Vienna International Community - Top Executives - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key executives in Vienna's international community
Austrian Airlines CEO: "The crisis does not allow for a sigh of relief"
A report shows that Austrian Airlines, like the airline industry as a whole, is still suffering greatly from the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech acknowledges that 2021 has been better than 2020 so far, but the airline is still a long way from reaching pre-pandemic numbers.
August 9, 2021
Economic Opportunity: Malaysian-Austrian Joint Statement on Cooperation
Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali met with the Austrian Minister of the Economy Margarete Schramböck. The pair discussed cooperation in the high-tech industry, education and more. The two ministers also signed a joint statement, affirming Malaysia and Austria's intention of further economic cooperation.
August 3, 2021
Pioneering Hydrogen Alliance between the United Arab Emirates and Austria
On the occasion of the visit of the Ruler and Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Austria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Austria agreed on a strategic partnership. The core of the agreement is closer international cooperation in the fields of hydrogen, renewable energy, youth exchange, green technologies, digital economy and research, according to the UAE Embassy in Vienna and Chancellor Kurz.
August 1, 2021
Peace in Hard Times: Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony
After canceling the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony 2020 was recently held in Baden. The Global Peace Photo Awards Ceremony 2021 will be held later this year. These awards honor the images that best capture the theme of peace each year. Read about the ceremony and who won the awards for 2020.
July 30, 2021
Vienna Airport: Resumption of Flights to Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Jeddah
Vienna International Airport announced the resumption of flights to Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The flight resumptions will also provide more connection opportunities to other destinations around the globe.
July 28, 2021
The Future of Tourism in Vienna Lies in Overseas Guests
Vienna International Airport and Vienna Tourist Board have extended their cooperation with the aim of acquiring international long-haul connections. They believe the future of the tourism industry in Vienna, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, depends on attracting more overseas guests. Find out why.
July 21, 2021
Jewish Museum Vienna Follows Path of Digitalization
The Jewish Museum Vienna has launched its new website, which will provide visitors with a clear and concise overview of the museum and its activities. According to Director Spera, this is part of the comprehensive digitalization strategy of the museum.
June 9, 2021
New CEO for OMV: "Beginning of a Major Transformation"
The Austrian multinational company OMV has appointed a new CEO. After the current and parting CEO Rainer Seele has been facing heavy public criticism, OMV will now try to rebuild its image.
June 2, 2021
2025: Rail Connection Vienna - Bratislava in 45 Minutes
Cutting the travel time between Vienna and Bratislava short by 15 minutes is the goal of the planned double-track expansion between the EU capitals. Read more about the implementation and the benefits of the construction works.
May 28, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Company Vaccinations Continue
Besides the pre-registration and booking of appointments by individuals, Vienna offers a Covid-19 company vaccination program, which allows employers and their employees to receive vaccinations at an earlier time point.
May 20, 2021
Austrian Multinational Company Loses Current CEO
The Austrian multinational corporation OMV has announced that its current CEO, Rainer Seele, will end his term in June 2022. Only recently, criticism against OMV and Seele have increased. Find out more about how his end at OMV and the criticism relate.
May 3, 2021
Business Location: Austria Invests in Broadband Internet
The Austrian government has announced plans of investing EUR 1.4 billion into broadband expansion. The aim of the investment is to strengthen Austria as a business location and to enhance economic development in rural areas. By 2030, a quick and stable Internet connection will be provided nationwide.
April 29, 2021
Austria Welcomes EU's Artificial Intelligence Framework
Austria's Minister for Digital Affairs, Margarete Schramböck, welcomes the new EU proposition of rules for artificial intelligence. Schramböck stresses the need for an EU-lead process and advocates for secure and innovative solutions that would "promote innovation while ensuring a high level of protection and security."
April 26, 2021
Activities of Arab Countries in Vienna to Strengthen Mutual Cooperation
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) under Secretary General Eng. Mouddar Khouja reports on various activities and means to strengthen mutual cooperation between Austria and the Arab countries UAE United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Qatar.
April 25, 2021
Viennese Theater Productions Premiere in Japan
The Viennese theater productions "Mozart!" and "Elisabeth" premiere in Japan despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The two musicals will be staged numerous times in various cities in Japan and show the interest of the Japanese population in Austrian theater productions.
April 22, 2021
Eurochambres President Leitl: Focus on Digital Skills, Education and Qualification
At a meeting with EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, the Austrian Eurochambres head, Christoph Leitl, and Austrian Chairwoman of the Eurochambres Women Network, Martha Schultz, demanded focus on digital skills, education and qualification of the EU education program Erasmus+ for European reconstruction.
April 21, 2021
Extension of Austria's Internationalization Program "go-international" Announced
Austrian Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck and President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) Harald Mahrer extend the joint internationalization offensive "go-international" and provide EUR 25.6 million for the next two years. The funding will focus on the areas of innovation and technology, value chains and digitalization.
