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Read updated news about key entrepreneurs in Vienna's international community
Founder of Global Peter Drucker Forum Honored as Excellent Management-Ambassador
Dr. Richard Straub, who resides in Paris for more than two decades, received the Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (Große Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich) at the Austrian Embassy in Paris.
February 5, 2019
US Filmmaker Wes Anderson and Juman Malouf Go Wild as Guest Curators at the Vienna Museum of Fine Arts
The American director Wes Anderson, known from films such as "The Grand Budapest Hotel" or most recently "Isle of Dogs", and his partner, the writer and costume designer Juman Malouf, were invited by the Vienna Museum of Fine Arts (KHM - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien) to design an exhibition according to their taste. The result is an exhibition entitled "Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures".
January 10, 2019
Soros University Leaves Budapest in Favor of Vienna
In Hungary, the Central European University (CEU) has faced massive hostility. As a consequence, the location will be relocated to Vienna. Michael Ignatieff, the rector of CEU, announced this week in Budapest that the university is finally moving: "This is a dark day for freedom in Hungary, and it's a dark day for academic freedom." In Vienna, negotiations are still underway on a suitable building for interim use from 2019. By 2023, the university is to move permanently to the grounds of the Otto Wagner Hospital.
December 6, 2018
Kurz Met Bill Gates: "He is a Source of Inspiration"
Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz met billionaire and Microsoft founder Bill Gates at the EU summit in Brussels. Gates was in Brussels this week to create a pilot fund that will invest €100 million in European companies working to stop climate change.
October 19, 2018
Austro-Arab Energy Community Meets in Vienna to Discuss International Cooperation
The 10th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum & Exhibition took place in Vienna yesterday, organized by the AACC Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Vienna and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RECREEE). Under the general theme "Energy Transition - Urban Technology and Sustainable Cities", New Opportunities for International Cooperation and Partnerships, representatives from EU institutions, international organizations, funds, European and international financial institutions as well as ministers and high-ranking personalities from the Arab economy met representatives of the local economy, politics and business community. Participants included Nabil R. Kuzbari, Richard Schenz, Michael Ludwig, Omar Al-Rawi, Mahdi Allak, Johannes Peterlik, Samir Koubaa, Michael Esterl and Li Yong.
October 2, 2018
Timothy Snyder Opens 3rd Vienna Humanities Festival "Power & Powerlessness"
From 27 to 30 September, the third Vienna Humanities Festival will once again bring together leading figures from science, art and culture in an "urban salon" lasting several days. Around 40 events will be held themed "Power & Powerlessness" to discuss the major issues of our time.
September 14, 2018
Soros Foundations Relocate from Budapest to Berlin
The first Open Society Foundations, founded in Hungary in 1984 by George Soros, also of Hungarian origin, with a founding budget of US$3 million, is now actually withdrawing to Berlin.
May 15, 2018
Fresh Hallstatt Air Instead of Toxic Chinese Smoke
Tens of thousands of tourists from China meanwhile visit Hallstatt in Upper Austria every year. Two companies now offer healthy Hallstatt air in cans to the Chinese and expanded Asian market. The inhabitants and the municipal council of Hallstatt are not thrilled.
May 11, 2018
New Forum for Deepening German-Austrian Relations: Österreichisch-Deutsches Länderforum
Recently the Österreichisch-Deutsches Länderforum e.V. was founded in Vienna by Dr. Harald Wögerbauer with the intention of offering a platform for deepening German-Austrian relations.
May 2, 2018
Soros's Central European University is to Remain in Budapest
The Central European University (CEU) donated by US billionaire George Soros does not plan to move to Berlin or Vienna, but expects the Hungarian government to sign the agreement with the State of New York as soon as possible so that the CEU can remain in Budapest.
April 20, 2018 · Updated: April 20, 2018; 19:10
Former US Ambassador to Austria Swanee Hunt Back in Vienna: Can Women Stop War?
Activist, philanthropist, billionaire's daughter, Democrat, Harvard lecturer and former US Ambassador to Austria Swannee Hunt returns to Vienna to be interviewed at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip) on the subject of "Can Women Stop War?
April 11, 2018
Russia's Yelena Baturina Divests Grand Tirolia Hotel for €45 Mln
The billionaire and wife of Yury Luzhkov, the former Moscow mayor, is selling her Kitzbühel 5-star hotel for 45 million euros to an investor. Rumour has it that the investor is looking for an international operator.
April 10, 2018
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Vienna: The Prodigal Son's Interim Visit
Shortly before his planned heart operation Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Vienna to prepare the second R20 Austrian World Summit, scheduled to take place on May 15, 2018 in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. Among others the former Governor of California met Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to discuss the upcoming summit. Last week Schwarzenegger had undergone emergency open-heart surgery following complications that arose during a planned heart valve replacement.
