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Austria and Serbia - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism

Improving Situation in Slovenia

Banka Slovenije points out that the finance industry was negatively affected by provisions and write-offs. However, the situation seems to be improving.

February 13, 2014

Serbia: FDI for Sustainable Growth

Serbia needs FDI in the amount of € 2bn at least to stimulate sustainable growth, according to experts.

February 12, 2014

Serbia: Inflation Requires New IMF Agreement

In the light of a devaluation of the Dinar Serbia needs a new agreement with the IMF to improve funding and accelerate the realization of reforms.

February 10, 2014

“Fragile Recovery in CEE Banking Sector”

According to the U.S. rating agency Fitch, the banking sector in Central and Eastern Europe is highly heterogeneous.

February 6, 2014

CESEE: Stuck in Transition or Just a Break?

Despite all difficulties in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the region remains essential for Austria. The long-term growth potential remains intact.

February 6, 2014 · Updated: February 6, 2014; 13:41

EBRD: CESEE Not Under Pressure Yet

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, most countries in CESEE are relatively unaffected despite the renewed pressure on emerging markets.

February 4, 2014

Hypo Group: Calls for Bankruptcy Become Louder

The Austrian government wants to prevent the bankruptcy of the nationalized lender Hypo Group Alpe Adria. However, there are better arguments for an orderly insolvency.

February 3, 2014

Serbia: First License Withdrawal of Private Bank

For the first time in the Serbian history, a privately held bank loses its license.

February 3, 2014

„We Must Watch CESEE Very Carefully“

In an interview with the Austrian daily „Standard“, board member of Österreichische Kontrollbank AG Angelika Sommer-Hemetsberger said that the economic crisis in CESEE is not over yet.

February 3, 2014

Suspicious Secrecy in the Cause of Hypo Group Alpe Adria

In the matter of Hypo Group Alpe Adria, the Austrian government acts disconcertingly. Details on the situation of the nationalized banks are still kept as a secret.

February 1, 2014

Serbia: EU Enthousiasm Kept in Limits

A survey among Serbian citizens about an EU membership reveals weak support.

January 30, 2014

CESEE: Overtaking Western Europe Not Before 2055

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the transition period of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe will take longer than initially expected.

January 29, 2014

Another Emergency at Hypo Group Alpe Adria

The series of bad news does not come to an end. After enormous capital injections in 2013, the nationalized Austrian lender again needs help from the Austrian state.

January 24, 2014

Serbia: World Bank Delays Loan

The World Bank has delayed a loan in the amount of US-$ 250m for Serbia.

January 24, 2014

Considerable Differences Across European Mortgage Markets

According to Fitch Ratings, the performance of European residential mortgage markets as a whole has improved. In Southeastern Europe, by contrast, the recovery will take some more time.

January 23, 2014

CESEE: Recovery Remains Modest

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published a report on the regional economic prospects. The economic recovery in CESEE remains fragile.

January 23, 2014

Insurance Industry Faces Growing Risks

According to the U.S. rating agency Fitch, insurers in Europe have to accept riskier investments. Ratings may deteriorate, Fitch warned.

January 22, 2014

Croatia Supports Albania in EU Accession Course

Albania hopes that EU Accession Negotiations will take place in June 2014.

January 22, 2014

“No Real Wage Loss This Year“

In terms of real wages, Austria may face a trend reversal this year. In Southeastern Europe, by contrast, poverty is growing considerably.

January 21, 2014

Serbia: "Kosovo Part of Whole Package"

Serbia hopes to join the union until the year 2020. The solving of the issue with Kosovo remains a key condition. Austrian Foreign Minister Kurz stresses the importance of the region becoming a part of the European Union.

January 21, 2014

Uniqa Serbia Continues to Grow

Market share increases to 7.3 per cent in third quarter of 2013. Premium volume for life insurance up 18.5 per cent.

January 20, 2014

IMF and EBRD Deeply Concerned Over CESEE

Foreign banks continue to withdraw capital from the region. According to the International Monetary Fund, the development is highly considerable.

January 14, 2014

CESEE: Lack in FDI Causes Modest Economic Growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is cautiously optimistic about economic growth in CESEE.

January 14, 2014

Serbia Facing Testing Year

The Serbian government is currently working on a plan to improve the competitiveness of domestic enterprises.

January 13, 2014

Basel III Framework to be Softened

The Basel Committee´s oversight body has amended the leverage ratio rules. For the banking industry, this step is an important success.

January 13, 2014

Europe/CESEE: Heavy Trade in Distressed Assets

Until 2018, European lenders will offload about 300bn of bad debts, according to PwC. Above all, U.S. private equity firms are taking the opportunity.

