Vienna International Community - People in the News - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about key players in Vienna's international community, such as expats, executives, politicians, diplomats, investors, artists and others.

Serbia: No EU Accession Negotiations in 2013

Serbia will not be able to start the desired negotiations for an EU membership this year.

June 6, 2013

Slovenia: Commission’s Target to Be Achieved in September

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Gregor Virant announced that Slovenia will achieve the EU Commission’s aim for approving more budget cuts by the end of September to avoid international bailout.

June 6, 2013

Oresharski: Things Were Never So Bad in Bulgaria

One week after assuming office, Bulgaria’s new Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski announced that the social and economic situation in the country has reached an all-time low.

June 5, 2013

Austria: Liebscher as Chairman of Hypo Group’s Supervisory Board

Liebscher is to take over Ditz’ position after the meeting of bodies on June 21.

June 5, 2013

Austrian Justice Minister to Support Serbia’s Approach to EU

Austria to enhance transfer of know-how in regard to the fight against corruption.

June 5, 2013

Turkey: Protests Continue

After trade union KESK aligned with demonstrators, the government offered a chance for negotiations for the first time.

June 5, 2013

Slovenia: Ex PM Convicted in Patria Case

Former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa was convicted of bribery on Wednesday in Ljubljana.

June 5, 2013

Hypo Group: Possible Deductions from Selling Price

The new British-Indian Owner of Hypo Group is to pay only € 32m for the time being.

June 5, 2013

Slovenia: Bailout As An Option

Prime Minister Bratusek announced her consent to introduce fiscal rule in 2015.

June 4, 2013

Hypo Group: Italian Affilate Not to be Closed

The nationalized Carinthian bank has no plans of shutting down its Italien affiliate.

June 4, 2013

Fekter: “Draft Legislation on Zukunftsvorsorge Pension Savings Scheme Will Create Certainty”

Main focus on improving the attractiveness of state-subsidised pension savings scheme and enhancing transparency for customers

June 4, 2013

Lopatka: "Visa Cooperation Reinforces Mutual Ties Between Austria and the Czech Republic"

Austrian State-Secretary on the signing of a new agreement and working meetings in Prague.

June 4, 2013

Austria: Finance Ministry Regrets Ditz’ Withdrawal

Johannes Ditz, chairman of Hypo Group’s suvervisory board, announced his withdrawal yesterday.

June 4, 2013

Turkey: Protests Claimed Life of At Least One Person

According to the medical association at least one protestor was killed in Istanbul. Despite of unequaled violence by the police protests against Prime Minister Erdogan will not break down.

June 3, 2013

Russia: Gazprom Looking for Alternative Markets

After 40 years of a surge in revenues, Russian energy giant Gazprom has to face turbulent times in Europe.

June 3, 2013

Hypo: Ditz to Resign

Chairman of Hypo Group’s supervising board Johannes Ditz might soon resign, according to media reports.

June 3, 2013

Czech Republic Not to Introduce Euro Before 2019

According to reports by the Czech media, the new government intends to apply for the Euro only in 2016.

May 31, 2013

Austria: Fekter Signed OECD’s Multilateral Assistence Agreement in Tax Matters

Fekter described the signing as a “further important step in the fight against tax evasion and tax fraud”.

May 29, 2013

Bulgaria: Parliament to Vote On Government

This morning, the Bulgarian parliament has started a session for the voting on the new government.

May 29, 2013

Rosneft to Take Over Itera

According to a newspaper report, Rosneft intends to take over Russia’s second biggest gas supplier Itera for around € 2.3bn.

May 28, 2013

Czech Republic: Russia to Offer Significant Investments in Return for Temelin Tender

Czech Prime Minister Necas emphasized on the transparency of the decision.

May 28, 2013

Turkey: Next Step Towards EU

According to Reuters, Turkey can now hope for its long-awaited next step towards an EU entry in June. France has lifted its opposition to the country’s EU Accession talks. Experts point out the great economic potential the country offers.

May 28, 2013

Lopatka: "Austria Is a Leading Investor in the Western Balkans States"

Austrian State Secretary welcomes the most recent agreement between Serbia and Kosovo as pointing the way towards enlargement

May 27, 2013

Serbia to Receive Russian Support in South Stream Project

Russia to provide € 1.7bn for construction of South Stream gas pipeline project in Serbia.

May 27, 2013

Austria: Faymann Proposes Extension of Bank Levy

Not only the federation and taxpayers should avow for the losses at Hypo Group. This week the restructuring plan has to be handed to the EU Commission.

