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Austrian Economic Policy News and Analysis
Read the latest headlines about policies and laws influencing the business and investment environment of Vienna and Austria
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Premiere for the TechDiplomacy Talk at the Austrian Foreign Ministry
On the occasion of the Vienna visit of the United Nations Envoy for Technology, Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, a TechDiplomacy Talk was held at the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Read more about the premiere of the new format!
February 1, 2023
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EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union is extending its economic sanctions against the Russian Federation for the aggression in Ukraine. The sanctions will be extended for a half year now.
January 29, 2023
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United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh Visits Austria
Marty Walsh, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, visited Austria and learned about best practices in apprenticeship training from several government and industry representatives. This was a further expansion of bilateral relations based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2022 to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Austria in apprenticeship training.
January 25, 2023
OPEC Fund Mobilizes $1 Billion for Development Financing
OPEC Fund for International Development mobilizes $1 billion for development finance with "groundbreaking" first SDG bond. The bond was priced based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) bonds, for which Credit Agricole CIB served as the sole sustainability advisor.
January 22, 2023
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Austrian Companies Remain Strong in Russia
Many Austrian companies are active in Eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, Ukraine and Russia. Especially in Russia, the activity of Austrian companies has been very successful but is controversial due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. According to research by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), almost a year after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two-thirds of the previously present companies from Austria are still active in Russia.
January 18, 2023
Large Natural Gas Field Found in Austria
The small town of Molln in Upper Austria could make an important contribution to the gas supply of the entire country in the next few years if the conjectures prove true. Test drilling is said to have already taken place, therefore it is known that the gas is of the best quality. The Australian company ADX Energy wants to start drilling for it this spring.
January 16, 2023
The Hike of Real Estate Prices Is Ending
The rise of prices for real estate is slowly coming to an end. The Austrian Real Estate Association (OVI) reported in front of journalists that the prices have hit the ceiling now. However, this is not a drop in prices but just a stabilization of them. The demand for real estate has gone back in the last months.
January 10, 2023
Aging Population Might Cause Debt Problems in the Future for Austria
The Austrian Ministry of Finance published a budget prognosis for the upcoming 30 to 40 years. The financial future looks bleak in Austria. More specifically, the level of debt will be rising in the next years due to an aging population.
January 5, 2023
The European Single Market Generally Appreciated by Austrians
A survey commissioned by the Austrian Society for European Politics (OeGfE) displayed that Austrians are generally and pragmatically satisfied with the four freedoms of the European Single Market. The European Single Market is 30 years old now, so Austrians can serve this as a review of the market.
January 2, 2023
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Austria Promotes Energy Research with 17 Million Euros
The Climate and Energy Fund promotes innovations for clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. The aim is to strengthen Austria as a location for innovation and to improve export opportunities for the domestic economy. A total of 17 million euros is available for the program, endowed from the funds of the Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK).
December 29, 2022
Russia Bans Oil Export on Countries with Gas Price Cap
Russia has responded to the west’s decision to cap gas prices as a measure to brake the rising energy prices. This was an expected move as Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized this cap numerous times.
December 27, 2022
Austrian Government Reviews the Year 2022
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler made a review and concluded the year 2022 with a positive and determined outlook for the following year. The subjects of the past year were the recovery from the pandemic, the energy crisis, inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
December 25, 2022
Austrian Government Will Expand Subsidies on Housing and Heating
The Austrian government wants to challenge the rising energy prices and help low-income persons by subsidizing their home and their heating. People who are eligible for those subsidies can get up to 330 Euros.
December 15, 2022
OPEC Plus Marks Sixth Anniversary
The Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC member countries and 10 non-OPEC oil-producing countries turned six years old. As the oil cartel engaged in diplomatic celebrations, OPEC reaffirmed its expectations for global oil demand in 2023.
December 14, 2022
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis Visits Vienna
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis came to Vienna for a visit, meeting his counterpart in Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. In addition, Landsbergis met with IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid. The exchanges focused on the Russian war in Ukraine, in particular European support efforts against the backdrop of the approaching winter, as well as the prosecution of war crimes. In addition, the two foreign ministers discussed current developments in Iran and increasing migration pressure.
December 11, 2022
Schallenberg Travels to Slovakia for “Slavkov 3” Meeting
The Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Slovakia to meet with his Slovak and Czech counterparts to discuss the important topics currently challenging the region.
December 5, 2022
UN Internet Governance Forum in Ethiopia: Austria's Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler Appointed to Governing Body
To increase the content and importance of the Internet Governance Forum, a ten-member Leadership Panel chaired by U.S. information scientist Vinton Gray Cerf was established. Austria's Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler was appointed to this leadership panel by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
December 4, 2022
OPEC Plus Sticks to Production Strategy
The OPEC+ oil alliance is sticking to its current production strategy for the time being. EU sanctions against Russia's oil revenues will apply from tomorrow. The OPEC+ countries have nevertheless confirmed their previous oil production targets. However, an expert committee wants to review the production strategy every two months.
