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Executives of Austrian Companies in the US and Canada Met in Chicago
For the second time, the Annual Conference for Executives of Austrian Subsidiaries returned to Chicago. A group of renowned financial, legal, economic experts and consultants presented an outlook on the business environment as well as forecasts for the US and Canadian economies to an audience of some 100 top-level Austrian executives and important decision makers from a variety of industries.
October 8, 2015
CEE in the Autumn of 2015 is the New Safe Haven
The key conclusion of UniCredit’s CEE Quarterly 4Q 2015 is that the CEE region, despite its heterogeneity, looks better positioned than most other large emerging markets to cope with potential challenges. In particular they found that market volatility spiked in 3Q15, with the uncertainty surrounding the anticipated Fed rate hike augmented by growing worries about a “hard landing” in China.
September 25, 2015
Humanitarian Crisis: OSCE Can Be Important Platform for Co-Operation
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today met refugees and representatives of local aid organizations at the Vienna West railway station (Westbahnhof), where he was briefed by Austria’s Interior Ministry and the Vienna police about their operations.
September 24, 2015
Export Award: Austria's Best Exporters
The success of exporters on international markets secures prosperity and jobs in Austria, with six out of every ten euros generated by exports. Recently the 2015 Export Award winners were selected by an independent expert panel. The Austrian Export Award gives annual recognition to the most dedicated and successful companies.
September 11, 2015
Austrian President Fischer is First European Head of State to Visit Iran
Austrian President Heinz Fischer is the first European head of state to visit Iran following the successful conclusion of nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1.
September 7, 2015
InEquality: Economic Symposium at Forum Alpbach Launched
The Economic Symposium of the Forum Alpbach has been launched in the presence of business executives, politicians, students and the media. The core topic of this year's conference is InEquality.
September 2, 2015
Expat Insider: Country Report Austria - Safe & Sound
InterNations shares with you a detailed picture of life abroad in Austria: why people relocate, what their daily life is like, and how satisfied they are. Known for schnitzels, mountains, and bodybuilders turned governors, Austria has excellent rankings in the Quality of Life, Working Abroad, and Family Life Indices, but settling in isn't easy. They provide an in-depth country profile of Austria. Read on and find out what expatriate life in your dream destination Austria is actually like.
August 25, 2015
German Creditor Pool Brings EUR 1 Bln Action Against Heta Before Frankfurt Regional Court
The lawsuit demands almost EUR 1 billion and is brought in Frankfurt/Main against asset resolution company Heta. The creditor pool consists largely of German creditors which demand immediate repayment of bonds and promissory note loans.
July 16, 2015
IAEA's Position and Road-Map Regarding Iran's Nuclear Program
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) agree, in continuation of their cooperation under the Framework for Cooperation, to accelerate and strengthen their cooperation and dialogue aimed at the resolution, by the end of 2015, of all past and present outstanding issues that have not already been resolved by the IAEA and Iran.
July 14, 2015
Iran Nuclear Deal: Joint Statement by Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister
The joint statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif calls on the world community "to support the implementation of this historic effort". "The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a balanced deal that respects the interests of all sides. It is also complex, detailed and technical."
July 14, 2015
Iran Nuclear Deal: Historic Agreement in Vienna
The so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany and the EU have reached a "historic" deal with Iran on limiting Iranian nuclear activity in return for the lifting of international economic sanctions. The deal, known as the "Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action", was signed today in Vienna.
July 14, 2015
Historic Iran Nuclear Deal Likely to be Announced Early Tuesday
Officials negotiating in Vienna's Palais Coburg say nothing is confirmed, but a deal will possibly come in the early hours of the morning. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said an Iran nuclear deal would not be ready to be announced July 13, as China’s Foreign Minister urged the P5+1 and Iran to finalize the accord.