April 20, 2021
Austrian Companies Develop Innovations for Africa
On the occasion of the "Africa Innovation Challenge 2021" organized by Advantage Austria - Aussenwirtschaft Austria, several Austrian companies have developed innovative solutions to solve societal challenges in Africa's dynamic markets. At the World Summit Award (WSA), five projects have been selected champions by an international jury.
April 19, 2021
Austria Increases Turnover Loss Bonus
Companies, which are experiencing significant revenue shortfall due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, can now submit their applications for the Austrian turnover loss bonus for the months of March and April. The total amount available for companies has been increased to EUR 80,000 per month.
April 16, 2021
Demand for More Artificial Intelligence in Austrian Economy
According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), only 12 percent of Austrian businesses use artificial intelligence in their operations. For Alfred Harl, representative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce in this particular sector, Austrian companies will need to stay up to date with regard to new technologies and not be "left behind in the strong international environment."
April 14, 2021
Potential Closure of MAN Plant in Austria
After the majority of the workforce in the MAN plant in Steyr voted against a takeover concept of a potential investor, Austria's federal and state governments are highly invested in supporting a solution that would save more than 1,000 jobs in Steyr, Upper Austria. No solution would mean a closure of the plant by 2023.
April 14, 2021
Vienna as Industrial Location: Proximity to Eastern Market Loses Importance
A recent survey shows that Vienna's infrastructure and quality of life are location advantages for Vienna as an industrial location, but the proximity to eastern European and other eastern markets declines in importance. Only 40 percent of the 172 surveyed Viennese industrial companies see the proximity to the eastern EU countries as an advantage,
April 8, 2021
Vienna Celebrates 25 Years of EU Funding
One year after Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, the first projects with the help of the European Union were established in Vienna. 25 years later, in 2021, Vienna looks back at the hundreds of projects, which improved various aspects of the city and were only possible due to the funding provided from the European Union.
April 8, 2021
WKO Heads: "We Cannot Afford a Pause in Vaccination"
The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) are delighted about the possible acquisition of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine "Sputnik V" by the Austrian government. Furthermore, they hold on to their idea of using companies for vaccination programs, similar to the implementation with in-company testing.
March 31, 2021
Extension of Re-Employment Promise in Austria Gives Planning Security
In order to alleviate the hard-hit tourism industry, Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher and Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger have announced to further extend the re-employment promise until the end of official closures. This gives the respective businesses more planning security, since they will not have to worry about their well-trained employees.
March 31, 2021
Austria Joins European Financial Reporting Advisory Group
According to Austria's Finance Minister Gernot Blümel, Austria's accession to the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) strengthens Austria's interests at the international level and allows for a more active role in European and international standard setting in financial reporting.
March 29, 2021
Austrian Airlines Continues Restructuring Process
Austrian Airlines has announced to further their restructuring process. The company will be cutting more than 650 jobs by 2023, while reducing the fleet once more. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech: "The pandemic is taking much longer than expected. For this reason, we are now taking additional measures to secure the future of our Austrian Airlines in the long term."
March 26, 2021
Vienna Will Host Pathologist and Muscle Researcher Congresses
The City of Vienna has successfully brought two high-ranking medical congresses to Vienna. The 28th International Congress of the World Muscle Society will be in Vienna from September 23 to 29, 2024, and the European Society of Pathology will be meeting in Vienna from September 6 to 10, 2025.
March 22, 2021
Two of Austrian Biggest Commercial Real Estate Companies Could Turn to One
The Austrian commercial real estate company Immofinanz AG has decided to make a voluntary public takeover offer for the s Immo AG. The two companies have considered a merger in the past, but the intentions never succeeded. Whether or not the public takeover offer will be going through this time depends on the General Meeting of s Immo and antitrust approvals.
March 18, 2021
Austrian Foreign Trade: Covid-19 Pandemic Takes its Toll
Austria's imports and exports both declined heavily in 2020. A year characterized by the Covid-19 pandemic, the total value of imports decreased by around 9 percent compared to 2019, while Austrian companies exported 7.5 percent less than the year before. In total, imports and exports resulted in a trade balance deficit of around EUR 2 billion.
March 15, 2021
Vienna Still Attractive for International Companies
In 2020, Vienna has welcomed more than 200 new companies despite the difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Michael Ludwig interprets "the high level of interest" from foreign companies in Vienna as a result of Vienna being regarded as "stable and safe economic ground".
March 12, 2021
Schallenberg on the International Women's Day: "Women Must Play a Key Role in Decision-making"
Austria will take over special responsibility for women's policy concerns in the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the end of March. On the occasion of this role and the International Women's Day, which was celebrated on March, 8, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg demands more women in decision-making roles.
March 11, 2021
Increase in Financial Aid for Companies in Austria Introduced
Austria's Minister for Finance Gernot Blümel has presented an increase of measures to alleviate companies from the hardships of the Covid-19 crisis. Funding for the turnover loss bonus has been increased and compensation for vacation days during short-time work has been introduced.
March 11, 2021
Waly and Raab: Cooperation in Protection of Women
Ghada Waly, UNODC head and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, met with Susanne Raab, Austria's Minister for Women's Affairs, to discuss the protection of women from violence and the concrete measures taken by the UNODC and Austria's government in this issue.
