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Austria International Political News | International | EU | Domestic
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian politics with reference to the international interest


Austria: Elsner Files Lawsuit in US Supreme Court

Former BAWAG CEO Helmut Elsner filed a lawsuit over $ 1.8bn against members of the Austrian Social Democrat party (SPÖ).
March 7, 2013


"Strict financial audits enhance trust in administrative bodies"

Symposium of international courts of auditors discusses citizens' participation in Vienna.
March 7, 2013


Austria: Minor Increase of Age for Pension

Despite of reforms concerning the pension system and a raise for the pension entitlement, only a slight increase was noticed.
March 7, 2013


Slovenia/Croatia: Agreement over Bank Dispute

After years of debate, there seem to be a final agreement in the fight for the insolvent Ljubljanska Banka. The settlement should pave the way for Croatia’s becoming an EU member state.
March 7, 2013


Hungary: Incoming National Economy Minister Summarizes Targets

Succeeding Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga outlined economic policy cornerstones
March 7, 2013


Hungary: Expropriation of Foreign Farmers

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced further steps and plans the dispossession of foreign investors.
March 7, 2013


Lithuania: Cashing in Eurobonds to Decrease Public Debt

The finance ministry of Lithuania declared to having redeemed the second large Eurobond issue today and reduced its public debt by € 1 bn.
March 7, 2013


Leitl: "Restructuring Instead of Cashing in"

Christoph Leitl, head of WKO (Austrian Chamber of Commerce), dismisses further plans for a tax hike. The outcome would be fatal and the economy exposed to threats.
March 6, 2013


Bulgaria: Still Fighting Minimal Growth and Weak Economy

The Balkan country has the lowest living standards in the EU and the population’s frustration over its failure to improve the economic situation led to mass protests.
March 6, 2013


Poland: NBP Cuts Interest Rate to Record Low

The council of fiscal policy has cut interests rate down to 3.25 % which is the lowest since Poland’s democratic turnaround in 1989.
March 6, 2013


Hungary: Highest Loss in Real Wages in Five Years

Gross salaries increased 4.6 % while net income only saw moderate rise at 2 % in 2012.
March 6, 2013


Slovakia: Growing Lack of Interest about Occurances in EU

The Slovak population has apparently lost its enthousiasm about EU politics. According to polls, only 40 % say they were interested in the current events.
March 6, 2013


Austrian Development Funds: Programme Approved

“ADA has over 110 million euros funding for operative development cooperation work in 2013” the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.
March 6, 2013


Bulgaria: Electricity Rate to be Reduced by 7 %

Experts still fear that the reduction in electricity prices will not help stopping protests.
March 6, 2013


Last Meeting between Klaus and Gasparovic

The Presidents of the Czech Republic and of Slovakia will have a last meeting tomorrow.
March 5, 2013


Hungary: GKI Forecasts Budget Deficit of HUF 200 bn

The Hungarian government is in complete opposite to GKI’s statement: forecasts economic growth of 1 % and does not see any concerns.
March 5, 2013


Poland: Government Retains Economic Forecast

Despite the economic slowdown, Poland´s Minister of Finance Jacek Rostowski demonstrates optimism.
March 5, 2013


Slovenia: New Government to be Built

Until March 14, the new administration should be nominated. However, 32 % think that the new head of government will not be able to form a government.
March 5, 2013


Czech Republic Eases Austerity Policy

In order to boost economic growth, the Czech government tends to refrain from the strict austerity course.
March 5, 2013


Bulgaria: Protests About to Escalate

The political frustration of Bulgaria’s population comes to new high as the promised reduction of energy prices stays out.
March 5, 2013


Latvia: Letter Requesting the Convergence Report is Signed

The Baltic country wants to become a member of the Eurozone by 2014.
March 5, 2013


Bulgaria: Eagles Briges Civic Association To Be Found in Sofia

Protesters are gathering in the Arena Armeets Hall to differentiate their pleas.
March 4, 2013


Latvia: Eager for the Euro. But ready?

Latvia’s leadership considers adopting the Euro in 2015 or 2016. Despite of showing the fastest economic growth rate at 5.1 % in Europe, there is scepticism Latvian population.
March 4, 2013


Serbia: No Solution to Kosovo Issue Yet

At today’s trilateral meetings in Brussels for the sequel talks about the association Serb municipalities in Kosovo a gloomy atmosphere between the parties is predominant. Neither Serbia nor Kosovo want to step down from their claims.
March 4, 2013


Mixed Outlook for Russia

This year, Russia´s GDP will grow by 3.3%, the World Bank predicts. Regarding economic reforms, Russia must improve its effort, though.
March 4, 2013