December 4, 2022
New Online Tool in Austria Should Help You to Save Electricity
A new electricity-saving tool is available online, where it is visible how you can save electricity depending on the time of the day. It shows you when it makes more sense to turn the light on.
December 1, 2022
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Counterfeiting Cargo Shipment at Vienna Airport Disguised as "Aid Delivery" to Ukraine
Based on a tip-off, the route and the type of packaging, a shipment from Hong Kong via Dubai was subjected to a detailed customs check during a focal point inspection at the customs warehouse at Vienna Airport. As a result, it turned out to be a direct hit: 6,420 pieces of presumably counterfeit branded products were found in 168 cartons. These were disguised as an "aid delivery" to Ukraine.
November 30, 2022
Austria Gives 8 Million Euros to Syria and Jordan
The Syrian conflict, which has been going on for more than 10 years, has led to one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises. The precarious situation on the ground and in neighboring Jordan, where many Syrian refugees are, is worsening and a political solution to the conflict is not in sight. Austria's humanitarian aid on the ground is helping to prevent illegal migration to Europe, the government said.
November 30, 2022
Beginning for Electricity Price Brake in Austria
Without further application, the electricity price brake comes into effect for every household with an existing electricity contract. The electricity cost brake is intended to counteract the current price increases for electricity. This will be visible on the electricity bill. According to the government, households can save an average of 500 euros per year.
November 30, 2022
Austria Condemns Hunger as a Weapon
Austria condemns Russia's tactic of using world hunger as a weapon. Austria pledges € 3.8 million to the initiative "Grain from Ukraine" for the delivery of Ukrainian grain to needy people in Ethiopia and Sudan.
November 28, 2022
Vienna Landmarks Switch Light Off Earlier
Due to the energy crisis, the lighting of many Viennese landmarks and institutions will be switched off earlier - for example at St. Stephen's Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace. At the Hofburg, on the other hand, the lighting concept is still being tweaked to "avoid security problems".
November 28, 2022
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Precarious Employees at Austria's Universities Protesting
The current funding crisis, caused by inflation and rising energy costs, is being felt by younger researchers in particular. Most of them have fixed-term contracts, and now there is to be a freeze on extensions. At a protest event, they draw attention to their precarious working conditions.
November 24, 2022
Austria Supports Expansion of Croatian LNG Terminal Krk
Croatia wants to expand its terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the Adriatic island of Krk far beyond its own needs and develop it into a hub for gas supply in the region - gas is also to flow from there to Austria and Germany in the future. At a meeting on Krk, Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder agreed to support each other in strengthening energy security, diversifying energy sources and ensuring the security of supply with natural gas and hydrogen.
November 24, 2022
Austria Gives 5.5 Million Euros for Burkina Faso and Mali
The Sahel is facing a multitude of crises. In addition to widespread poverty and the worst drought in decades, armed conflicts and terrorist violence are affecting the people of the region. With a total of 5.5 million euros from the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Disaster Fund, the Austrian federal government aims to alleviate the existing suffering in Burkina Faso and Mali.
November 23, 2022
EU Criticizes Austria's Energy Measures as "Not Goal-Oriented"
In the opinion of the EU Commission, Austria's aid measures against high energy prices are "not goal-oriented" enough. The EU authority said today that the federal government had quickly adopted energy policy measures.
November 22, 2022
Austrian Research Center Stresses Too Little Attention to Conflict Countries at COP27
The Austrian Centre for Peace research center calls for stronger cooperation as a solution for climate protection and peace. ACP emphasizes that at the COP27 (UN Climate Change Conference) the impact of the climate crisis in conflict countries was only touched upon marginally, although the pressure of the climate crisis on such countries is the highest.
November 22, 2022
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Possible Delay at Vienna Airport due to Works Meeting of Security Personnel
The security staff at Vienna Airport has announced a works meeting for Tuesday starting at 9:00 am. The works council and the union are thus emphasizing their demand for higher wages. Walter Burianek, head of the works council, expects a high turnout, and passenger handling is likely to come to a standstill.
November 17, 2022
Austrian Government Adopts New Three-Year Program for Development Policy
The new three-year program of the Austrian development policy from 2022 to 2024 was adopted. According to the government, the three-year program aims to open up sustainable life prospects for people in partner countries by creating an environment of social and political stability on the ground and sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.
November 16, 2022
How Austria's Population is Developing
Around eight billion people currently live on earth. According to the UN, this figure will rise to around ten billion by the end of the century. According to the latest forecasts, the trend in Europe and Austria is different. Read more about the United Nations World Population Prospects 2022!
November 15, 2022
Vienna Plans to Build its First Geothermal Plant by 2026
A geothermal plant, Vienna's first, is to supply 20,000 households with emission-free district heating. Wien Energie wants to set a milestone toward a climate-neutral city by 2026. An important milestone on the path to a climate-neutral major city is the use of deep geothermal energy. Wien Energie has now presented the concrete plans for this at a press conference with Peter Hanke, City Councillor for Economic Affairs.
