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Eastern European Countries and Austria | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Eastern European countries - Latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism
S&P: Eastern Subsidiaries of Austrian Banks Most Become More Independent
The U.S. rating agency criticizes that Austrian banks are still weakly capitalized. The economic crisis caused a massive withdrawal of funds in Eastern Europe, S&P says.
October 11, 2012
Poland´s Budget Deficit “Will Not Be Bigger than Planned”
The Polish Minister of finance Jacek Rostowski stresses that the planned budget deficit will not be higher than PLN 35.6bn.
October 11, 2012
Albania to Become Official Candidate
The Western Balkan country was recommended by the EU Commission. Serbia and Kosovo must reach a “sustainable solution”.
October 10, 2012
Grawe Bids for Zavarovalnica Maribor
The Austrian insurance group wants to take over the Slovenian insurer Zavarovalnica Maribor (ZM). ZM´s management prefers Slovenian bidders.
October 10, 2012
Orban Rejects Joining Eurozone
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thinks that the introduction of the euro in Hungary would be “irresponsible”.
October 10, 2012
Czech Economy to Shrink by 1.0% This Year
According to IMF, the Czech GDP will shrink by 1.0% this year. Next year an economic growth rate of 0.8% is expected.
October 10, 2012
IMF Issues Optimistic Forecast for Slovakia
According to IMF, Slovakia´s economy will grow by 3.3% this year. However, the forecast had to be reduced compared to the prior forecast.
October 10, 2012
Slovenia Resolves Financial Transaction Tax
The Slovenian government wants to introduce a 6.5% tax on securities trading. The financial industry criticizes the government massively.
October 9, 2012
Small Growth in Hungarian Foreign Trade
From January to August 2012, the Hungarian export value rose by 2%.
October 9, 2012
Moderate Growth in Slovak Foreign Trade
Increasing foreign trade development in August and over the first eight months of 2012.
October 9, 2012
Slovakia: Growing Industrial Output, Declining Construction Sector
The Slovak Industrial production index (IPI) increased by 17 % in August 2012 compared to August 2011.The, construction output decreased, year-on-year, by 13,7 %.
October 9, 2012
Serbia´s National Bank Fights Against Inflation
Today, the Serbian National Bank raised the base rate from 10.50% to 10.75%. IMF has lowered the economic outlook for Serbia.
October 9, 2012
Hungarians Highly Dissatisfied with Economic Situation
According to a survey of the opinion research institute, 46% of the interviewees view their situation as “bad”.
October 9, 2012
Hungary Not A focus of commercial Real Estate Investors
The risk appetite of real estate investors is still subdued. Hungary’s default risk remains relatively high.
October 9, 2012
Bulgaria Records Lowest Wages in EU
Bulgaria´s GDP per capita only comes to 45% of the EU-average, Eurostat says.
October 8, 2012
Poland: Almost 2.0 Million Unemployed
In August, the unemployment quota grew to 12.5% from 12.4%.
October 8, 2012
Slovenia: Second-Largest Insurance Group to be Sold
The Austrian Uniqa Group and Grazer Wechselseitige Versicherung (Grawe) are interested in Zavarovalnica Maribor (ZM):
October 8, 2012
Erste Group to Sell Ukrainian Subsidiary
This year, the Austrian bank plans to sell its Ukrainian business segment. Erste Group entered the Ukraine in 2006.
October 8, 2012
Hungarian Retail Sector Struggling on Several Fronts
The recession in Hungary is also affecting the Hungarian retail sector. A weak labour market combined with declining purchasing power is dampening consumer spending, a development which is reflected in weak retail sales.
October 8, 2012
Hungary: Residential Housing Market at a Standstill
According to Bank Austria, the Hungarian housing market has reached a historic low.
October 8, 2012
Hungary: Vacancy Rates in Office Market Remain High
Despite record low in new building activity, the Hungarian office market proves stable.
October 6, 2012
Hungarian Economy Still Shows Weakness
The country´s economic growth remains low, public debt leaves no leeway for fiscal policies. A high level of foreign debt remains a significant weakness of the Hungarian economy.
October 6, 2012
Poland: Long-Term Unemployment Becomes Problematic for State Budget
According to the consulter Deloitte, Poland is losing billions because of the long-term unemployment.
October 6, 2012
Bulgaria: Djankov Predicts Long-Term Stagnation
Bulgaria´s Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov expects low growth rates in the next ten years.
October 6, 2012
Czech Republic: Industrial Sector Most Important
Among the EU members, the Czech Republic shows the highest percentage of people working in the industrial sector.
