Latest Headlines about other Business & Economic Developments

Read more headlines about Austria's international business environment (which are not covered in the other topics, including commodity and currency markets)

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

New Cargo Airline Relocates to Austria

Express service provider DHL Express is relocating a large part of its cargo airline from England to the Vienna area. The new cargo airline for the European market, based in Austria, is said to be a strong signal for the location.

May 26, 2021

Vienna Selected as Most Desired Luxury Travel Destination

Vienna has one yet another award. After being selected as the most liveable city of the world for a number of years already, Vienna has now been awarded the prize for the "Most Desired Preferred Destination" by the luxury travel network "Traveller Made".

May 26, 2021

How Expensive is Rent in Austria?

The rent costs in Austria vary depending on the duration, region and type of rental segment. Find out more about the exact amounts you have to pay across Austria!

May 25, 2021

EU Countries Agree on Green Passport by July, Austria Plans it for June

The EU countries and EU Parliament have agreed on an Europe-wide "Green Passport" by July 1, while Austria intends to have its Green Entry Pass ready by the beginning of June. Can the Austrian solution be implemented in the EU-wide certificate? Find out below!

May 21, 2021

Berlin - Prague - Vienna: Plan of 4 Hour Rail Connection

Berlin to Prague to Vienna in four hours? A travel time that is now only possible via plane will become reality via a rail connection. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.

May 19, 2021

How to Get Into Austria as of May 19

In line with the opening steps in Austria, the government has announced new entry regulations, which should ease the travel to Austria. Read all about the regulations below!

May 18, 2021

UK and Austria Work on Post-Brexit Agreements

During his visit to London, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his British counterpart Dominic Raab and with Brexit Minister David Frost. Both the United Kingdom and Austria have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation.

May 18, 2021

Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections

It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.

May 17, 2021

Viennese Start-Up Event Reaches 10 Million People

The Viennese startup event ViennaUP'21, which took place from April 27 to May 12 in a virtual format, can be viewed as a success. The reasons behind its success, the highlights of the event as well as what remains can be found out here!

May 14, 2021

Slovakian Prime Minister Meets Kurz and Van der Bellen

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger has travelled to Vienna to meet with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and President Van der Bellen. On the agenda of the working meetings were the Covid-19 pandemic, border management and nuclear energy. Read below to find out more about possible bilateral agreements with regard to the "Green Passport".

May 6, 2021

Unemployment Decreases: Austria's Economy Trends Upwards

Austria's economy and employment show signs of recovery. The recent unemployment figures show a decline of about 8.7 percent in April compared to the previous month. Compared to last April, which was one of Austria's first months in the midst of the pandemic, this is a decrease of 32 percent.

May 4, 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

Schallenberg and Ambassador to the U.S. Weiss Talk with Austrians in the United States

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Ambassador to the United States in Washington, Martin Weiss, have held a virtual live talk with around 600 Austrians living in the United States. The topics discussed included dual citizenship, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Austria as well as the "Green Passport".

April 30, 2021

Vienna Stock Exchange: Introduction of 13 Asian Companies

The Vienna Stock Exchange has expanded its offering on the global market by three Chinese and ten Japanese stocks. This addition was made after recently recording a growing demand for Asian shares. Among the new companies offered are the technology group Fujifilm and the pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical.

April 29, 2021

Dubai Expo: Which Austrian Companies Will Benefit from the Exhibition in the UAE?

Expo 2020 Dubai, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, is advertised above all as an opportunity for "Austrian companies to make a lasting impression with their innovative strength and creativity". The fact is that so far apparently only a handful of construction and design-related companies directly involved in the development of the Austrian pavilion financed by Austria are benefiting from the project. Which Austrian companies are involved in the project, you will find out in the following.

April 27, 2021

Austria Joins Global Renewable Energy Network

Austria has become a member of the REN21 Renewable Energy Network, an international community with actors from academia, governments, NGOs and industry. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler hopes for a closer collaboration between international stakeholders with regard to the energy transition around the world.

April 27, 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

Covid-19 in Austria: Openings Start May 19

The Austrian government headed by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has announced the opening plans for the near future. On May 19, previously closed sectors such as the tourism, events and sports sector will re-open, while restaurants and schools will also return to "normal" business. Entry requirements will be put in place in order to keep the risk of infection relatively low.

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

International Startup Event "ViennaUP21" Starts April 27

The startup event "ViennaUP21" will take place from April 27 to May 12 in a purely digital format. Within the umbrella of ViennaUP21, 40 program partners will be hosting 100 events for interested people, institutions and organization from more than 45 countries. Registration is free.

April 23, 2021

Edtstadler: "Raise Your Voice for the Future of Europe"

In preparation for the first ever Conference on the Future of Europe, the European Commission has launched a digital platform, on which European citizens can share their ideas on the future of Europe, organize events, participate in events, and network with other individuals and organizations. Austria will contribute by hosting a number of events and additionally provide information on a separate platform.

April 23, 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

Austria Implements Funding for Ethnic Group Media

After the increase of funding for ethnic groups in Austria in general about half a year ago, Susanne Raab, the Minister of the Chancellery responsible for ethnic group affairs, has now announced a separate budget for ethnic group media, which can be applied for in the near future.