May 27, 2013

Croatia: PM Anxious About Country’s Image

Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic announced that Croatia had to fight hard for its reputation within the European Union.

May 27, 2013

Poland: Dispute Over Shale Gas Law

Polish Finance Minister Jacek Rostowski has criticized the Environment Ministry for the planned national participation in the production of shale gas.

May 24, 2013

Zeman Demands Stock Exchange for CEE

Czech President Milos Zeman has declared himself in favor of the merger of the stock exchanges in Prague and Warsaw.

May 24, 2013

Austria: Faymann Positive About Extension for Hypo Group

Chancellor Werner Faymann presented himself restrained yet confident about the extension granted by the Commission regarding the deadline for the winding-down of Hypo Alpe Adria Group.

May 24, 2013

Slovenia: Huge Cuts in Complementary Budget

Foreign Ministry might be closed down since a 20 percent cut is proposed.

May 24, 2013

Turkey Wants FTA with US

Turkey is eager for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S.

May 24, 2013

Slovenia: Fiscal Rule to Be Introduced in 2015

Prime Minister Bratusek announced her consent to introduce fiscal rule in 2015.

May 23, 2013

Poland: Hold on Tax to Attract Investors

Hydrocarbons tax on hold till 2020 to enhance investments in shale gas.

May 23, 2013

Austria: Special Commission to Trace Tax Evaders

Finance Minister Maria Fekter announced the establishing of a special commission which is supposed to use data distributed by the US tax authority.

May 23, 2013

Tusk Encouraged to Run for European Commission Presidency

Polish Prime Minister Tusk confirmed his encouragement, but will decide at another point in time.

May 23, 2013

Leitl: „EU Has To Deliver Clear Confession to Business Location Europe”

According to Leitl, the EU Summit has to deliver a “clear confession to business and industrial location” Europe.

May 22, 2013

Orban’s „Derailment“ Causes Indignation in Germany

Hungary’s head of government Viktor Orban seems to love the confrontation. However, with the accusation of Germany using Nazi-methods he overstepped the mark in terms of tact.

May 21, 2013

Austria: Fekter’s Ambition to „Steer Hypo Group Into Safe Waters“

In the margin of the Council of Ministers, Finance Minister Maria Fekter announced that Austria will hand in the new restructuring plan for Hypo Alpe Adria Group to the EU Commission in the coming days.

May 21, 2013

Serbia Considering Loan Agreement With IMF

Serbia is considering discussing a possible IMF loan after EU entry talks are agreed on. German Finance Minister Guido Westerwelle announced his support in Serbia’s path to an EU membership.

May 21, 2013

Croatia: PM Warns Of Croatia Airlines’ Downfall

Prime Minister Milanovic stresses the need to make changes to guarantee a future for the airline company.

May 17, 2013

US and Turkey to Establish High-Level Committee For Trade and Investment

US and Turkey intend to boost bilateral relations and trade, President Obama and Prime Minister Erdogan announced.

May 17, 2013

Poland: Tusk Potential Candidate for EU Commission Presidency

Polish Prime Minister Tusk among candidates for President of European Commission

May 17, 2013

Croatia‘s and Hungary‘s Fight About Oil Company Ina

The dispute between core shareholders of Croatian oil producer Ina has started anew.

May 17, 2013

Three Major Energy Companies to Withdraw from Poland

After ExxonMobil two other huge energy enterprises left Poland after unsucessfully drilling for shale gas.

May 16, 2013

Bulgaria’s Election Winner To Annul Results

GERB party, winner of the early presidential elections in Bulgaria, announced to file a lawsuit before the Constitutional Court.

May 16, 2013

UK Believes Strongly Ukraine Should Be Part of EU

Foreign Secretary Hague affirmed the UK’s support and approval of Ukraine’s reform zeal.

May 15, 2013

Poland: PZU to Acquire Croatia Osiguranje

After years of looking for an opportunity to invest further, PZU, Poland’s major state-owned insurance company, is focusing on aquiring a controlling stake in Croatia Osiguranje.

May 14, 2013

US Software Producer Oracle to Invest in Romania

US software producer Oracle will invest approximately € 100m in Romania

May 14, 2013

Majority of Czechs Want to Keep the Koruna

A clear majority of Czech citizens reject the Euro and want to keep their national currency, the Czech Koruna.

May 14, 2013