April 4, 2018
Former Finance Minister Schelling Appointed Gazprom Advisor
Hans Jörg Schelling, former Austrian Minister of Finance until December 2017, has signed an advisory contract with Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline three months after his handover. OMV is also involved in the project, of which he was the owner's representative as Austrian Minister of Finance.
March 30, 2018
Ryanair Acquires 75 Percent of LaudaMotion
The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is paying 100 million euros for the share. Ryanair will initially take over 24.9 percent of Laudamotion and intends to increase it to 75 percent, subject to the approval of the EU competition authority. The airline founder will continue to be in charge.
March 20, 2018
Hungary Forces Central European University of US Billionaire Soros to Move to Vienna
In view of the political pressure exerted by the Hungarian government under the proposed amendments to Act CCIV of 2011 on Hungarian National Higher Education, the Central European University (CEU) of US billionaire George Soros feels compelled to look for alternatives. The city of Vienna naturally offers itself as an excellent alternative or supplement. The CEU and the City of Vienna are already in negotiations about a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would enable CEU to open a satellite campus site in Vienna. The Otto Wagner area at Baumgartner Höhe is being examined as a possible location.
March 16, 2018
Trevor Traina Looks Forward to Become the United States Ambassador to Austria
Today Mr. Trevor Traina testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Nomination Hearing. If confirmed, Mr. Traina is to become the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Austria. Traina: I am humbled to be President Trumps nominee to be the United States Ambassador to Austria. If confirmed, his grandmother, who just celebrated her hundredth birthday and who is the widow of his late grandfather Wiley T. Buchanan Jr. (who also served as U.S. ambassador to Austria), would have the confusing honor of being the wife and the grandmother of the Ambassador to Austria.
March 1, 2018
How do Russian Politicians and Oligarchs Withdraw their Money from Austria?
The Russian money nobility has begun to repatriate large amounts of its western-hoarded money back to Russia in order to deprive it of access by Western authorities. The countries of origin are above all Switzerland, but also Austria and Great Britain. Sberbank, Russia's largest and state-owned bank, speaks of an atypically high capital inflow to Russia. Within a few weeks, a tripling of such repatriation transactions took place compared to the same period of the previous year. The sum is hundreds of millions of dollars. The average transfer amount has increased within a year by 50% to 3 million dollars. This meets with the Kremlin's desire to repatriate Russian assets.
February 22, 2018
The Collection of a Billionaire - Heidi Horten Impresses with her Art Collection - WOW!
Heidi Goëss-Horten, a billionaire and with an estimated total net wealth of more than € 3.0 billion the fourth-richest person in Austria, presents a selection of her private art collection. With the exhibition "WOW! The Heidi Horten Collection" one of the most worthwhile art collections in Europe will be presented to the public for the first time. Curated by Agnes Husslein-Arco, the exhibition features 170 exhibits by 75 artists. To get a taste, take a look at our picture gallery!
February 21, 2018
Best Gaming Technology Acquired by Rival Playtech
Vienna-based maker of software for self-service betting terminals Best Gaming Technology (BGT) has been acquired by UK gambling software group Playtech for €138m. Playtech holds the option to purchase the remaining shares for up to €55m from Armin Sageder, the company’s founder and chief executive.
July 14, 2016
Richard Lugner to Run for Austrian President
The 83-year-old construction entrepreneur, millionaire and society figure Richard 'Mortar' Lugner says he is running for president of Austria. He wants to hold the highest office along with his 26-year-old German woman Cathy, a former Playboy Bunny at the Playboy Club in Cologne. For an official nomination Lugner should see about 6,000 signatures to collect.
February 10, 2016
Czechs Jirí Šmejc and Karel Komárek Want to Take Control of Casinos Austria
The Czech consortium Austrian Gaming Holding (AGH) of billionaires Jirí Šmejc and Karel Komárek, headquartered in Prague may soon be new majority owner of Casinos Austria AG. According to the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), Austrian Gaming Holding intends to increase one hand its stake in Medial to 88.89 percent and on the other hand to acquire 16.79 percent of Casinos Austria AG shares. Through these acquisitions, AGH will hold directly or indirectly 50.82 percent of the shares and thus acquire sole control of the CASAG.
January 21, 2016
Niki Lauda Acquires Stakes in Benko's Real Estate Firms
The private foundation of former Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda will acquire 1% of Signa Prime and a 10% stake in Signa Retail.
July 17, 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
Russia Demands Extradition of Oil Magnate Ural Rakhimov
Russia is demanding that Austria extradites oil magnate Ural Rachimov, a court spokesperson said on Tuesday confirming the report of the daily Die Presse.
May 20, 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
10 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Vienna
In this post you'll find the top 10 reasons why your company or institution should consider investing in Vienna/Austria. In fact, we'll share the international studies which confirm the numbers and facts including its closest competitors. We look at the quality of living, the smart cities index, the prosperity, international congresses and conventions, the most reputable cities, the innovation cities index, online cities, business friendliness and other factors that influence the decision making.
