November 30, 2021

The Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Austria's Economy

The consequences of COVID-19 pandemic continue to determine economic activity in Austria and the banks’ higher resilience has been key to COVID-19 response.

November 29, 2021

Verdi's Nabucco to Be Performed at the "Oper im Steinbruch" in Summer 2022

The popular opera "Nabucco" will be returning to "Oper im Steinbruch" in the Summer of 2022. Learn more about the upcoming opera and how to reserve your tickets.

November 26, 2021

Travel and Covid: Austria Imposes Entry Ban on Southern African Countries

Due to the spread of a new variant of COVID-19 in Southern Africa, Austria has imposed an entry ban on travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini/Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Read about the new travel restriction and the variant causing it.

November 26, 2021 · Updated: November 26, 2021; 15:11

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the America House in Vienna

The America House in Vienna is a beautiful mix of architecture and history. Learn more about the exquisite building at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 2 and the historical America House inside.

November 26, 2021

Explained: Compulsory Covid Vaccination for All in Austria as of February 2022

The Austrian government has announced that vaccination against COVID-19 will be mandatory as early as February 2022. Learn more about the new law and what it means for people in Austria.

November 25, 2021

Air Travel to Austria: How Does Entry Work During the Fourth Lockdown?

The current lockdown in Austria due to COVID-19 has yet again complicated entry regulations for travelers. Inform yourself of the latest entry requirements for air travelers arriving in Austria and testing options at Vienna International Airport.

November 25, 2021

Salzburg Festival: Kristina Hammer Appointed New Festival President

The Swiss-Austrian marketing professional Kristina Hammer will be the new president of the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), taking over from long-term president Helga Rabl-Stadler.

November 25, 2021

Grossi to the IAEA Board of Governors "Extensive Negotiations to Address Iran’s Outstanding Safeguards Issues Proved Inconclusive"

When addressing the board of governors in Vienna, Grossi said, that getting to know the new Iranian officials was a positive element and this will certainly help.

November 24, 2021

Edtstadler at General Affairs Council: Mandatory Vaccination is Necessary

At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler stressed the need for mandatory vaccinations in Austria and coordination in the fight against COVID-19 at the European level. Read Edtstadler's expectations for the European Commission, her defense of compulsory vaccinations, and more.

November 24, 2021

Casinos Austria: Dutchman Erwin van Lambaart Appointed New CEO

The current head of Holland Casino, Erwin van Lambaart (58), will take over from Bettina Glatz-Kremsner the management of the partly state-owned gaming group Casinos Austria AG on April 1, 2022.

November 24, 2021

Western Balkans: Foreign Minister Linhart Visits Albania and North Macedonia

Foreign Minister Linhart, accompanied by an Austrian business delegation, visited the Western Balkan States of North Macedonia and Albania. Read about the foreign minister's meetings with various government officials, as well as his meetings with local business people as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative.

November 22, 2021

Solidarity with Vietnam: Austria Sends 50,000 Vaccines

Parts of Vietnam are currently experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19. To simultaneously help Vietnam in the fight against the virus and improve bilateral relations, Austria donated 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Read more about this act of solidarity.

November 22, 2021

Vienna's Christmas Markets Get You in the Mood for Christmas

Vienna's famous Christmas markets are opening again, and they are the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Learn about some of the numerous Christmas markets and what they have to offer.

November 19, 2021

OeAD: International Agency for Education and Networking Turns 60 Years Old

The Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) has celebrated its 60th anniversary. Learn about the OeAD and some of its numerous programs, and watch a video with President Van der Bellen.

November 19, 2021

Covid in Austria: Lockdown From Monday, Immediate Tightening of Measures in Vienna

Chancellor Schallenberg and Health Minister Mückstein have announced a nationwide lockdown for Austria beginning Monday. As of February 1, 2022, vaccination will be mandatory in Austria. Additionally, Vienna has announced a tightening of COVID-19 measures effective immediately. Read about the upcoming lockdown and the new measures in Vienna.

November 19, 2021

Japanese Life Sciences Corporation Invests More Than 100 Million Euros in Vienna

The Japanese life sciences company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is investing more than 100 million euros in a new building in Seestadt, Vienna. Read about the massive investment and see a picture of what it is supposed to look like upon completion.

November 18, 2021

The Christmas Season Has Come to Vienna: The 2021 Christ Child and Heart Tree

Two popular Viennese Christmas traditions converged when Mayor Ludwig introduced the 2021 Christkindl (Christ Child) in front of the Viennese Heart tree in Vienna's City Hall Park. Read more about this year's Christkindl.

November 17, 2021

Emirate of Qatar and Vienna to Cooperate in Cultural and Tourism Sectors

Vienna City Councilor Peter Hanke and Vienna Chamber of Commerce President Walter Ruck met with various government officials in Qatar to discuss further cooperation between Vienna and Qatar in the cultural and tourism sectors. Read about the visit and what, specifically, was discussed.

November 17, 2021

Covid in Vienna: Booster Shots for All after Four Months and Vaccination for Children Five Years and Older

The City of Vienna has decided to offer booster vaccinations for COVID-19 to everyone four months after their second dose. The Austrian capital has also begun vaccinating children 5 to 11 years old. Read about these two new vaccination offers.

November 17, 2021

Nightjet: Connecting the City of Music with the City of Love

Austrian Railways (ÖBB) is offering a new Nightjet connection from Vienna to Paris from December 13, 2021. Learn more about this new offer.

November 16, 2021

Budapest Office Property "BudaPart Gate" Acquired by S-Immo

S Immo AG has acquired the "BudaPart Gate" office building in Hungary's capital, Budapest. Read more about the transaction and BudaPart Gate.

November 15, 2021

New Cargo Airline DHL Air Austria Creates 54 New Jobs at Vienna Airport

The new cargo airline DHL Air Austria, which is now headquartered at Vienna Airport, will handle European cargo flights in future with eighteen Boeing 757 aircraft and around 176 pilots.

November 12, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Verification of Compliance with Applicable Access Rules Becomes Easier

A new app known as Green Check is now widely available in Austria and has made verification of compliance with COVID-19 access rules much simpler. Read more about the new app and how it works.

November 12, 2021

US Embassy: Visit of the Chargé d'affaires Strengthens Economic Ties between USA and Upper Austria

The Chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Vienna Mario Mesquita visited Linz and met with Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer and Voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner. Read about Mesquita's visit and what was discussed.

November 11, 2021

Austrian Foreign Trade Picks Up Again

Austria's foreign trade in 2021 has improved significantly compared to 2020, and in some months, it is even approaching the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Read the detailed numbers showing that Austrian trade is picking up again.

November 11, 2021

Austrian Airlines on the Way Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

The Lufthansa subsidiary and self-declared "premium carrier" is gearing up against competition from so-called low-cost airlines.

November 11, 2021

Expo Dubai: Viennese Coffeehouse is Culinary Ambassador

The Viennese coffeehouse, Austrian Delight, is serving as the culinary ambassador for Austria at the World Expo in Dubai. Read about how the cafe is representing Austria and what else Vienna is offering at the World Expo.

November 11, 2021