November 14, 2022
Austria's Schools Abroad to Meet the Demand for Skilled Workers
Austria's Minister of Education, Science and Research Martin Polaschek presents the future strategy of Austrian schools abroad during his working visit to Albania. During his visit to the Austrian school abroad in Shkodra, the Minister of Education emphasizes the potential of these schools, especially about the demand for skilled workers in Austria, and announces a reorientation of the schools.
November 14, 2022
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IAEA at the UN Climate Summit in Egypt
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is also well-represented at the World Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Between the energy crisis and climate targets, nuclear energy is regaining importance in several countries, and for the agency, the task is to convince.
November 10, 2022
Austrian Chamber of Commerce Demands Acceleration of Energy Transition with Faster Approval Procedures
The EU Commission's emergency regulation is intended to accelerate the expansion of additional energy capacities, with the draft also to be extended to other areas of energy infrastructure. The head of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Karlheinz Kopf, demands acceleration of the Energy Transition with faster approval procedures and eased bureaucracy.
November 10, 2022
Austria Plans to Increase Climate Aid
A significant increase in Austria's international climate financing budget is planned. The climate protection ministry will provide an additional 220 million euros by 2026, according to Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the UN World Climate Conference in Egypt.
November 9, 2022
Austrian Think Tank Identifies Need for Improvements to Ukraine's Reconstruction Plan
Together with the GROWFORD Institute in Kyiv, the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies has investigated how the Ukrainian government's reconstruction plan, presented in July, should be evaluated. How much will Ukraine's reconstruction cost and where will the money come from?
November 8, 2022
What is the Alps-Adriatic Economic Network?
Since 2007, the Network of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, Agriculture and Economy of the New Alpe Adria (NAAN) has been working to deepen economic relations. It now comprises - with the new addition of Bolzano - ten chambers from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, with one million member businesses, NAAN is making rapid progress toward becoming an EU Alps-Adriatic macroregion. Read more to find out about the project.
November 7, 2022
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Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce and EU-Mercosur Agreement
The Association Agreement between the European Union and MERCOSUR countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, includes provisions on political dialogue, cooperation and trade. For the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, the agreement is a fair trade deal that increases exports and jobs, and high social and environmental standards remain untouched. The EU would be the first region to conclude an agreement with Mercosur.
November 4, 2022
Vienna Gets 70 Zero-Emission Buses
As part of its climate protection efforts, Vienna achieves a new small milestone. A total of 60 e-buses and 10 H2 buses are being purchased by Wiener Linien. The plan is to convert ten lines to zero-emission drives by 2025.
November 2, 2022
Wien Energie Brings Special Energy Tariff for Small Businesses
Given the high energy costs, companies are also coming under pressure. In Vienna, a new tariff for small businesses will start in November, which offers a 12-month price guarantee and a discount for commitment. This new tariff is now officially promoted by City Councillor for Economic Affairs Peter Hanke.
November 1, 2022
Ankara and Vienna Sign Cooperation Agreement
The capitals of Austria and Turkey, Vienna and Ankara, will intensify their cooperation in the future. Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig received the Mayor of Ankara, Mansur Yavas, in the City Hall. Both mayors signed a cooperation agreement to this effect in Vienna City Hall.
October 19, 2022
City of Vienna Establishes Energy Crisis Unit
The City of Vienna established an advisory committee on energy supply, which will work as a crisis unit on energy supply issues. Together with the crisis unit that has existed since the Covid pandemic, it is to accompany the preparations for the winter and make proposals for measures to secure energy supplies.
October 17, 2022
Austria Increases Contribution to World Food Program to 60 Million Euros
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the issue of food supply into global focus. Therefore, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry budget will be increased to 20 million euros annually from 2023-2025. A strategic partnership between Austria and the World Food Programme (WFP) is also in the works.
October 16, 2022
Austria Calls for Common European Gas Price Cap at EU Summit in Prague
At the first meeting of the "European Political Community", the informal summit of EU heads of state and government in Prague, Austria attracted particular attention by wanting to define a common EU gas price cap. For Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer it was clear in Prague that there would be "no embargo via the back door" when it comes to Russian gas.
October 11, 2022
Austria Boosts its Defense Budget
As many European countries increase their defense budgets in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Austria is no exception. The Austrian army will receive more money in the coming years, a total of 16 billion euros until 2026, the federal government of Austria announced.
October 9, 2022
Born Global Academy: Initiative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce
Internationalization is high on the agenda of many Austrian startups. According to Start-up-Monitor, 80 percent planned to export their business model this year. The Born Global Academy was launched last year by Aussenwirtschaft Austria and weGrow International offers an internationalization program for startups.
October 3, 2022
Austria's Economy Demands Help with Energy Crisis
Many companies in Austria are currently struggling with the high energy prices. Now the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Federation of Austrian Industries are calling for political intervention to prevent company closures.
September 27, 2022
Austria Becomes Member of Methane Reduction Coalition
Austria joins the international initiative to reduce methane emissions founded a year ago. The goal of the now more than 100 countries is to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020.
September 22, 2022
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