Vienna International Community - Top Diplomats - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about key diplomats in Vienna's international community,e.g. changes in diplomatic personnel in Austria & at Austrian representations abroad

Turkey: Court Forbids Reconstruction of Taksim Square

Controversial construction project led to protests and brutal police force.

July 3, 2013

Slovenia: Trying to Make a Difference

The crisis measures approved by Brussels are partially starting to make an impact. Since July 1, the higher tax rate of 22 percent is binding. However, the country does much more than just raise taxes.

July 3, 2013

Vienna: Bolivian President Allowed to Continue Journey

Bolivan President Evo Morales had to land in Vienna after several European countries – among them Spain, France and Portugal – refused the right to overfly.

July 3, 2013

Fekter: Kranebitter „Weary of Office“

Hypo CEO Kranebitter resigns and settles a score with the Finance Ministry in an open letter. He decided to step back after three and a half years because “major parts of the work were damaged”.

July 3, 2013

Orban Attacks European Parliament

Prime Minister Orban claims that members of the EP would apply double standards on Hungary.

July 2, 2013

Rosneft to Take Over Itera Completely

Russian oil producer Rosneft has taken over gas corporation Itera completely and now wants to compete against energy giant Gazprom.

July 2, 2013

Croatia To Issue Licenses for Exploration of Oil and Gas

Croatia plans to issue lucrative concession for the production of oil and gas from 2014 on.

July 2, 2013

Snowden Applies For Asylum in Austria

Former US intelligence official Edward Snowden has applied for asylum in several countries, among them Austria, according to WikiLeaks.

July 2, 2013

No End to Protests in Bulgaria

Demonstrators demand the resignation of the government and early elections.

July 2, 2013

Hypo Group: CEO Kranebitter Steps Back

Kranebitter announced to stay until the half-year accounts are published. On Monday it became known that the ailing bank will in all likelihood require more state aid than planned.

July 2, 2013

Hypo Group: CESEE Units to be Sold Until Mid-2015

The threatened compulsory sale of nationalized Hypo Alpe Adria Group by the EU Commission until the end of this year, was, according to information by the Finance Ministry, fended off. An additional burden of € 2bn might await the Austrian taxpayers.

July 1, 2013

Alpine: 2,600 Jobs Secured

Social Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer assumes that a lot of Alpine employees will continue to be employed. Former CEO Schiefer announced that Alpine was “clinically dead” when he took over management in April 2013.

July 1, 2013

New Protests Against Government in Bulgaria

Demonstrators demand elections again.

July 1, 2013

Faymann: Croatians Realistic With EU Membership

Austrians have a positive attitude towards Croatia’s new membership.

July 1, 2013

Hypo Group: Government Hopes For Expansion of Deadline

The restructuring plan for Hypo Group has been handed in to Brussels. It is still unclear whether the deadline will be expanded.

July 1, 2013

Austrian Coalition to Take Stock of Legislative Period

In a joint interview with several leading Austrian newspapers, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and Deputy Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger take stock of the legislative period so far.

June 28, 2013

Slovenia Likely To Require Bailout

According to Capital Economics Ltd. Slovenia will in all likelyhood ask for a bailout to bolster its ailing banking sector in case the debt crisis in Europe should worsen.

June 28, 2013

Leitl: „Austrian Enterprises Need Further Growth Impulses“

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) commits to budget consolidation but growth is the basis for a balanced state budget.

June 27, 2013

Nabucco: Flop for OMV and EU

Petrom will resume exploration drilling in offshore Black Sea block.

June 27, 2013

Alpine to Be Divided Up

Swietelsky plans to take over 1,500 employees. Strabag announced interest but remains unheard.

June 27, 2013

Ukraine Could Become Energy Hub in Europe

According to EU Enlargement Commissioner Füle, Ukraine is an important partner of the EU.

June 26, 2013

Hypo Group: Commisson Against Extension of Deadline

Austria will in all probability not be granted an extension of the deadline for the winding down of Hypo Alpe Adria. This was announced by EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia

June 26, 2013

Mitterlehner: Romania Offers New Chances for Austrian Economy

Austrian Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner met his Romanian counterpart Varujan Vosganian in Vienna.

June 25, 2013

EU Accession Talks With Serbia Around the Turn of the Year

The EU Ministers for Foreign and European Affairs agree that EU Accession negotiations with Serbia should commence around the turn of the year.

June 25, 2013

Czech Republic: Rusnok New Head of Government

Czech President Milos Zeman has appointed his confidant Jiri Rusnok head of a government of experts.

