Newsletter: Vienna International News

European Commission Approves Second Fixed Cost Subsidy

The European Commission has approved Austria's request to grant further subsidies to companies particularly impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The so-called Fixed Cost Subsidy II could cover up to 70 percent of the uncovered fixed costs and up to EUR 3 million.

Edtstadler: "No Understanding" for EU Budget Veto of Poland and Hungary

Hungary and Poland refused to agree on the EU's financial framework for the next seven years. Austria's Minister Edtstadler as well as her German counterparts do not understand Hungary's and Poland's veto and demand a clear resolution of any blockades that delay the distribution of important Covid-19 aid measures.

WKO: Thoughts About Opening Stores on Sundays

The President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) has expressed his thoughts about a possible opening of stores on Sundays before Christmas. This would create the opportunity for companies to equalize customer flows which they have missed out on during the ongoing lockdown.

Ludwig Is Sworn In as New, Old Mayor of Vienna

Michael Ludwig was sworn in as mayor of Vienna by Federal President Van der Bellen. The President sees the coalition between Ludwig's Social Democratic Party (SPOE) and the New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) as an interesting opportunity, since this constellation had not existed on a federal or state level before.

First Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day

The Austrian and Swedish government have decided to hold their first ever Austrian Swedish Innovation Exchange Day, which will try to kick-off a lasting bilateral relationship with regard to innovation, business and industry. The event will be attended by Austrian and Swedish politicians as well as representatives of the economic sector.

Violence Protection Summit Welcomes International Guests

The Violence Protection Summit organized by Austria's Federal Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of the Interior will be supported by international participation. UN Special Rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic and EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli will be participating in the summit.