March 8, 2021
International Women's Day 2021: Gender Pay Gap in Austria Still Significant
Since the International Women's Day is on March 8, Statistics Austria has revealed some data that show the still significant differences between women and men in Austria's workforce. On average, women earn around 14 percent less than men and only 3.8 percent of employed women hold managerial positions, compared to 8.1 percent of employed men.
March 5, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: Slight Easing of Regulations
The Austrian government has announced some new regulations with regard to the Covid-19 situation in Austria. The province of Vorarlberg will be facing relaxations of the current regulations as early as March 15, while the rest of the country will need to wait until the end of March and April for the opening of gastronomy and the cultural sector.
March 2, 2021
Schramböck and Baldwin at International Research Conference
At the research conference hosted by the Research Center International Economics (FIW), Austria's Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck had the opportunity to take part in discussions with the star economist Richard Baldwin and a number of other important representatives of international economics research.
March 1, 2021
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "Herzls Töchter - 100 years WIZO. Viennese Women for Israel"
In a new exhibition, the Jewish Museum Vienna highlights the past 100 years of the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) with particular spotlight on the movement in Vienna. Ambassador of Israel to Austria H.E. Mr. Mordechai D. Rodgold together with WIZO president Karin Maier-Winter, and Director of the Museum Danielle Spera.
February 24, 2021 · Updated: February 26, 2021; 20:45
WKO President Mahrer Demands Tourism Opening in March
At the so-called "opening summit" initiated by Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO), the president of the WKO Harald Mahrer and other representatives of the affected businesses demand to open up the tourism and leisure industry. The currently successful model of entry tests for body-related services could be expanded to these industries as well, Mahrer emphasized.
February 26, 2021
Austria Continues to Invest In Bicycle Transportation
Austria's Ministry of Climate Protection continues to support the purchase of e-bicycles and transport bikes. Enterprises, associations and individuals will benefit from the increased subsidy amount and a reduction of value-added tax for bicycle repair services.
February 26, 2021
Vienna International Center Provides Heating for Viennese Households
With a new energy recycling plant, the Vienna International Center's (VIC) air conditioning system can now provide heat for around 2,400 households in the near proximity. Waste heat of the VIC's cooling system will flow into the district heating system, which can save around 3,400 tons of CO2 each year.
February 23, 2021 · Updated: February 23, 2021; 14:55
Equal Pay Day: Austria's Women Earn 14.3 Percent Less
On February 21, 2021, Austria "celebrates" its Equal Pay Day. The current gender gap in income is at 14.3 percent, which amounts to 52 days of the year in which women work uncompensated. Austria's Women's Minister Susanne Raab uses the occasion to install certain measures that aim to reduce this difference.
February 19, 2021
ÖBB Is Internationally Recognized for Sustainability
The international rating agency ISS has awarded ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG the first place out of 55 international transport companies for its commitment to sustainability, climate protection and eco-efficiency. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler is delighted about the international recognition for ÖBB and emphasizes that climate protection is the right path for the future.
February 19, 2021
Corona Short-Time Work in Austria Is Extended
Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher has announced a new phase for the so-called Corona Short-Time Work in Austria valid from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. The conditions of the new phase are similar to the current regulations. The aim for after June is to gradually phase-out the short-time work where possible.
February 17, 2021
Austria's Economy Is Far Behind EU Average
According to the latest numbers issued by the EU's statistics office Eurostat, the gross domestic product of the EU fell by 0.6 percent in Q4 2020 compared to the third quarter of the same year. Austria, however, has performed the worst out of all EU member states and saw a GDP decline of 4.3 percent.
February 17, 2021
WKO: Austria Needs to End Lockdown in March
After the recent announcement of Austria's federal government to have restaurants, hotels and the cultural sector closed until Easter, the heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) demand opening steps for March. They emphasize that all the current tools, such as mass testing, entry tests and stricter distance rules, would allow a safe gradual opening of the currently closed sectors.
February 16, 2021
Deadline for Austrian "Reemployment Promise" Gets Extended
To further support the hard hit Austrian economy, the Minister of Labor and Minister of Tourism have decided to extend the deadline for the so-called "reemployment promise". This allows employers to lay off their employees and agreeing to re-hire them, once the sector is allowed to open up again. The affected employees receives unemployment benefits without any placement activities by the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice.
February 15, 2021
Austria's and EU's GDP Forecast Gives Hope
In the EU winter forecast for the level of economic output in the near future, Austria's and the whole Euro area's GDPs are said to grow by almost 4 percent in 2021 and 2022. Although the economies declined in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 due to the impact of the second wave, the economic outlook is still promising for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.
February 12, 2021
European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna
The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.
February 11, 2021
Austrian Museums Highlight UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Austria's Ministry of Arts and Culture together with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Austria have presented the project "17 Museums x 17 SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals", which will focus on 17 Austrian museums each focusing on one of the SDGs developed by the United Nations.
February 11, 2021
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