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Austria and Eastern European countries - Latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism
Eastern European Countries and Austria | Bilateral Relations
Mostboeck: "ATX Valuations Remain Attractive - Catch-Up Potential until Year-End"
The majority of companies in the ATX had to report significant earnings revisions in 2014. In addition, geopolitical risks in the context of the Russia/Ukraine conflict exerted a negative effect. “The significantly improved environment and the digestion of last year's one-off effects are creating notable catch-up potential for the ATX”, notes Fritz Mostböck, Head of Group Research at Erste Group.
June 23, 2015
Ambassador Martin Sajdik Becomes New OSCE Special Representative in Ukraine
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today appointed Ambassador Martin Sajdik (Austria) as his new Special Representative in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group. He follows Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini (Switzerland) who, having fulfilled this assignment for one year, expressed her wish to step down.
June 23, 2015
VIG's Compensa Acquires Lithuania’s Largest Life Insurance Sales Company
Vienna Insurance Group company Compensa Life SE has strengthened strengthened its sales structure in Lithuania with the acquisition of life insurance sales specialist Finsaltas. Finsaltas holds Latvia's biggest life insurance distribution network and recorded some EUR 7.1 million (USD 8.0 million) in life insurance premiums in 2014. for an undisclosed amount, VIG said Friday.
June 12, 2015
Bilderberg 2015: Full List of All 133 Participants
The full list of all 133 attendees to the top secret Bilderberg Group conference 2015 has been released (see below). The Austrians participating are René Benko, Oscar Bronner, Heinz Fischer, Alfred Gusenbauer, Erich Hampel, Wolfgang Hesoun, Gerhard Roiss, Rudolf Scholten and Karl Sevelda.
June 12, 2015 · Updated: June 12, 2015; 17:45
The Bilderberg Group - Background and Criticism
The first Bilderberg conference dates back to May 1954, when it was held at the Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. Partly because of its working methods to ensure strict privacy, the Bilderberg Group has been criticised for its lack of transparency and accountability.
June 11, 2015
Bilderberg 2015: The "World Government" Meets in Austria
A select group of global elite is gathering today at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol in Telfs-Buchen, Austria. The 63rd Bilderberg conference is a super secret annual conference where they can discuss politics, economics and foreign policy freely. A total of around 140 participants from 22 countries have confirmed their attendance at the Bilderberg conference 2015. As ever, a diverse group of political leaders and experts from industry and finance have been invited. This year the list includes nine Austrians. Key talking points on the agenda include the Ukrainian crisis, Greece, Middle East and Terrorism (see detailed list below). Security is tight - participants as well as protesters and journalists will have to deal with the Austrian anti terror squad "Cobra". After 1979 it's the second time that the conference takes place in Austria.
June 11, 2015 · Updated: June 11, 2015; 19:00
Analysis: Austrian Economy Falls Behind Eurozone Average
The latest "Attractiveness Survey" from consultancy Ernst & Young Global Limited shows, that espite strong fundamentals, Austria’s economy lost some ground on the Eurozone average in 2014, with growth of just 0.4% compared with 0.9% for the Eurozone as a whole. This comparative weakness will also continue in 2015, with Austria’s GDP growth estimated at 1.1%, against 1.5% in the Eurozone. This is despite a boost from lower energy prices, quantitative easing from the European Central Bank (ECB) and a weaker euro.
June 1, 2015
FDI: Western Europe Overtakes China and North America, Austria Improved Its Position
Ernst and Young's latest European attractiveness survey has been published. FDI into Europe hits a new record with US$305b attracted into the region in 2014, translating to a 36% year-on-year growth, despite global growth slowdown. UK, Germany and France remain the preferred destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) within Europe, while Turkey enters the Top 10. Austria improved its position in the ranking by two notches, rising to position 22 of all 44 countries analyzed.
May 29, 2015
Swedish Embassy in Vienna has New Premises
The Swedish Embassy/UN representation and the OSCE-delegation have moved to new premises with extensive entertainment facilities, Schwedenhaus Wien. This represents a new and unique concept which could be a model for how Sweden will be represented abroad in the future. As the Embassy also represents Sweden in Slovakia and Slovenia, Schwedenhaus Wien will have both a regional and multilateral (UN and OSCE) approach.
May 29, 2015
Andreas Gschwenter Becomes New COO/CIO of Raiffeisen Bank International
The Supervisory Board of Raiffeisen Bank International decided that Andreas Gschwenter will become Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of RBI from 1 July 2015. Gschwenter was born in 1969, has a degree in business administration and has been Head of Operations (COO/CIO) in charge of IT, operations and cost management at Raiffeisen Bank Aval in Ukraine since 2010. His appointment is subject to approval by the Austrian Financial Market Authority.