October 6, 2012
New Austerity Package in Hungary
In order to cut the budget defict below 3.0% of GDP in 2013, the Hungarian government plans further cuts and tax increases.
October 5, 2012
Poland´s Komorowski: “Strong Swiss Franc Causes Problems”
On the occasion of a visit in Switzerland, the Polish President Bronislav Komorowski explained that the strong Swiss franc is a problem for both countries.
October 5, 2012
Slovenia to Sharpen Austerity Measures
The Slovenian centre-right government announces new austerity cuts. The budget deficit should be lowered to 3.0% of GDP.
October 5, 2012
Slovakia´s Growth Still Driven by Exports
The industrial sector still shows dynamics. However, government spending and consumption is falling further.
October 5, 2012
Working Time: Brits and Austrians Work Most
Regarding the weekly working time, Austria ranks second. The share of employees working in the service industry is slightly below the EU average.
October 5, 2012
"Serbia can count on Austria to be its partner"
The Austrian State Secretary encourages Serbia to embark on pro-European course.
October 5, 2012
CEE Countries Must Work Upon Economic Convergence
CEE countries are struggling with weaker external demand and uncertain consumers, whereas in most cases fiscal policy is under control. Labour productivity, costs and competitiveness of CEE region give reason for optimism.
October 5, 2012
Romania: Lowest Importance of Service Sector in EU
Almost 70% of employed persons in the EU27 worked in the service sector in 2011. The scope ranges from 43% in Romania to 85% in Luxembourg.
October 5, 2012
ESM: Slovakia Pays € 264m
In October, the Slovak government will transfer € 264m to ESM. This will be the first two installments.
October 4, 2012
Eastern Europe Remains Austria´s Future Region
The Austrian economist Christian Keuschnigg thinks that the opening of Austrian companies toward Eastern Europe was a “highly favourable event”.
October 4, 2012
Hungary Must Lower Budget Deficit
The Hungarian National Bank puts pressure on the government to lower the budget deficit. By contrast, the government has widened the budget target to 2.8% instead.
October 4, 2012
Austria: Fixed Costs Come at 55% of Household Income
In Eastern Europe, the share of fixed costs is even higher. Romanian households spend 76% of their income on fixed costs.
October 4, 2012
Poland´s National Bank Holds Interest Rate
After analysts expected that the Polish NBP cut the interest rate, the decision to hold the rate at 4.75% came as a surprise.
October 4, 2012
Slovenian Parliament Approves Creation of Bad Bank
The Slovenian state creates a bad bank in order to restructure the financially stricken banking sector.
October 4, 2012
EU as „Serbia´s Most Important Market“
The U.S. economist Paul Krugman thinks that Serbia´s future is the European Union. The EU is worried about the turn towards Russia.
October 4, 2012
Viennese Investors to Sell UkrTelekom
The Ukrainian investor Rinat Achmetow is said to acquire UkrTelekom.
October 3, 2012
Nine Prime Minister Discuss EU Budget in Bratislava
The Prime Ministers of nine countries of Central and Eastern Europe will meet in the Slovak capital on October 5.
October 3, 2012
Slovakia Abolishes Flat Tax
Because of the austerity pressure, Slovakia gives up its flat tax. The corporation income tax rate increases to 23% from 19%.
October 3, 2012
IMF Puts Pressure on Slovenia
Slovenia is urged to implement quick reforms. Otherwise the country may have to be bailed out by the safety net.
October 3, 2012
Bulgaria: Bank Secret Wobbles
The Bulgarian National Bank warns of an easing of the bank secret. The Bulgarian Parliament argues that the bank secret protects money laundering activities.
October 3, 2012
Lenzing Expands into Czech Republic
The Austrian fiber producer Now Owns 100% Stake in Pulp Producer Biocel Paskov.
October 3, 2012
Poland to Increase Flexibility of Labor Market
The Polish Ministry of Social Affairs prepares an “anti-crisis-package”.
October 3, 2012
Poland: Interest Cut Expected
The Polish National Bank NBP is anticipated to announce a cut in the base rate. At the moment, the base rate stands at 4.75%.
October 2, 2012
Slovakia: Budget Deficit Decreased Slightly
Last month, the Slovak state deficit was down to € 2.59bn. In August, the deficit stood at € 2.68bn.
October 2, 2012
Immofinanz Builds Next Shopping Center in Poland
The Austrain real estate group starts retail development project in Poland. Investments total € 115m.
October 2, 2012