July 13, 2015
RBI: Grexit Still an Option
RBI analysts conclude in their latest risk analysis, that today’s summit agreement should not be taken as end to the risk of Grexit yet. If the agreement fails to clear the necessary parliamentary hurdles, the ECB could soon withdraw its support for Greek banks, forcing Greece out of the Euro. Even after a successful conclusion of negotiations the risk of Grexit could soon resurface: If the willingness of the Greek government to implement reforms declines again after the current pressure is reduced, todays crisis summit would be followed be new ones, whenever a new aid tranche has to be paid out.
July 13, 2015
Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons Acts to Combat Human Trafficking
Protecting groups vulnerable to human trafficking along migration routes and in destination countries is the focus of the 2015 Alliance conference, where during the next two days leading experts are looking for new ways to assist at-risk migrants. “This has become an increasingly urgent international issue with serious security implications for the OSCE area and neighbouring regions,” Aleksandar Nikolić, Serbia’s State Secretary of the Interior Ministry, said on Monday.
July 6, 2015
How to Combat Human Trafficking Discussed in Vienna
Combating human trafficking along migration routes will be in focus at a high-level conference on 6-7 July in Vienna. The conference will draw attention to the impact of state migration policies on trafficking in human beings, the increasing risk of being trafficked during times of crisis, and the special vulnerability of unaccompanied minors on the move.
June 29, 2015
International Experts Discuss Counter-Terrorism Measures in Vienna
An expert conference in Vienna next week focuses on countering the incitement and recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters.
June 26, 2015
Austrian Economy is Underperforming the Eurozone Average
Ernst & Young's latest analysis on the Eurozone forecasts that the Austrian economy is to grow 0.7% in 2015, underperforming the Eurozone as a whole for the second consecutive year. Investment is expected to remain subdued, while the contribution of exports will be only marginal as a consequence of the modest external environment.
June 24, 2015
Ambassador Martin Sajdik Becomes New OSCE Special Representative in Ukraine
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić today appointed Ambassador Martin Sajdik (Austria) as his new Special Representative in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group. He follows Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini (Switzerland) who, having fulfilled this assignment for one year, expressed her wish to step down.
June 23, 2015
"WeCooperate" Project Closes with Millions Mobilised
The OSCE project "WeCooperate" closes with millions mobilised to work together to achieve peace and security. Two months on the campaign is drawing to a close, having reached an audience of nearly three million people with the message that co-operation is the path to peace and security.
June 19, 2015
European Forum Wachau: Political Leaders Discuss Europe's Limits
The European Forum Wachau is a European debate event and will be held this weekend at the Stift Göttweig in Lower Austria. The event was launched in 1995, the year of Austria's accession to the European Union. Participants of the conference titled “Has Europe reached its limits? Reflections on Europe’s future role on the global stage” will discuss topics such as, the EU as a security provider, the EU's new mode of regional cooperation and the EU and her neighbours.
June 12, 2015
Foreign Minister Kurz Met His British Counterpart Philip Hammond in Vienna
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond met for talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz in Vienna - a discussion on reforms necessary to make the EU fit for the 21st century. Both foreign ministers "Agreed that EU-reform must cut regulation & support business."
June 12, 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
OPEC Member Countries Discuss Global Petroleum Development Strategies in Vienna
The 6th OPEC International Seminar, with the theme "Petroleum - An Engine for Global Development", aims to build on the previous events from the past decade. It is currently taking place at the Imperial Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The Seminar intends to underpin OPEC’s commitment to stabilize the international oil market by promoting cooperation and dialogue with stakeholders around the world.
June 3, 2015
Analysis: Austrian Economy Falls Behind Eurozone Average
The latest "Attractiveness Survey" from consultancy Ernst & Young Global Limited shows, that espite strong fundamentals, Austria’s economy lost some ground on the Eurozone average in 2014, with growth of just 0.4% compared with 0.9% for the Eurozone as a whole. This comparative weakness will also continue in 2015, with Austria’s GDP growth estimated at 1.1%, against 1.5% in the Eurozone. This is despite a boost from lower energy prices, quantitative easing from the European Central Bank (ECB) and a weaker euro.