May 20, 2015
Analysis: The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna
The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 has been the 60th edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest musical event. The contest took place in Vienna and followed Conchita Wurst's victory in the 2014 edition with her song "Rise Like a Phoenix". The song "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw took the winning spot in the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with 365 points. The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will therefore be held in Sweden.
May 16, 2015 · Updated: May 28, 2015; 08:00
EBRD Sees Mixed Outlook for CESEE Countries in 2015-16
The outlook for economies in central and south eastern Europe is improving on the back of eurozone monetary easing but prospects further to the east of the transition region have worsened, as the impact of Russia’s recession intensifies.
May 14, 2015
OSCE Troika Urges Advancement in Political Process Aimed at Solving Crisis in Ukraine
Foreign Ministers Dačić, Steinmeier and Burkhalter called for the immediate establishment of Working Groups as provided for in the February 12 Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements and proposed by Special Representative Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini and the Trilateral Contact Group.
April 28, 2015
Billa Invests EUR 100 Million in Bulgaria in Next Years
Supermarket Chain Billa plans to invest some 100 million euros in Bulgaria and to open around 40 new stores.
April 10, 2015
International Jihadism Conference in Vienna: "Tackling Jihadism Together"
Ministers from Austria, the Western Balkans & Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos gathered in Vienna to tackle Jihadism. Austrian FM Kurz: "Tackling Jihadism is an urgent task for all of us - we're in this together!" Avramopoulos: "Need to transform common will into common action".
March 20, 2015
Strabag Builds Two Czech Motorways for € 24 Mln
Strabag a.s., the Czech subsidiary of Austrian-based publicly listed technology group Strabag SE, has been awarded two new motorway contracts in the Czech Republic as part of a consortium with Eurovia CS. The company will build two sections of the D3 motorway (see image) linking Prague with southern Bohemia.
March 9, 2015
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug to Visit Vienna
The Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Alexander Hug, will visit Vienna, Austria, on 5-6 March.
March 5, 2015
Quality of Living Rankings: Vienna Tops the List Again
Vienna remaines at the top of the 2015 Quality of Living Rankings, boasting the best quality of living for expatriates. In the top 5 there are two other European cities, Zurich (place 2) and Munich (place 4). Also Auckland (3rd) and Vancouver (5th) are among the top five cities.
March 4, 2015
Global Peace Index: Austria is Third Most Peaceful Country
The latest Global Peace Index analyses the state of peace around the world. It identifies the most and least peaceful countries, trends in violence and conflict, and calculates the economic impact of violence. The top three most peaceful countries are Iceland, Denmark and Austria. Small and stable democracies make up the top ten most peaceful countries. New Zealand, Canada and Japan are the only non-European countries in the top ten.
March 4, 2015
OSCE Chief Observer at the Russian Checkpoints to Visit Headquarter in Vienna
Paul Picard, Chief OSCE Observer at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk will address the OSCE Permanent Council. He will report on the situation including movements across the Russian-Ukrainian border at the Russian checkpoints at Gukovo and Donetsk.
February 25, 2015
List of National Days of the home countries of all foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria
The Vindobona table below is an updated list of National Days of all nations, which belong to at least one of following categories: Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria; Diplomatic Corps and other representations in Austria; International Organizations in Vienna and Permanent Missions; Missions and Delegations to the OSCE.
February 11, 2015 · Updated: February 7, 2018; 08:12
UniCredit Private Banking Receives Euromoney Awards
UniCredit Private Banking has been recognized for its services, winning 14 awards in different regional and local categories in Euromoney magazine´s Private Banking Survey 2015.
February 10, 2015
Erste Group Seales Agreement to Sale 15 Percent of Hungarian Unit
Erste Group has invited the Government of Hungary and the EBRD to invest in Erste Bank Hungary Zrt. by acquiring a minority stake of up to 15 per cent each. Negotiations are in progress and the completion of the transaction is expected within the next six months.
February 9, 2015
Austria is Celebrating 60 Years of United Nations Membership in 2015
Austria became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and is celebrating 60 years of UN membership in 2015. 70 years ago, the United Nations were founded in San Francisco.
February 5, 2015
Holocaust Memorial Day: "European Jews again feeling anxious and uncertain about their future"
As people across the OSCE region commemorated the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, officials highlighted the importance for societies to stand firmly against the contemporary challenges of anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of intolerance.