January 20, 2015
Russian Investor Boris Mints to Launch Tender Offer for 10 Pct of CA Immo Shares
O1 Group Limited of Russian investor Boris Mints has made a voluntary partial public takeover offer of 10% of additional CA Immo shares. The offer comprises the purchase of up to 9,735,276 non-par value bearer shares of CA Immo (ISIN AT0000641352), which are admitted to the Official Market on the Vienna Stock Exchange.
November 28, 2014
World Leaders Met in Vienna to Adopt 10 Year Action-Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a 10 year action-plan aimed at accelerating sustainable development in the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). A Business and Investment Forum was organized as an integral part of the 2nd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries with the aim of exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities faced by LLDCs and to discuss possible partnerships and strategies in regards to the role of the private sector in the overall sustainable development of LLDCs. Also, Conchita Wurst performed live at the UN in Vienna for tolerance and mutual respect.
November 7, 2014
Ederer Elected as Supervisory Board President of ÖBB Austrian Railways
A few days after her resignation from the ÖIAG Supervisory Board the former Siemens manager Brigitte Ederer was elected unanimously to the top of the ÖBB Supervisory Board.
September 11, 2014
Ederer Resigns as Supervisory Board Member of OIAG
Brigitte Ederer resigns as supervisory board member and leaves state holding company OIAG.
September 9, 2014
VIG Subsidiary Donau Insurance to Appoint New CEO
Elisabeth Stadler will resign her position as Chairwoman of the Management Board of Ergo Austria and take over the position of CEO of listed insurance group VIG's subsidiary Donau Versicherung AG.
July 24, 2014
FDI in Austria up by EUR 25 Million
In the first half of 2014 the number of international companies setting up business operations in Austria with the assistance of ABA in cooperation with the regional investment promotion agencies climbed from 88 to 114. Total investment volume was up 15.9 % in the first half of 2014 to EUR 179.97 million from EUR 154.33 million in the prior year period.
July 11, 2014
Siegfried Wolf New OIAG Supervisory Board Chairman
OIAG's supervisory board has appointed Siegfried Wolf as the new Chairman of the supervisory board.
June 27, 2014
Voestalpine Plans Further Acquisitions
In an interview with the Financial Times, Voestalpine CEO Wolfgang Eder confirms his ambition to grow through acquisitions and to double its revenue by acquiring suitable targets in the special steel division in China and North America.
June 16, 2014
AmCham Austria: Lessing Has Been Elected New President
Mr. Norbert B. Lessing takes over the job of the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Austria from Mr. Felix Thun-Hohenstein.
June 10, 2014
Sevelda: “Russia Still Crucial Market”
In the light of the close ties with regard to economic and energy relations with Russia Karl Sevelda, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) warns about the tightening of penalties against Russia.
May 23, 2014
Only 3 Austrian Delegates at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2014
Thousands of economic experts, businessmen and policymakers are currently in Russia's northern capital St. Petersburg for the 18th annual investment forum. Less foreigners are attend this year, as CEOs have bowed to political pressure to cancel.
May 23, 2014
Hypo Alpe Adria Appoints New Supervisory Board
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Hypo Alpe Adria International on Friday, a new Supervisory Board was appointed.
May 23, 2014
Austrian Oberbank Shines in Hungary
Austrian Oberbank bucks the trend of terminating business activity in Hungary. Instead, the financial institute plans on growing in one of the most difficult markets in Europe.
May 22, 2014
Austrian Prinzhorn Holding to Invest Massively in Hungary
Prinzhorn Holding will build its own power plant in Hungary to supply its paper factory in Dunaujvaros.
May 21, 2014
Exporttag: Meet All Austrian Trade Delegates at the Export Day 2014
On June 24, the Export Day (Exporttag) of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) will take place in Vienna. Economic delegates from all over the world will be present.
May 20, 2014
voestalpine to Invest Further in China
Listed Austrian steel producer voestalpine opened another business location in China.
May 14, 2014
Bank Austria's Ukrainian Subsidiary Not Yet To Be Sold
Because of the crisis in Ukraine the planned sale of Bank Austria's Ukrainian subsidiary has been halted.
May 13, 2014
Edi Rama: "If Europe Decides Not To Need Muslim Balkan States, Terrible Things Will Happen"
The Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the Bruno Kreisky Forum in Vienna.
May 13, 2014
Czech Republic: Rosatom to Complete Temelin?
Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom presented an offer to complete the units of the Czech nuclear power plant Temelin.
May 12, 2014
Calls for European Energy Union Become Louder
Polish PM Tusk called for a European energy union. His Hungarian counterpart supports the idea.
May 9, 2014
Austria DIY Chain BauMax Avoided Insolvency
Austrian leading DIY chain bauMax announced cost saving programs as part of its restructuring measures in Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. BauMax intends to focus on profitable business locations only.
May 9, 2014