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Austrian Economic News and Analysis
Read the latest headlines about Austria's economy, including news on inflation, growth domestic product (GDP), nation's debt and labor market
Vienna Airport Defies Global Challenges with Strong Half-Year Results
Vienna International Airport (VIE) experienced solid passenger growth in the first half of 2025, despite a slight decline in June, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. A total of 14.7 million passengers traveled through Vienna Airport between January and June, representing a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
July 15, 2025
ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger: Europe Ten Years After the Refuge Crisis
Ten years after the so-called “refugee crisis” of 2015, Europe is taking stock of its migration policy. While enormous progress has been made in addressing the challenges, experts such as Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), warn that the region continues to face growing complexities and political tensions.
July 14, 2025
Austria's Former Top EU General Brieger Urges Massive Increase in Military Preparedness
After three years at the helm of the European Union's Military Committee, former Austrian Chief of Staff Robert Brieger returns to Vienna and urges Europe, and Austria in particular, to drastically increase its defense readiness in light of the ongoing threat from Russia. Brieger calls for a paradigm shift—away from the Austrian Armed Forces as a disaster relief force and toward a combat-ready national defense army. A critical examination of Austrian neutrality is “inevitable” in this context.
July 14, 2025
Austria, Bavaria, and Italy Push for Digital Slot System for Brenner Transit
To alleviate the long-standing congestion on the Brenner transit route, Austria and Bavaria are collaborating with Italy to implement a digital slot system for truck journeys. This initiative was agreed upon by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during Söder's working visit to Vienna.
July 10, 2025
EU Initiates Deficit Procedure Against Austria: Finance Minister Marterbauer Remains Confident
The European Union has officially initiated an excessive deficit procedure against Austria. This step, based on a recommendation by the European Commission, was decided at a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels. The reason for the procedure is that Austria's budget deficit, at 4.7 percent of GDP last year and a planned 4.5 percent this year, is significantly above the 3 percent limit set in the Maastricht criteria.
July 10, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Paris on the Role of the OSCE in the European Security Architecture
At a time of growing international tensions, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, concluded an official visit to Paris with talks with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the crisis hotspots around Europe and the role of the OSCE.
July 9, 2025
Vienna Remains on UNESCO Red List: World Heritage Site Still Endangered
The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's Red List of endangered world heritage sites. This decision was made on Wednesday at the ongoing meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, where the draft decision was adopted without amendments or discussion by collective decision.
July 9, 2025
Wirecard Scandal: Liquidator Reveals Billion-Euro Loss
Five years after its collapse, the Wirecard scandal continues to reverberate: Insolvency administrator Dr. Michael Jaffe revealed in the trial against former CEO Markus Braun that an incredible €1.1 billion was “burned” at the payment processor. While Braun claims in court that a shadow network existed, the main suspect, Jan Marsalek, remains at large, presumably in Russia.
July 9, 2025
Vienna as Europe's AI hub: Regional Support and Billions in Investment Expected
Parallel to the establishment of AI Factory Austria, Vienna is intensifying its campaign to host one of up to five planned European “AI Gigafactories.” The official application, a joint project of the federal government, the city, and the business community, was signed on June 20, 2025, by top politicians, including Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Mayor Michael Ludwig.
July 7, 2025
Vienna: Still Among the World's Leading Conference Cities
Vienna consolidates its position as a leading global conference destination: after taking first place in the prestigious ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in May, the city has now achieved second place worldwide for the third time in a row in the latest congress ranking of the Union of International Associations (UIA) for 2024.
July 4, 2025
Microsoft Strengthens Austria's Digital Future: Billion-Euro Investment in New Cloud Region
Technology giant Microsoft officially opened its new cloud region in Austria in the presence of State Secretary Alexander Pröll. With an investment of one billion euros and three data centers in the Vienna metropolitan area, which will go into operation in August, Microsoft is sending a strong signal for the country's digitalization and economic development.
July 3, 2025
Port of Vienna Enjoys Record Year in 2024: Increased Turnover and High Investments Secure Future
Port of Vienna, a key company within Wien Holding, can look back on an exceptionally successful 2024 financial year this summer. Despite a challenging economic environment, the trimodal logistics center significantly increased its revenue and achieved a record operating result. At the same time, extensive investments were made in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability to further consolidate its position as one of Europe's most important hinterland hubs.