January 28, 2015
OSCE Permanent Council Prepares for Upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust remembrance was the focus of today's meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council at Vienna's Hofburg in light of the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January).
January 22, 2015
George Soros: "A New Policy to Rescue Ukraine"
Soros is calling on members of the European Union to behave as countries indirectly at war with Russia and to provide Ukraine with $50 billion to defend itself and kick-start political reforms. Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperial ambition has unintentionally brought into being a new Ukraine that is adamantly opposed to endemic corruption and inefficient government. By offering assistance, Europe can foster an open society in Ukraine and protect itself from Russian aggression.
January 22, 2015
Vienna Congress comsult 2015: "Power of Regions"
“Power of Regions“ is the topic of the Vienna Congress com•sult 2015 which is taking place today at Vienna's House of Industry. Distinguished participants from industry, politics and the business community such as F.W. de Klerk, Mohamed El Baradei, Author Benjamin R. Barber, Václav Klaus and Iain Begg are discussing the principle of regionality and its future in Europe.
January 20, 2015
Swiss Franc Soars as Currency Ceiling Discontinued
The Swiss franc has soared against the euro after Switzerland's central bank abandoned a ceiling it put in place a few years ago. Swiss franc loans in Austria make up more than 90 percent of the 25 billion euros in foreign-currency loans. Traders were stunned as the move was completely unexpected.
January 15, 2015
EBRD Lends EUR 30 Mln Loan to Raiffeisen Leasing to support MSMEs in Romania
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is increasing the availability of financing to private businesses in Romania with a RON 132 million (€30 million equivalent) loan to the Bucharest-based Raiffeisen Leasing IFN S.A, a subsidiary of Austrian Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI).
January 15, 2015
Slovak Republic Issues 12-Year Eurobond Worth EUR 1.5 Billion
Slovakia’s first syndicated EUR transaction of the year attracted a total demand from more than 200 investors which reached almost EUR 5.5 billion.
January 15, 2015
Ivica Dačić in Vienna: Serbia Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship from Switzerland
The new OSCE Chairperson, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, spoke today at the inaugural Permanent Council meeting of Serbia's OSCE Chairmanship Vienna. He revealed his Chairmanship priorities pledging to rebuild trust and confidence in the OSCE region of 57 participating states.
January 15, 2015
Serbian Foreign Minister Dačić to Visit Vienna
The new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Dačić will visit Vienna on Thursday. He will outline the Serbian Chairmanship’s priorities to the OSCE Permanent Council*.
January 13, 2015
Carl Bildt: "The cohesion of the EU is the most important objective to achieve"
How Europe should react to the surrounding areas of conflict in East and South, was debated on Sunday. More realism, less idealism for the European Union is what Ivan Krastev, Fyodor Lukyanov, Carl Bildt and Ana Palacio concluded on Sunday at the Burgtheater in Vienna.
January 12, 2015
Secretary of State John Kerry at the OSCE Ministerial Plenary Session
"It is not our design or desire that we see a Russia isolated through its own actions. In fact, we are convinced that Moscow could rebuild trust and relationships if it simply helps to calm turbulent waters, if it takes steps now to implement the Minsk protocol."
December 5, 2014
Strabag Builds Volkswagen Factory in Wrzesnia, Poland
Strabag Sp. z o.o., the Polish subsidiary of publicly listed Strabag SE, has been awarded the contract to build a new production plant for Volkswagen commercial vehicles in Poland. The automobile manufacturer plans to manufacture the next generation of its VW Crafter delivery van in the new factory in Września. Strabag has been commissioned to build three of the five modern production and industrial buildings that form part of the overall investment by the middle of 2015.
December 3, 2014
VSE and Zagreb Stock Exchange to Cooperate in Data Vending
The Zagreb Stock Exchange signed a cooperation agreement with the Vienna Stock Exchange for data vending. With this step, the Vienna Stock Exchange has enlarged its Central and Eastern Europe data vending network.
November 24, 2014
Klaus Iohannis - Who is the New President of Romania?
On November 16th, Klaus Iohannis was elected the fifth President of Romania. He is due to take office on 22 December. His presidential campaign focused on fighting corruption and on improving the justice system. Klaus Werner Iohannis is a Romanian politician, born 13 June 1959. He was elected the fifth President of Romania on 16 November 2014 (age 55). He became leader of the National Liberal Party in 2014, after having served as leader of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Romania from 2002 to 2013.