June 1, 2015
Tolerance and Equality: Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade
The 20th Rainbow Parade on Vienna’s Ringstrasse (20.6.) and the Vienna Pride (16.-21.6.) with the Pride Village on City Hall Square will set a sign for tolerance and equality.
May 29, 2015
OSCE's Dunja Mijatović Lauds UN Security Council Resolution on Protection of Journalists
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović welcomed the UN Security Council’s passing today of Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists.
May 27, 2015
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
The Eurovision Song Contest Village: "Let's Meet at Rathausplatz"
In the week leading up to the ESC finals in Vienna, Rathausplatz – the square in front of Vienna City Hall – will be turned into the Eurovision Village from 18 to 23 May 2015. It will be THE place to be for everyone interested in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2015. The programme starts on 18 May with the opening event featuring an international fashion show, and will continue with themed days, live performances by ESC contestants, a colourful family programme. On 23 May, the ESC finals will be broadcast live from Stadthalle and shown on Rathausplatz. For one week, the framework event under the motto "Hello Vienna. Welcome Europe!" will highlight the very best of the Eurovision nations, including culinary delights from different countries.
May 15, 2015
OSCE Troika Urges Advancement in Political Process Aimed at Solving Crisis in Ukraine
Foreign Ministers Dačić, Steinmeier and Burkhalter called for the immediate establishment of Working Groups as provided for in the February 12 Package of Measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements and proposed by Special Representative Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini and the Trilateral Contact Group.
April 28, 2015
OSCE: Strengthening Peace and Security Co-Operation Towards Democracy and Development
Representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, civil society and international organizations will meet in Vienna tomorrow to open a two-day conference on the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, with an emphasis on association.
April 27, 2015
UNODC: Opening of Refugee Exhibition in Vienna Reinforces Need to Support Vulnerable Smuggled Migrants
An exhibition at the Vienna International Centre on the suffering of conflict refugees fleeing to Turkey offered an opportunity for UNODC to showcase its own ongoing activities against migrant smuggling as well as tackling other forms of organized crime, including money laundering.
April 17, 2015
Business Indicator: Economic Activity Remains Sluggish - Revival Only in Course of Year
Bank Austria has published its latest "Business Indicator" on the Austrian economy. The Austrian economy is making no headway at present after the mild improvement in the economic climate at the start of the year. The Bank Austria Business Indicator remained at exactly zero points in February after a modest increase in the previous month. The current economic situation is thus somewhat more favourable than towards the end of the previous year, but the local economy still lacks momentum as of March 2015.
April 1, 2015
Austria to Support China's "Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank"?
The Austrian Finance Ministry confirmed that Austria will participate in the China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) project after receiving the appropriate approval from the government. Now it checks for a potential engagement. China is taking matters into its own hands. It will use the new bank to expand its influence at the expense of America and Japan. Its decision to fund a new multilateral bank reflects its frustration with the slow pace of global economic governance reform. China is the biggest economy in Asia, but the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is still dominated by the Japanese: Japan’s voting share is twice China’s and the ADB’s president has always been Japanese. Also, reforms to give China more say at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been delayed for years.
March 27, 2015
Austrian Export Day 2015 - Tomorrow is Today: Meet Trade Delegates at the Exporttag
On June 30, 2015, from 10am to 5pm the Export Day (Exporttag 2015) of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) will take place in Vienna. Economic delegates from all over the world will be present.
March 27, 2015
Background: The New "Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank"
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is regarded by some as a rival for the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which are regarded as dominated by developed countries like the United States. AIIB is an international financial institution proposed by the government of China. The purpose of the multilateral development bank is to provide finance to infrastructure projects in the Asia region. Austria recently said, that it is "positive" and that it "now checks for a potential engagement".