July 3, 2025
Focus on the Danube: World's Largest Surface Water Monitoring Project Launched
The Danube, Europe's second-longest river and the most international river basin in the world, is the focus of Joint Danube Survey 5 (JDS5), the world's largest surface water monitoring project, which was officially launched in Vienna. Conducted every six years, this comprehensive scientific initiative is a beacon of cross-border cooperation in water management.
July 2, 2025
UNOOSA and Exolaunch Enable Satellite Launches for Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal
In a move to promote equal access to space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Exolaunch GmbH have announced that institutions from Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal have been selected to launch their CubeSats.
July 1, 2025
Vienna No Longer the Most Livable City in the World: Copenhagen Takes Top Spot
After three years, Vienna has lost its top position in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025 to Copenhagen. The Austrian capital now shares second place with Zurich. The main reason for Vienna's decline is a loss of points in the area of stability, influenced by foiled terrorist attacks.
July 1, 2025
Austria in the Spotlight at the Global Development Finance Conference in Seville
Austria plays a leading role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirmed this position at the 4th High-Level United Nations Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which took place in Seville. Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Nikolaus Marschik represented Austria at this important global meeting.
July 1, 2025
Wiiw Forecast: CEEC Countries Defy Global Uncertainties with Strong Growth
Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Trump's protectionist trade policy, and the war in Ukraine, the economies of most countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CEE) are expected to grow steadily in 2025 and 2026. This is according to the latest summer forecast by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), which covers 23 countries in the region.
July 1, 2025
Austria's Art Market at a Crossroad: Calls for a Reduction in VAT
Interest groups representing the Austrian art trade are concerned that Austria may fall behind in the international art trade due to significant market shifts and substantial reductions in VAT in neighboring European countries.
June 27, 2025
New UNODC Drug Report Paints Grim Picture of Drug Deaths
Global drug use has reached a new high of 316 million people in 2023, according to the World Drug Report 2025 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The 28 percent increase within a decade shows that consumption is growing faster than the world's population, further exacerbating the global challenges in the fight against the drug problem.
June 26, 2025
Austria's Economy: End of Recession in Sight, but Recovery Remains Fragile
After two years of recession, a turning point appears to be on the horizon for the Austrian economy. This is according to leading economic research institutes WIFO (Austrian Institute of Economic Research) and IHS (Institute for Advanced Studies), which have raised their forecasts for 2025 and now expect economic output to stagnate or grow slightly. Nevertheless, both institutes warn of ongoing risks and only a modest recovery.
June 26, 2025
EU Commission Recommends Deficit Procedure Against Austria
The European Commission has formally recommended initiating EU deficit proceedings against Austria. This step, which is to be finalized at a meeting of the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers in Brussels on July 8, follows Austria's exceeding the deficit limit set out in the Maastricht criteria.
June 25, 2025
Charges Against René Benko Loom Closer: New Lines of Investigation Revealed
In the far-reaching Signa affair, the first charges could soon be brought against the insolvent company founder René Benko. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) has submitted an initial “proposal report” to the Ministry of Justice.
June 24, 2025
Vienna as Europe's AI Hub: Supercomputer Launched, Gigafactory in Sight
The Austrian capital is consolidating its position as a European hub for artificial intelligence (AI). With the imminent launch of AI Factory Austria (AI:AT) and its active bid to become one of Europe's AI gigafactories, Vienna is sending a strong signal for innovation and digital sovereignty.
June 24, 2025
Austria's Role in the Reconstruction of Ukraine: An Opportunity for Business and Long-Term Partnership
While the war in Ukraine continues to rage, attention is already turning to the aftermath: the massive reconstruction of the war-torn country. Austria, once the fifth-largest foreign investor in Ukraine, could play a decisive role in this process, not only to boost its economy but also to build a long-term partnership.
June 23, 2025
Export Day 2025: Austria's Export Economy with its Opportunities and Challenges
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's (WKÖ) Export Day 2025 was once again the largest internationalization event in Central Europe. Under the motto “Seizing Business Opportunities. NOW!”, the event brought together around 3,000 participants, including over 2,500 decision-makers, more than 60 WKÖ economic delegates, top international speakers, and leading export service providers. The aim was to encourage companies to actively seize international business opportunities and put the Austrian export industry in the spotlight.