November 17, 2014
Verbund Withdraws from Bulgaria
Verbund withdraws from Bulgaria by selling its 16 MW wind farm on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast to Inwind Sp Ltd, a project company of Bulgarian Inovent Holding AD. The transaction is scheduled to close by the end of 2014. Both companies agreed on not disclosing any financial details of the transaction.
October 30, 2014
Government Debt Increased to 82.6% of GDP in Austria and to 92.7% in Euro Area
At the end of the second quarter of 2014, the government debt to GDP ratio in the euro area (EA18) stood at 92.7%, compared with 91.9% at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Austria's government debt rose to 82.6 percent of GDP in Q2 2014 from 81.3 percent in Q1.
October 23, 2014
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Starts the Use of Austrian Drones
The OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) today completed the maiden flight of its unarmed/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before members of the media near Mariupol in eastern Ukraine. The OSCE will use unmanned and unarmed drones for the monitoring of the border between Ukraine and Russia.
October 23, 2014
Business Indicator: Dip in Economic Activity Towards End of Year, but Hope Remains for 2015
Bank Austria has published its latest "Business Indicator" on the Austrian economy. The Bank's analysts believe that in light of the increasing uncertainty in recent months, the moderate recovery achieved by the European and therefore the Austrian economy too this year is taking a breather. The Russia/Ukraine crisis and the tensions in the Middle East have blighted sentiment in the Austrian economy at the start of autumn on a broad scale.
October 17, 2014
Austrian Development Agency Celebrates 10 Years, 3.000 Projects and EUR 900 Mln Invested
„In the last 10 years, we have contributed to the improvement of the lives of millions of people in our partner countries with 3.000 projects and approximately €900m”, says Federal Minister Sebastian Kurz on the occasion of the Austrian Development Agency’s (ADA) anniversary, in the Museum of Ethnology in Vienna. The ADA is active in 11 core countries on four continents, combating poverty, securing peace and working for improved environmental protection.
October 17, 2014
Lower Austria's Ecoplus International Celebrates 10 Years and 1500 Executed Projects
The EU's eastward enlargement brought Lower Austria into the center of a new, dynamic economic area. In order to make use of the chances which emerged for the lower Austrian economy, Ecoplus International GmbH in cooperation with the Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien was set up. 10 years later the subsidiary has already overseen 1500 projects.
October 16, 2014
CEE Sovereign Bond Market Among Best Investment Destinations in Europe
The CEE sovereign bonds are among the best investments in Europe this year. High returns and low volatility increase investor appeal. The CEE sovereign bond market is 5th largest in continental Europe. Romania emerges as CEE regional champion among local currency bonds.
October 2, 2014
Warsaw Stock Exchange not to Merge with Vienna Stock Exchange
For the time being plans for the merger of the Vienna and Warsaw stock exchanges have been postponed. The Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) declared that it had decided to abandon plans for a merger with Vienna Stock Exchange (VSE).
September 24, 2014
RBI Revises Expected Provisioning Requirement
Vienna based Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has revised its outlook for the net provisioning requirement for the current financial year to between EUR 1,500 and EUR 1,700 million, primarily due to higher expected risk costs in Ukraine in light of ongoing political tensions in the region.
September 23, 2014
Business Indicator: Growing Geopolitical Uncertainty Levels the Economic Outlook Down
Bank Austria has published its latest "Business Indicator" on the Austrian economy. The analysts of Bank Austria believe, that after a weak first six months, the economic recovery continues to find it difficult to get out of the starting blocks. The growing uncertainty fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine crisis was reflected in another decline for Bank Austria’s Business Indicator in August. The indicator has been trending downwards slightly for half a year, and now sits at its lowest point since last summer of just 0.2 points.
September 18, 2014
Strabag Builds a Section of Polish A4 Motorway for € 85 Mln
A consortium consisting of Strabag Sp. z o.o. and Budimex S.A. has signed the contract to build a 41 km section of the A4 motorway from Rzeszów to Jarosław in south-eastern Poland. The gross contract has a value of about € 170 million. Strabag holds a 50 % share in the consortium. The construction time is estimated to take 14 months.
September 18, 2014
Strabag to Build Koscierzyna Bypass in Poland for EUR 40 Mln
A consortium of Strabag Poland and its subsidiary Heilit+Woerner has been awarded the design-and-build contract for a 7.6 km bypass around the city of Kościerzyna in northern Poland. The 7.6 km carriageway includes various civil engineering structures and environmental protection measures. The contract has a value of about € 40 million (PLN 165 million).
September 11, 2014
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