March 27, 2015
Germanwings Flight 9525 was a Suicide Mission
According to the latest reports, suicide and mass murder by the co-pilot explains the deaths of 150 people aboard Germanwings flight 9525 from Barcelona to Düsseldorf. There is clear evidence that 27-year-old German co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately locked the pilot out of the cockpit and then began with the Airbus A320 a constant, unauthorized and deadly descent. Brice Robin, the public prosecutor from Marseille told a press conference that the first officer had locked the captain out of the cockpit and set the controls of the Airbus for a rapid descent and the eventual crash into the French Alps. The Aviation Safety Network has published a list of aircraft accidents caused by pilot suicide (see below).
March 26, 2015 · Updated: March 26, 2015; 18:30
International Jihadism Conference in Vienna: "Tackling Jihadism Together"
Ministers from Austria, the Western Balkans & Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos gathered in Vienna to tackle Jihadism. Austrian FM Kurz: "Tackling Jihadism is an urgent task for all of us - we're in this together!" Avramopoulos: "Need to transform common will into common action".
March 20, 2015
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug to Visit Vienna
The Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Alexander Hug, will visit Vienna, Austria, on 5-6 March.
March 5, 2015
Global Peace Index: Austria is Third Most Peaceful Country
The latest Global Peace Index analyses the state of peace around the world. It identifies the most and least peaceful countries, trends in violence and conflict, and calculates the economic impact of violence. The top three most peaceful countries are Iceland, Denmark and Austria. Small and stable democracies make up the top ten most peaceful countries. New Zealand, Canada and Japan are the only non-European countries in the top ten.
March 4, 2015
OSCE Chief Observer at the Russian Checkpoints to Visit Headquarter in Vienna
Paul Picard, Chief OSCE Observer at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk will address the OSCE Permanent Council. He will report on the situation including movements across the Russian-Ukrainian border at the Russian checkpoints at Gukovo and Donetsk.
February 25, 2015
Finance Ministry: "Fitch Downgrade has no Impact on Austria Rating"
In response to the rating announcement by rating agency Fitch, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance says, that the current Fitch rating has no impact on the Austria rating due to temporary debt increase.
February 20, 2015
Austrian Government Guarantees Stand at EUR 112.9 bn
Newly collected data by Statistics Austria on State guarantees (governmental contingent liabilities, potential obligations and assets) show guarantees of €112.9 bn at the end of 2013 (of which 52% are granted by the state and local government sectors).
February 10, 2015
Japanese Mizuho Bank Sets Up Office in Vienna
Mizuho Bank through its Dutch subsidiary has acquired the approval to open a branch in Vienna. The bank is looking to develop its business in CEE. Simultaneously the Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the Austrian Business Agency for services in connection with the setup.
January 28, 2015
Holocaust Memorial Day: "European Jews again feeling anxious and uncertain about their future"
As people across the OSCE region commemorated the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, officials highlighted the importance for societies to stand firmly against the contemporary challenges of anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of intolerance.
January 28, 2015
Vienna as a Business Location - The City at a Glance
Vienna combines tradition, culture and quality of life with the factors of a top business location in a unique way. A stable political and economic environment, a research and technology-friendly climate, geographical and cultural proximity to the growth markets in the east and, not least, the highest quality of life in the world provide for a place at the very top of the world’s rankings.
January 27, 2015
Does Abdullah's Death Improve Interreligious Dialogue?
Saudi King Abdullah is dead. Continuity is assured as Crown Prince Salman succeeds brother to the throne. Saudi Arabia is repeatedly being criticised for human rights violations. The case of internet activist Badawi caused in Vienna calls for the closure of the late King Abdullah Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
January 23, 2015
Celebrating 200 Years of the Congress of Vienna
Europe was reorganized at the Congress of Vienna exactly 200 years ago. Numerous princes, kings and two emperors gathered by the Danube for the negotiations. Two exiting exhibitions now provide insights into the events of 1814/15.
January 23, 2015
OSCE Permanent Council Prepares for Upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust remembrance was the focus of today's meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council at Vienna's Hofburg in light of the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January).
January 22, 2015
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