June 11, 2025
Austria Recruiting U.S. Researchers: Science Committee Discusses Simplified Appointment Procedures
The Austrian Parliament's Science Committee is considering a draft law that would facilitate the appointment of professors without a competitive application process. The aim is to attract researchers from the U.S. who want to leave their home country due to political developments under President Donald Trump.
June 4, 2025
Planned Messenger Surveillance in Austria: Between Security Needs and Fundamental Rights Protection
The debate surrounding state surveillance of encrypted digital communications in Austria is heating up once again. The latest draft bill from the Ministry of the Interior on so-called “messenger surveillance” has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and parts of the governing coalition under the NEOS. After several previous attempts failed in recent years, the current attempt also appears to be in jeopardy.
June 3, 2025
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
New Natural Gas Well in Upper Austria: ADX Expands Exploration Area in Molln
The Australian-Austrian energy company ADX Energy has received approval from the Austrian authorities to significantly expand its exploration area in the Upper Austrian district of Kirchdorf an der Krems. The measure relates in particular to the so-called Welchau area in the municipality of Molln, which had already come into focus last year with an initial well.
May 23, 2025
Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
May 22, 2025
Alfred Stern Leaves OMV in Summer 2026: End of an Era of Change
Alfred Stern, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of OMV, will not extend his contract beyond August 31, 2026. The 60-year-old top manager announced this decision to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Lutz Feldmann. This marks the end of a term of office characterized by far-reaching strategic upheavals, geopolitical challenges, and ambitious sustainability goals.
May 20, 2025
Austria Strengthens its Commitment to the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Gymnich Meeting
While the EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine at the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and discussed security policy decisions for Europe, the Austrian federal government also sent a clear signal: Wolfgang Anzengruber, an experienced economic and energy expert, was appointed national coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
May 8, 2025
Austria Raises a Further 1.5 Billion Euros via Federal Bonds
The Republic of Austria has successfully placed federal bonds with a total value of 1.5 billion euros on the capital market. According to the Federal Financing Agency (OeBFA), demand for the securities was once again high - a sign of continued confidence in the Republic's creditworthiness.
May 6, 2025
Erste Group Expands into Poland: Takeover of Santander Bank Polska worth Billions
The Austrian Erste Group Bank AG has announced a step towards expansion in Central and Eastern Europe. The bank is acquiring a 49 percent stake in Santander Bank Polska for around EUR 6.8 billion and a 50 percent stake in asset manager Santander TFI for a further EUR 200 million. This transaction made Erste Group the third-largest bank in Poland and expanded its customer base in the region to around 23 million people.
May 5, 2025
Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs
Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.
April 29, 2025
Austrian Company Palmers: Hope for Rescue by International Investor
The traditional Austrian underwear manufacturer Palmers, which had to file for insolvency in February 2025, may be about to be rescued by a foreign investor. The regional court in Wiener Neustadt has decided that the company can continue to operate for now, but financial support is urgently needed.
April 24, 2025
Strengthening the Economic Bridge Between China and Austria at the 15th Investment Seminar in Vienna
The 15th seminar on “Austria as an investment location” took place in the Austrian capital in the context of growing economic ties between China and Europe. The event was organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Vienna, under the direction of Ambassador Qi Mei. The high-caliber event brought together representatives from Austrian federal authorities, economic institutions, and federal states as well as numerous executives from Chinese companies operating in Austria.
April 21, 2025
ECB Cuts Key Interest Rate Again: Vienna Stock Exchange Reacts Cautiously
The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rate again, for the seventh time since June 2024. The deposit rate, a key reference value for banks and savers, was lowered by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25 percent. The measure had been expected, but its frequency and the tone of the ECB's communication make it clear that the situation is serious.
April 17, 2025
Austria's Verbund Takes Over 272 MW Wind Project in Romania
The partly state-owned Austrian energy group Verbund has acquired a fully developed wind power project with a capacity of 272 megawatts (MW) from the Monsson Group via its Romanian subsidiary Verbund Wind Power Romania. The project is located in Caraș-Severin County in southwestern Romania and is expected to drive forward the energy transition in Europe.