Czech Republic: CNB Fights Against Recession

As the interest rate was cut to a technical zero, the Czech National Bank considers intervening against the crown.
March 4, 2013


Romania/Bulgaria: Germany Plans Veto against Schengen Entry

According to the journal “Spiegel”, the German government does not regard the two countries as Schengen-worthy.
March 4, 2013


Belka and Rostowski “Time to Move Up a Gear”

Governor of NBP (National Bank of Poland) Marek Belka and Poland´s Minister of Finance Jacek Rostowski want to accelerate Poland´s approach to the Eurozone.
March 4, 2013


Bulgaria: Budget Balance Negative

The budget balance under the Consolidated Fiscal Programme (CFP) as of end-January 2013 is negative, amounting to BGN 536.5 million.
March 4, 2013


“I do not expect for crediting requirements to tighten”

There is no reason for crediting requirements to be tightened, Zoran Stavreski, Macedonia´s Minister of Finance says.
March 4, 2013


Turkey: Erdogan Arouses Harsh Criticism by Equaling Fascism and Zionism

At the UN conference in Vienna Turkeys Prime Minister obtained harsh criticism for his speech. The UN distanced itself from the statements.
March 2, 2013


Austria: Government Adheres to Zero Deficit in 2016

Although the economic development is behind the expectations, the government wants to achieve a budget surplus in 2017.
March 2, 2013


Romania: Corlatean Questions Admittance to Schengen-Agreement

Exterior minister Corlatean shows no more interest in Romania’s joining the Schengen-zone. Several member states disapprove of this idea.
March 2, 2013


Romania As Risk Factor for Austria´s Public Finance

The partly nationalized Austrian banking group VBAG faces difficulties in Romania. The Austrian Ministry of Finance tries to prevent further capital injections into VBAG.
March 2, 2013


Does the Hungarian Telecommunication Sector Face Nationalizations?

According to rumors, Hungary´s government plans to nationalize the Hungarian subsidiary of the telecommunication operator Vodafone.
March 2, 2013


Lithuanian Banking Sector: Lending Up, Profitability Down

Over the past year, the assets of banks operating in the country and branches of foreign banks decreased.
March 2, 2013


Austria: Public Spending Ratio Forces Country to Reforms

Austria’s economy is stronger than the European average, however, it is still in need of reforms. Suggestions are made by head of WIFO Aiginger who demands a new strategy until 2025.
March 2, 2013


Poland: Fiscal Treaty Ratified

Poland´s President Bronislaw Komorowski has signed the EU Fiscal Pact this week.
March 1, 2013


Hungary: Matolcsy Becomes New Central Bank Governor

Prime Minister Orbán nominated the former National Economy Minister as the new governor of the MNB (National Bank of Hungary). Experts are concerned about the stability of the Forinth.
March 1, 2013


Serbia: Prime Minister Dacic Demands Separation of Kosovo

European Union and USA reject any change of boundery on the Balkan.
March 1, 2013


Bulgaria „Protests are Useless“

In an interview with the Austrian daily newspaper „Standard“, Bulgarian author Ilija Trojanov explains why the situation in Bulgaria is rather hopeless.
March 1, 2013


“Business development focus in solid Austrian ties to Qatar”

Austrian State Secretary meets the Emir of Qatar and Qatar’s Foreign Affairs State Secretary for working discussions.
March 1, 2013


UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Vienna

The UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum draws a close with the Vienna Declaration. The forum was attended by Heads of State and Global Foreign Ministers.
March 1, 2013


Austria: Record High in People Unemployed

At the end of February, 404,006 persons were seeking for a job. Compared to January this means an increase of 5.3 % or further 16,337 people jobless.
March 1, 2013


Bulgaria: Stop of Constructing Nuclear Power Plant in Belene

Together with Russia, Bulgaria stopped the controversial construction of a nuclear power plant in Belene close to the Danube.
March 1, 2013


Bulgaria: Economy to Stabilize

Despite the enormous political instability, Bulgaria is expected to record positive growth rates this year.
February 28, 2013


Bulgaria: Protestors Want Radical Reforms

The atmosphere in the poorest EU country remains tense. The citizens want a new constitution.
February 28, 2013


Austrian Budget: Pensions as Risk Factor

Until 2017, the additional burden has a size of € 1.0bn, Austrian Minister of Finance Maria Fekter says in an interview with “Presse”.
February 28, 2013


Hungary Enlarges Railway Network

State Secretary on Foreign Relations Peter Szijjarto announced that MAV (Hungarian Railways) starts its biggest investment program since WWII.
February 28, 2013


Fekter Pleased with New Banking Regulations

Austrian Minister of Finance: "Agreement stabilizes banking sector, protects taxpayers and strengthens Austrian SMEs".
February 28, 2013