April 20, 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

Covid-19: Austria Ranks Second for Aid Measures in EU

According to recent calculations published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Austria ranks second for Covid-19 aid measures among all EU Member States. Only Greece has spent a higher portion of its GDP (13.7%) for aid instruments, while Austria invested 11.7 percent to relieve its businesses and people.

April 12, 2021

"Fixing the Future": Austria's Foreign Ministry Searches For Innovative Ideas

Together with the cultural broadcaster Ö1, Austria's Foreign Ministry and its network of Austrian representations abroad is searching for innovative ideas that could solve global problems. The possible admissions can relate to various contexts, among them are problems in technology, environment, business, and social issues.

April 9, 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

Austrian Unemployment Decreases in March

The number of unemployed Austrians has decreased significantly in March compared to the previous month. About 56,000 fewer people have been reported unemployed, while the number of people in training at the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) has increased. This is likely due to the recent measure, which provides training priorities in areas where there is a particular demand for qualified workers.

April 7, 2021

New Train Connection Between Prague and Vienna

The former, so-called "Vindobona" train connection between Vienna and Prague could be soon reinstated again. Talks between Austrian and Czech politicians have been positive for a connection between the two countries' capital cities, which would especially benefit Austrians from the Waldviertel, a region in the northwest of Lower Austria.

April 7, 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

European Year of Rail: Austria's Gewessler Attends Kick-Off Event

The Portuguese Council of the EU Presidency has a strong focus on railroads with the European Year of Rail. At the kick-off event, which was attended by the EU Transport Ministers, Austria's Leonore Gewessler looked forward to the investments into the railway system and hoped for promotion of the mobility revolution.

March 30, 2021

Vienna Introduces New Covid-19 Testing System

The City of Vienna has introduced the new testing system "Alles Gurgelt!". Every Viennese is eligible to pick up PCR tests at the 152 BIPA stores throughout Vienna, record herself or himself while conducting the test and drop off the tests at one of 620 REWE locations. The results of the test is available after 24 hours and works as "entry test" for body-related services.

March 29, 2021

Pandemic Affects Crime Statistics in Austria

The Covid-19 pandemic has positively affected Austria's crime statistics. In 2020, total crime decreased by 11.3 percent, while the clearance rate increased to 54.2 percent. Cybercrime remains among the major challenges and, in fact, was one of the only categories, which saw a major increase of cases in 2020.

March 22, 2021

Italian Secretary of State for Europe and Edtstadler Support "Green Passport"

Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler travelled to Rome to meet with some representatives of the Italian government. With her counterpart, the Italian Secretary of State for Europe Vincenzo Amendola, Edtstadler discussed the Europe-wide "Green Passport" for Covid-19 vaccinated, tested and recovered people.

March 19, 2021

All Eyes on Vienna for ViennaUP'21

Central Europe's largest startup event "ViennaUP'21" will once again take place in the spring of 2021 in Vienna. The event offers a variety of different programs and business-to-business networking opportunities. Many other events, such as the "Fintech Week" and the "Creative Days Vienna" will be part of ViennaUP'21.

March 18, 2021

High-Level Exchange on the "European Battery Alliance" with Austrian Participation

Austria's State Secretary at the Ministry of Technology, Magnus Brunner, participated in a high-level discussion on the "European Battery Alliance", which focused on the goal of making Europe an important and global player for battery innovation. Austria will be investing EUR 45 million in the project, while Austrian companies add another EUR 110 million.

March 17, 2021

Austria Switches Completely to Renewable Energy Sources

By 2030, Austria's current government wants to achieve a total anergy transition. In the next nine years, the government plans for massive investments in the renewable energy sector in order for Austria to be able to produce 100 percent of its electricity with renewable energy sources by 2030.

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

Crisis in Yemen: "Humanitarian Aid is Vital for Survival"

In order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the Austrian government has decided to provide EUR 3 million for the malnourished and diseased people from Yemen. The funds will be provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is currently working in Yemen to better the situation for the Yemeni population.

March 9, 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

Austria Enters for the First Time as U.S. Exits Top Ten in Bloomberg's Innovation Index

Austria moves up one place to 10th place in the latest Bloomberg Innovation Index, while the U.S. dropped out of a top 10 that features a cluster of European countries. The Bloomberg index analyzes dozens of criteria using seven equally weighted metrics, including research and development spending, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public companies.

March 2, 2021

Austria's Culture Sector Met With German Scientists to Discuss Opening Steps

Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture Andrea Mayer and other representatives of the arts industry met with the authors of two German studies which concluded "that the risk of infection in the theater, cinema, opera or concert hall is a calculable one".

March 1, 2021

Vienna Ice Dream Concludes Extraordinary Season

The 26th Vienna Ice Dream has closed its doors for this season. After 66 days of ice skating under special circumstances, the organizers are pleased about the results and are particularly delighted about the fact that there was not a single reported case of infection which happened on the venue.

March 1, 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

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

Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award

The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2021

Germany Extends Entry Ban for Tyrol

The German government has decided to extend its entry ban for Tyrol until March 3, 2021. The German Health Minister Spahn sees this step as "necessary" in order to prevent the South African Covid-19 mutation from spreading in Germany. Austria's government and the EU Commission demand more coordination and dicussion.

February 16, 2021