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Read the latest headlines about policies and laws influencing the business and investment environment of Vienna and Austria
Austrian Economic Policy News and Analysis
Traffic Expenditures: € 4.3bn less
As a consequence of the new budget, public infrastructure projects are being reduced considerably. Postponed projects and low-cost alternatives will save money.
November 12, 2010
Wind Energy: Vendors Pressed for Time
Promotion for Austrian wind energy expires in 2012. The industry has only recently been able to set up new facilities.
November 12, 2010
It is Official: Coalition Between SPÖ and Greens in Vienna
Vassilakou becomes Deputy Mayor under Häupl. The program aims to have a recognizable green handwriting.
November 12, 2010
Linz AG: Pause After Investment Offensive
The municipal company recorded extraordinary high capital expenses in 2009. The next projects are still in the planning phase.
November 11, 2010
Telekom Srbija: Sale is Resisted
The partially for sale Telekom Srbija which Telekom Austria is said to be interested in, raises passions in Serbia. Opposition to the sale is taking shape.
November 11, 2010
Standard & Poor’s: Austria's Credit Rating at Risk
The reasons for such gloomy prospects are not problems with the banks or domestic companies, but rather the demographic situation threaten Austria's credit rating.
November 11, 2010
Strabag: Major Contract in Romania for 220 Million Euro
A consortium led by Austria's Strabag has won a contract to build a Romanian motorway for 220.6 million euro.
November 11, 2010
Leitl: Austrians Go into Retirement Too Early
Those who go into early retirement in Austria are rewarded. The government should create more incentives to retire later on in life.
November 10, 2010
Sharp decline in Creation of New Foundations
In particular, legal uncertainty and abolished tax advantages cause the creation of fewer foundations in Austria.
November 10, 2010
Austerity Package: Resistance from the Federal Provinces
While cries for savings are getting louder in the provinces, declarations of both consensus and objections come from the provincial capital cities
November 8, 2010
Metal Workers: Up to 3% Wage Increase
Workers in the metal industry receive a strong wage increase. The minimum wage rises by 2.5%.
November 8, 2010
Umweltdachverband: Electricity Industry Power Plant List is Utopian!
Energy projects are unrealistic, alternatives have been ignored and the environment is neglected completely, according to the accusations.
November 8, 2010
Bank Boss Confirms: Bank Tax will be Passed on to Customers
Massive criticism of the federal government is also coming now from the boss of Raiffeisen Zentralbank (RZB). Bank customers will have to bear both the bank tax and the securities tax.
November 8, 2010
Bank Tax: Constitutional Concerns
Banks are to contribute a fixed tax amount based on the values given for 2010 for three years. Constitutional jurists consider this modus operandi as "highly questionable".
November 8, 2010
Union: Call After 40 weeks of Work per Year
The Union of Salaried Employees (GPA) presents a new working model.
November 5, 2010
Vienna: Negotiations Between the SPÖ and the Greens Almost Concluded
The last major points are budget issues. Both sides are however optimistic of reaching an agreement.
November 5, 2010
Energy Industry: Tough Start for Expansion
The domestic energy industry has numerous plans to expand capacity. However, political will is containing them.
November 5, 2010
Trichet Succession: The Austrian Nowotny Has Chances As Outsider
The European Central Bank (ECB) will appoint a new president in November 2011. The favorites are the German Axel Weber and the Italian Mario Draghi. But Nowotny has outsider chances.
November 5, 2010
AUA: Massive Criticism of Government
Owing to the flight ticket tax one feels lied to by the politicians. Contrary to promises, there is no support for restructuring. Not even Vienna Airport is immune from criticism.
November 4, 2010
Unexpected Rise in Research Expenditure
Against the general trend, Austria's economy is increasingly investing in research and know-how.
November 4, 2010
Working Time Flexibility Prevented Mass Unemployment
During the crisis, many German and Austrian companies flexibilized the working hours of their employees. These measures helped to ease the labor market situation.
November 4, 2010
Real Estate Sales: Tax Evasion is Probably Tilted
So far, the property transfer tax has been avoided by a relatively simple construct. The Finance Senate wants to close this legal gap now.
November 3, 2010
Protectionism in Favor of Casinos Austria and Novomatic?
The licenses for lotteries and casinos after 2011 are already reserved for Novomatic and Casinos Austria, is the allegation.
November 3, 2010
IHS Boss Felderer Pleads for Railway Tunnel
The debate about the controversial Koralm tunnel is being enriched. IHS (Institute for Advanced Studies) boss Felderer argues strongly for the infrastructure measure.
November 3, 2010
Arbeiterkammer: Labor Force in Austria Remains Highly Profitable
The representatives of the interests of workers and employees raise criticism on the extents of wage and salary increases with a self-created study. The argument of the companies about the need to build up reserves is incorrect.