June 25, 2013

Fekter: "1.76 Billion Repayment by Erste Bank is Good News for Taxpayers"

Thanks given to Erste Bank for repayment of EUR 1.76 billion in participation capital

June 25, 2013

Austria: Government Agrees on Stimulus Package

Startled by construction company Alpine’s insolvency, the Austrian government has agreed on the fiercly discussed stimulus package. An amount of € 800m is required additionally.

June 25, 2013

Alpine: Biggest Bankruptcy in Austrian History

Bankrupt-gone construction company Alpine operates at 1,400 construction sites and is supposed to complete orders in the amount of € 800m. The shutting down of the enterprise has been decided.

June 25, 2013

US: Active Investor in Romania

US companies remained active investors in Romania last year. Particulary the IT sector, automotive industry and oil/gas sector are increasingly strengthening their local position. Foreign direct investments from the US came at more than $ 1bn.

June 24, 2013

Rosneft to Supply China Over 25 Years

Russia’s Rosneft agreed to double oil supplies to China, in a deal worth $ 270bn.

June 24, 2013

Turkey: Prospects of EU Accession Talks Brighten

Turkey’s prospects of the continuing of the EU Accession negotiations have brightened. During a meeting in Luxembourg several foreign ministers took a much more moderate tone.

June 24, 2013

Zeman Favors Government of Experts

After Prime Minister Petr Necas‘ resignation, President Milos Zeman prefers the induction of a government of experts.

June 24, 2013

Alpine to Be Shut Down

Bankrupt-gone construction company Alpine is facing a breaking down. After negotiations about establishing a rescue company failed, the enterprise will apply for a shutdown.

June 24, 2013

Russia to Improve Relations to China

Russia turns its back on Europe and starts focusing on Asia instead in regard to oil export.

June 21, 2013

Slovenia’s Economic Outlook to Deteriorate Further

The Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis and Development expects GDP in Slovenia to shrink more than projected earlier.

June 21, 2013

Last Try to Save Polish Airline LOT

Poland’s National Treasury starts a final attempt at saving Polish Airlines LOT.

June 21, 2013

Czech Republic: Zeman’s Turn to Announce New PM

After Czech ruling party ODS has nominated Miroslava Nemcova, Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies, as candidate for the ministerial office, it is now President Milos Zeman’s turn to appoint the head of government.

June 21, 2013

Bulgaria: Protest Against Government Continue

The prostest against the Bulgarian government have been going on for days.

June 21, 2013

Alpine: Thousands of Jobs At Risk

Alpine’s Insolvency could cost thousands of people’s jobs. According to Social Minister Rudolf Hundstorfer, the Social Ministry would utilize all means to prevent a worst-case scenario. Alpine's affiliate in Germany is filing for bankruptcy as well.

June 20, 2013

Czech Republic: Nemcova Nominated As Prime Minister

Petr Necas’ handed in his resignation on Monday after a bribery scandal.

June 19, 2013

Polish Road Authority As Tardy Payer

Prime Minister Tusk seems unimpressed about ambassadors from six countries filing a complaint.

June 19, 2013

Hypo Group: Business With Russian Oligarch

Austrian magazine „News“ unveils a remarkable business connection of Hypo Group from 2008.

June 19, 2013

Spindelegger: "Clear Signal for Serbia and Kosovo Expected from EU Summit at End of June"

Austrian Vice-Chancellor with Prime Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo at the Europaforum Wachau conference; clear commitment for EU expansion in the Balkans

June 19, 2013

Cyprus Demands Further Capital Aid

In a letter to the European Union, President of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades demands further capital support for the Bank of Cyprus, the “Wallstreet Journal” reports. According to him, Cyprus’ economy depended on it.

June 19, 2013

Alpine Facing Bankruptcy

The restructuring of Austria’s second biggest construction company Alpine has failed. The enterprise therefore has to face bankruptcy.

June 19, 2013

Hungary: Taxes to Be Raised

Shortly before the parliamentary summer recess taxes were raised by the government of Viktor Orban.

June 18, 2013

Lopatka: "EU Enlargement is a Driver for Reforms and Rule Of Law"

State Secretary Lopatka on DARUM EUROPA information tour.

June 18, 2013

Poland: Deputy Transport Minister Dismissed

Former Deputy Transport Minister alleged of corruption. Austrian construction company Alpine involved.

June 18, 2013

Bulgaria: Eight People Injured During Protests in Sofia

Thousands of Bulgarian citizens walked the streets of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia for the fourth day in a row to demonstrate for Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski’s resignation.

June 18, 2013

Protests in Bulgaria

Almost two weeks after the assumption of office of the new Bulgarian government, demonstrators have once more demanded the resignation of the predominantly socialist cabinet.

June 17, 2013