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.

Slovenia Pressed to Take “Swift and Decisive” Actions

On Monday Eurozone Finance Ministers warned Slovenia to take “swift and decisive” action to address its economic imbalances.

May 14, 2013

Austria to Give Up Bank Secret for Foreigners

After years of blocking, Austrian Finance Minister Maria Fekter gave green light to the abandoning of the bank secret for foreigners.

May 14, 2013

EU Commission Expects Austria to Agree To EUSD

Head of Eurogroup Jeroen Dijsselbloem expects a constructive approach of Austria in the debate about the automatice exchange of data of tax foreigners in Europe.

May 13, 2013

US: Kerry Announced Support of Ukraine’s EU Integration

US Secretary of State John Kerry announced his support for Ukraine’s move towards an EU membership.

May 13, 2013

Russian’s Policy on Belarus: Support As a Means of Subordination

Despite the conflicts and frictions in their bilateral relations, Russia has for years regularly invested in Belarus, according to the Centre of Eastern Studies.

May 13, 2013

Slovenia Likely To Require More State Funds Than Expected

According to Morgan Stanley, the Slovenian national treasury will need a further amount of € 11bn until 2016. Slovenian Finance Minister Cufer is expected to present the new program in Brussels today.

May 13, 2013

Bulgaria: CEZ to Keep License

Former PM Borisov had been critical of CEZ in Bulgaria. Energy Minister Vasilev annouced the power supplier would not lose its license.

May 13, 2013

Austrian Bank Secret: Faymann Vs. Fekter

Austria‘s agreement to an automatic exchange of data has become a personal match between Chancellor Faymann and Finance Minister Fekter.

May 13, 2013

No Changes in Bulgarian Political Landscape

At the early elections in Bulgaria, Prime Minister Borissov’s Gerb party turns out winner in the early elections.

May 13, 2013

Austria: Hypo Group Dilemma Requires Highest Form of Diplomancy

Before the deadline of handing in the new restructuring paper, talks with the top of EU Commission are supposed to take place with Austrian politicians.

May 10, 2013

CEESE: Economic Growth Stagnant

Orban claims Hungary is the country with the highest growth rate in CEE/CESEE next year.

May 10, 2013

Slovenia to Raise VAT and Sell 15 State Enterpises

Slovenia has announced to put 15 state companies up for sale and raise VAT in order to acquire revenues and avoid international bailout.

May 10, 2013

Maria Fekter: Hot-Tempered Lady At the Fireplace

Raiffeisen Centralbank (RZB) organized a „fireplace chat“ with Finance Minister Maria Fekter which took place on May 7 in Vienna.

May 8, 2013

Romania Seeks Energy Independence

The Black Sea has huge deposits in gas which Romania wants to use to achieve energy autonomy.

May 8, 2013

Pressure from EU on Orban Increases

EU demands that Hungary withdraws the changes to the constitution.

May 8, 2013

Serbia: „Dependent on EU“

Serbia hopes to be able and make the next steps toward an EU membership.

May 7, 2013

Slovenia: No Agreement on Fiscal Rule

Coalition and opposition remain divided over the question on when to implement the new fiscal law.

May 6, 2013

Spindelegger: Support for Serbian EU Membership

Vice Chancellor and Exterior Minister Michael Spindelegger has promised full support for Serbia on its way to a full EU membership.

May 6, 2013

Dacic to Promote for Serbian Economy in US

Serbia's Prime Minister plans economic trip to United States.

May 3, 2013

Czech Republic to Improve EU Relations?

Visits from high EU officials should herald the start of a new era in the relation between the Czech Republic and the EU.

May 3, 2013

Hypo Group to Get a Bad Bank?

Chancellor Faymann confirmed negotiations about the establishing of a bad bank for non-performing loans.

April 30, 2013

Joint Energy Diversification Plans for Ukraine and EU

Ukraine and EU share Energy Diversification Plans - Energy Community Official.

April 30, 2013

Austria: Government Shows Unanimity About Banking Secret

Fekter criticized Social Democrats.

April 30, 2013

„Slovenia Can Manage On Its Own“

In an interview with Austrian newspaper Kurier, President of the Slovenian Bankers Association France Arhar stresses that Slovenia is not the new Cyprus.

April 29, 2013

EU Ready to Adopt Measures Over CEZ in Bulgaria

Van Rompuy promised to take actions during his visit in Prague.