November 2, 2010
Strabag CEO Haselsteiner: Koralmtunnel Has To Be Built
Haselsteiner reacts sharply to criticism of the construction of the Koralm tunnel. He sees the infrastructure measure as economically sensible.
November 2, 2010
Identification Required for Savings Account Withdrawals
Since November 1, the implementation of the EU directive on anti-money laundering is in force. Customers therefore need not only a password, but also identification for a savings account withdrawal.
November 2, 2010
Unemployment: Sharp Decline in October
Compared with the previous year, unemployment was reduced by 8%. The decline is attributed primarily to an increase in the demand for temporary workers.
November 2, 2010
ÖBB: Alleged Corruption
An internal document about a meeting of the ÖBB Supervisory Board in 2008 has now appeared. Bribes are openly talked about.
October 29, 2010
Hypo Group: Serious Allegations Against Kulterer
The former airline “Styrian Spirit" is said to have been financed without collateral, according to expert opinion. Kulterer defends himself and points to guarantee commitments by Jörg Haider.
October 29, 2010
AUA Flights to Russia Secured
While the problem of AUA landing rights in Russia has been solved for Lufthansa until March, Austria is being accused of breach of contract by the European Commission.
October 29, 2010
Bank Tax: Only 185 Million Remain for the Federation
In negotiations with the provinces, the federal government surprisingly yields to pressures: proceeds from the bank tax will be divided.
October 29, 2010
Risk of Default of Federal Investments for 330 Million Euro
The State bought high-risk securities in 2007 and 2008. These show a high risk of default since the financial crisis. The State wants to get rid of these securities by next year.
October 29, 2010
Tax on Securities’ Profits: Financial Industry in a Rage
The tax is targeted at the middle class, but it means especially an administrative burden and creates competitive disadvantages, according to the industry.
October 28, 2010
EU Funds to Finance Brenner Tunnel until 2015
The European Commission has extended its partial financing commitment for the Brenner tunnel. However, appropriate measures must be taken soon. Deliberations are still underway at present.
October 28, 2010
Bank Tax: 0.055% Instead of 0.04%
The new "stability tax" has been increased slightly. A tax on derivative transactions will also be applied. The tax will however not be temporary.
October 28, 2010
STRABAG Builds the Koralm Tunnel
The controversial project will be built by the construction group Strabag. The total investment amounts to around 600 million euro.
October 28, 2010
AUA Flight Rights in Russia: EU Proceedings Against Austria
Due to the so far preferential treatment of Austrian Airlines in Russia, Austria is now accused by the European Commission of breach of contract.
October 27, 2010
OMV: Republic of Austria Will Hold On to Its Stake
An informal consultation is said to have been held between the governing parties to keep the government stake in OMV, should there be a capital increase.
October 27, 2010
Is the End of Private Foundations Near?
Legal uncertainties and higher taxes result in little incentive for the creation of new foundations.
October 27, 2010
Bank Tax: Demands for Time Limit Becoming Louder
Financial politicians and banking representatives already argue before approval of the draft law, if the bank tax to be introduced in 2011 is going to have a time limit.
October 27, 2010
Flexible Working Hours: Top Position of Austria in Europe
Both employers and workers benefit from what the crisis achieved, according to the EU Commission. However, additional flexibility does not bring in itself greater equality.
October 27, 2010
HYPO Group: Further Liabilities Necessary?
The Carinthian HYPO Group would suffer massive losses should it sell its real estate in the Balkans. Due to the write-offs, new liabilities of the Republic might be required.
October 25, 2010
New Budget: Details and Reactions
The entire tax package will bring additional revenues for around 1.2 billion euro. There are further saving measures for 1.6 billion euro. Reactions from the economic actors are ambivalent.
October 25, 2010
New Budget, New Taxes
The budget includes a new austerity package, which consists essentially of taxes on mineral oil, tobacco and banks.
October 25, 2010
Bank Austria CEO Cernko: No More Bank Tax Soon
Due to Basel III, location reasons and to safeguard jobs, the bank tax will only be effective temporarily, according to Cernko
October 22, 2010
Vienna: SPÖ negotiates with the Greens
There is no fixed coalition commitment as yet. However, all signs point to a red-green coalition in the federal capital.
October 22, 2010
Switzerland: Pecik and Stumpf Ransom Themselves
While the two investors paid a fine for the case Sulzer, the case Oerlikon is still not finished.
October 21, 2010
Justice: Powerless Against Accounting Frauds?
A poorly equipped Justice is facing an increasingly complex subject, aggravated by insufficient legal regulation.
October 21, 2010
Increase in Mineral Oil Tax likely
Economy Minister Mitterlehner speaks of a possible moderate increase.
October 21, 2010
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