April 10, 2025
Austrian Securities Ownership Reaches New Heights
A recent survey reveals a significant increase in the number of Austrians investing in securities, highlighting a shift towards private pension planning amid economic challenges.
April 9, 2025
U.S. Tariffs Cause Tensions: Austria between Willingness to Negotiate and Strong Response
Transatlantic economic relations are once again being put to the test. Following the US decision to impose import tariffs on European products - particularly steel, aluminum, and a range of industrial goods - under former President Donald Trump, the EU has responded with a second package of sanctions. Stakeholders in Austria are also taking a clear stance - between calls for diplomacy and calls for consistency.
April 9, 2025
Economic Dialogue with a Signaling Effect: China and Austria Intensify Cooperation
Economic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria have taken a significant step forward. The focus was on the official visit of a high-ranking Chinese business delegation led by Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), accompanied by intensive talks with political decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and institutions in Vienna.
April 7, 2025
Taxes Rising, Deficit Growing: Austria Faces EU Criminal Proceedings
Austria is threatened with EU deficit proceedings - at 4.7 percent of GDP, the budget deficit is well above the Maastricht limit. To counteract this, the federal government is taking the first noticeable steps - above all, tax increases on tobacco, betting, e-vehicles, and court fees. However, experts warn that the road to budget consolidation is rocky and politically explosive.
April 1, 2025
Swarovski Back on the Road to Success: Lux-Ignite Strategy Shows Results
After years of challenges, the Tyrolean crystal group Swarovski is back on the road to success. For the first time in five years, the company is in the black and recorded a significant increase in sales in the 2024 financial year. Thanks to the ambitious Lux-ignite strategy and a strong fourth quarter, CEO Alexis Nasard succeeded in returning the long-established company to profitability. But it was not an easy road.
March 20, 2025
Economic Forum in Vienna: Poland and Austria in Dialogue on Security and Economy
As part of the Polish EU Council Presidency, the high-caliber forum “Ensuring Security and Freedom of Business - Polish and Austrian Perspectives” took place at the headquarters of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). The event, which was organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna in cooperation with the WKÖ, brought together over 130 representatives from public institutions, business organizations, and various industries from both countries. The event aimed to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the areas of energy security, digital transformation, and economic policy at the EU level.
March 19, 2025
The Austrian Institute of Technology Aims to Become a Leading Institution in Applying Modern AI Methods
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is pursuing ambitious goals: It wants to establish itself as a leading institution for applying modern artificial intelligence (AI) methods. At the heart of this strategy is the “AI Factory Austria” (AI:AT), a flagship project to strengthen the Austrian AI sector and promote the country's technological sovereignty. With European co-financing and broad support from business and science, the initiative is seen as a milestone for Austria as a location for innovation.
March 19, 2025
Increasing Risk of Espionage for Austrian IT Companies
Austrian companies are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence services. According to a recent study by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Ministry of the Interior, which was carried out in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries, almost one in ten companies stated that they had already been the victim of espionage. The IT sector is particularly affected. Experts also assume that the number of unreported cases is high.
March 13, 2025
Austria Threatened by Recession: Finance Minister Marterbauer Warns of Difficult Year Ahead
Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) made a grim forecast for the Austrian economy at a meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. According to Marterbauer, the country must expect a recession in 2025. This could have far-reaching consequences for the budget and the government's ability to act financially. Despite this negative development, the federal government is sticking to its goal of avoiding an EU deficit procedure.
March 12, 2025
Vienna Stock Exchange Reviews 2024 with Record-Breaking Developments and Strategic Initiatives
The year 2024 will go down in the history of the Vienna Stock Exchange as a year of upswing and trend-setting developments. After a rather subdued previous year, the Austrian capital market recorded impressive growth figures in several areas. Particularly noteworthy are the significant increase in share turnover, a new record for bond listings, and the implementation of strategic measures to further strengthen the Vienna Stock Exchange as an important financial center in Europe.
March 11, 2025
Austrian Leading Index Exceeds 10,000 Points for the First Time
The ATX Total Return, Austria’s leading index, reached a historic high, surpassing the 10,000-point mark for the first time and closing at 10,100.07 points.
March 10, 2025
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