April 29, 2013

Austria: Solution for Bank Secret Issue Until May 22

After the recent turbulances within the Austrian government coalition, Chancellor Werner Faymann hopes to find an agreement with the EU concerning the bank secret until May 22.

April 29, 2013

Van Rompuy Encourages Romania to Become Eurozone Member

During his one-day visit to the Romanian capital, President of the European Council Van Rompuy noted Romania’s progress and stressed the importance of a banking union within the Eurozone.

April 26, 2013

EU Commission to Start Proceedings Against Hungary

On Wednesday, Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding told reporters in Brussels that the EU Commission will probably launch infringement proceedings against Hungary.

April 26, 2013

Foreign Enterprises Complain About Romanian Policy Making.

Regulations in energy sector were changed overnight.

April 26, 2013

Rosneft: Ambitious Plans

Russion oil producer intends to increase its shareholder value by 60 % in the next two years.

April 26, 2013

Austria: Faymann Betrays Ignorance

Chancellor Faymann claims not to have known about the controversial letter which has reached the media yesterday. He fears that Austria would now become a “laughingstock”.

April 26, 2013

Austria: Four Conditions For Commission In Return for Bank Secret

In a letter to Tax Commissioner Semeta Austrian Finance Minister Fekter and Chancellor Faymann set the conditions for the agreement of a negotiation mandate with third countries about the exchange of information.

April 25, 2013

Poland: Audit at Oil and Gas Company PGNiG

Poland’s new Treasury Minister Wlodzimierz Karpinski announced on Wednesday to carry out an urgent audit at Polish state-controlled oil and natural gas company PGNiG.

April 25, 2013

Austria: Green’s Motion of Censure Denied

The Green Party’s motion of censure against Finance Minister Fekter was denied by almost all parties in the National Assembly.

April 25, 2013

Poland to Support Serbia's European Integration

Dacic and Tusk agreed on improving cooperations, enhancing bilateral trade and increase Polish investments in Serbia.

April 25, 2013

Ukraine and Ireland to Sign Double Tax Agreement

Ukraine and Ireland signed a Double Tax Agreement in Kyiv during the official visit of Irish Minister of State at the Department of Finance Brian Hayes.

April 24, 2013

Czech Republic: Schwarzenberg Threatens to Leave Government

Statements made by Czech President Milos Zeman concerning the dispute about the appointment of ambassadors during his recent visit in Vienna, have incensed Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.

April 24, 2013

Hungary: New Political Competition For Orban

Former Finance Minister founds “conservative, pro-European” party.

April 23, 2013

Hungary: MNB Cuts Interest Rate by 0.25 %

The Central Bank of Hungary (MNB) has cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point for the ninth month running.

April 23, 2013

Spindelegger: "Brave Agreement Between Serbia and Kosovo Important Sign of Liberation for Entire Region"

Win-win agreement should now quickly be implemented to the benefit of the people. The EU will have to deliver on its promise

April 23, 2013

Putin: Stimulus Package for Russian Economy

Because of the present stagnation Putin demands a stimulus package for Russian economy.

April 22, 2013

EU Accession Date for Serbia Voted on Today

On Friday, heads of Serbian and Kosovar government Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaci have come to an agreement under the the special guidance of EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton.

April 22, 2013

Czech President to Visit Austria

New President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman is going to visit Austria with his wife Ivana Zemanova on Tuesday and Wednesday.

April 22, 2013

Serbia: Agreements in Kosovo Negotiations

Commissioner Ashton announced that both countries have found an arrangement.

April 19, 2013

Schwarzenberg: „Slovenia Joining V4 Would Not Be Efficient“

V4 Foreign Ministers have declared disapprobation of Slovenia joining the group.

April 19, 2013

Belgrade: Ready to Accept Agreements

Ninth round of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue ended with no agreement

April 18, 2013

Heated Debate in EP About Hungary

On Wednesday, the European Parliament has lead a heated debate concerning the controversial amendments to the Hungarian constitution.

April 18, 2013

Croatia Looking at EU Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

On July 1, Croatia will be joining the EU as 28th member state. Croatia is the first country after the economic crisis to become a member of the Union.

April 17, 2013

Forbes: “Austere Baltic States Outgrow Their European Neighbors”

Forbes magazine has dedicated a comprehensive article about how the Baltic countries manage to conquer the financial crisis.

April 17, 2013

Slovenia to Emerge From Quagmire By Itself?

A recent report by the OECD paints a dim picture of the country’s economic future.

April 17, 2013