January 11, 2014

Serbia: One of Fastest Growing Economies

Last year Serbia was among the ten fastest growing economies in Europe, as pointed out by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

January 8, 2014

Romania: Slight Increase in FX Reserves

In December 2013 FX reserves increased slightly compared to the previous month.

January 7, 2014

Erste Group Bank AG - SWOT Analysis & Company Report

This new report contains in depth information and data about Erste Group and its operations and markets. It contains an overview, business and strategy description, financial ratios, valuation & forecast data, SWOT analysis, plus data on key events.

January 6, 2014

Raiffeisen Bank International AG - SWOT Analysis & Company Report 2014

This new report contains in depth information and data about Raiffeisen Bank International AG and its operations and markets. It contains an overview, business and strategy description, financial ratios, valuation & forecast data and a SWOT analysis.

January 6, 2014

Southeastern Europe Endangered of Civil Unrests

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, several CESEE countries may face civil unrests in 2014. In particular, Southeastern Europe is in the danger zone.

January 4, 2014

CEE: Economic Sentiment Cautiously Optimistic

The economic sentiment for Eastern European countries is becoming more optimistic, however, only cautiously. Poland is on top of the list of economists at JP Morgan.

January 2, 2014

Serbia: Moderate Economic Growth in 2013

According to the release of the Serbian Statistical Office, GDP is estimated to have grown 2.4% in 2013.

January 2, 2014

Hypo Group: Austrian Government Seems Aimless

Although the restructuring of the nationalized Austrian lender is one of the most pressing issues, the Austrian government could not present a sound concept yet.

December 27, 2013

Serbia to Receive Pre-Accession Assistance from EU

Today the European Commission adopted the 2013 national programme for Serbia under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA).

December 23, 2013

„CESEE No Driver Yet“

Birgit Kuras, CEO of Vienna Stock Exchange, thinks that the Vienna Stock Exchange is highly influenced by the CESEE operations of listed companies.

December 23, 2013

CESEE: Dependence on Foreign Demand Remains Main Obstacle

In 2014, Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) faces a slight upward trend. The structural difficulties persist, however.

December 21, 2013

Austria: New CEO for Hypo Group Alpe Adria

The search for a new CEO for Hypo Group has ended. On Friday the bank has found a new head of the management board since the position was vacant after Gottwald Kranebitter’s resignation this summer.

December 20, 2013

Stable Outlook for CESEE Banking Industry

According to the U.S. rating agency fitch, the sector outlook remains stable in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. However, the well-known risks and weaknesses will persist.

December 19, 2013

Serbia: National Bank Cuts Key Policy Rate

The NBS decided to cut key interest rate by half a percentage point as inflation remains on the lower target tolerance band.

December 18, 2013

Serbia: EU Accession Talks in January Fixed

Prime Minister Dacic considers results as “historic event” for Serbia.

December 18, 2013

CESEE: More Robust than in 2008

The U.S. Federal Reserve wants to reduce its easing policy gradually. For emerging markets, the end of the loose monetary policy may prove challenging.

December 17, 2013

NBS: Moderate Rise in Inflation

Moderate rise of inflation expected by the National Bank of Serbia (NBS).

December 16, 2013

Emerging Markets Face Decrease in Risk Appetite

Foreign investors become more and more cautious about investing in emerging markets. Regions like Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe are highly dependent on foreign sentiments.

December 14, 2013

Croatia: Privatization of HPB Fails

The privatization of the Croat Postal Bank (HPB) has failed for the time being. For the potential buyers, HPB is too risky.

December 13, 2013

Serbia: NBS FX Reserves Amounted to More than € 10,362m at End-November

FX Reserves and IFEM movements in November.

December 12, 2013

Austrian Banking Industry Depends on Russia and Czech Republic

For the Austrian banking sector, the CESEE region is highly heterogeneous. In the first six months of 2013, net earnings totaled € 1.4bn in the region.

December 12, 2013

Serbia: World Bank Attaches Loan to New Laws

The World Bank has attached the loan in the amount of US-$ 250m (€ 183m) for Serbia to the implementation of three important laws within this year still.

December 10, 2013

Serbia: New Budget Turning Point for Economy

Next year’s draft budget is, according to Prime Minister Ivica Dacic the opportunity for a new beginning and a turning point in a responsible approach to running the Serbian economy.

December 9, 2013

Austrian Banking Sector: € 35bn NPL

Due to the gloomy economic situation in CESEE and the stagnating domestic economy, Austrian banks suffer from growing non-performing loans.

December 9, 2013