EC European Commission

Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets

With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.

October 22, 2020

Austrian National Bank: Exports Increase Again

Exports, excluding tourism, were above the comparable figures from 2019 for the first time in Austria since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis. The Austrian National Bank is confident that a second wave can be contained and that no further monetary or fiscal policy measures are needed.

October 21, 2020

Germany Extends Border Controls to Austria

Germany announced that it will extend the border controls on the German-Austrian border for another six months starting November 12 2020. These controls are in place since the end of 2015 and will not include any new or unexpected measures.

October 15, 2020

EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian

The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.

October 13, 2020

Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided

The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.

October 9, 2020

Edtstadler Welcomes Progress in Accession Process of Western Balkan States

The European Commission has agreed on a financial package for economic integration of the Western Balkan states. The good developments in North Macedonia and Albania are not only welcomed by the European Union but also by Federal Minister Edtstadler.

October 8, 2020

Schramböck: "Every New Infection Is a Potential Danger for the Business Location"

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck empasizes the importance of low infection rates for the business location. She demands more rigid measures for Vienna, which is currently the Covid-19 hotspot in Austria.

October 5, 2020

Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020

A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.

October 2, 2020

EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues

The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.

October 1, 2020

European Commission Publishes First Report on Rule of Law

The European Commission has published its first report on the rule of law among member countries. Although the European Union requires high standards, there are still some procedures that need revision in order to assure independency and proper democratic systems. Even Austria has some catching up to do.

October 1, 2020

Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days

US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.

September 24, 2020

European Commission Approves Further EUR 4 Billion for Austrian Companies

Further EUR 4 billion intended to help Austrian companies sustain the Covid-19 crisis were approved by the European Commission. Grants and guarantees of up to EUR 800,000 per company can be given out in cases of hardship and danger of bankruptcy.

September 22, 2020

EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies

The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.

September 9, 2020

EU Supports Young Researchers with EUR 677 Million

The European Commission is providing a total of EUR 677 million to over 400 recipients of a "Starting Grant" from the European Research Council. Eleven of the selected junior researchers are conducting research at Austrian institutions.

September 4, 2020

Dombrovskis in Alpbach: Economy Must Serve All People

Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Dombrovskis highlights the importance of the young generation in rebuilding the economy after Covid-19. Unemployment needs to be tackled and sustainability and digital innovation will be supported.

September 2, 2020

Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.

August 31, 2020

Federal Minister Edtstadler Promises Action Plan Against Anti-Semitism

Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister of Austria for the EU and Constitution, introduced an action plan that will be implemented in the fall. This plan will comprise about 30 measures to fight ongoing anti-Semitism.

August 26, 2020

Federal Minister Edtstadler: "We Must Protect and Promote Jewish Life Throughout Europe!"

After the recent attacks on the President of the Jewish Communities in Graz, Federal Minister Edtstadler made clear that Jewish life in Austria needs to be protected and promoted by any means.

August 24, 2020

Austrian Government Provides Humanitarian Assistance for Lebanon

Austria provides supplies and financial aid for severely impacted Lebanon after explosion disaster at the beginning of August. In total, about EUR 2 million are provided.

August 19, 2020

New Timetable for European Capitals of Culture

The Covid-19 pandemic also affects the timetable for the European Capitals of Culture. Postponements and extensions are made in order to guarantee proper planning for the selected cities. In 2024, Austria should be hosting another Capital of Culture in Bad Ischl.

August 19, 2020

Can Glyphosate Now Be Banned or Not?

With the issue of the notification statement from the European Commission, the discussion about the Glyphosate ban is starting again. According to the Agricultural Ministry it is clear that the ban is not legally compliant. However, for GLOBAL2000 a ban is still possible.

August 19, 2020

EC Renews Talks with North Macedonia and Albania

The process of rapprochement between the two Western Balkan countries and the EU European Union, supported by Austria, now seems to be gaining momentum again after the EU Commission today reiterated its recommendation to open accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.

March 2, 2020

Austria's Budget Planning in Line with EU Rules

In its assessment of the budget planning of the euro states, the European Commission has established that Austria fulfils the requirements of the EU Stability and Growth Pact in its budget planning for 2020.

November 20, 2019

New Head of the European Commission in Austria Took Up His Post

Martin Selmayr, until recently Secretary General of the European Commission and previously Head of Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker, became Head of the Commission's Representation in Austria on 1 November. The Representation has around 20 staff and acts as a link between Brussels and the people, politics, business, media and interest groups in Austria.

October 31, 2019

Hearing of Austrian Commissioner-Designate Johannes Hahn

The Austrian EU Commission candidate Johannes Hahn passed the stress test in the EU Parliament.

October 4, 2019

Juncker: EU Requires a Strong Austrian Voice

European Commission President Juncker congratulated Sebastian Kurz on his victory in the National Council elections.

October 1, 2019

The European Way: Meet the Team of Ursula von der Leyen

At the heart of the new Commission's work is the need to address the changes in climate, technology and demography that are transforming European societies and way of life. Von der Leyen has structured and presented her team according to these requirements. Read below where the 27 commissioners come from and what they represent.

September 10, 2019

Austrian Johannes Hahn Becomes EU Budget Commissioner

Today, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission. Austrian Johannes Hahn will be in charge of Budget and Administration, and will report directly to Von der Leyen. According to the President-elect von der Leyen, as a long-serving member of the College, he knows about the importance of nurturing a modern administration.

September 10, 2019

European Commission: Changing of the Guard in Austria

Dr. Martin Selmayr takes over the position of Head of Representation in Austria from Dr. Jörg Wojahn as of 1 November 2019. Mr. Wojahn has been appointed as the new Head of the European Commission's Representation in Berlin.

August 13, 2019

Head of the European Commission in Vienna Leaves for Berlin

The current head of the EC European Commission in Vienna, the German citizen Dr. Jörg Wojahn, will move back to Germany as Head of the European Commission's Representation in Berlin.

August 7, 2019

More EU Infringement Procedures Against Austria

Austria is confronted with an above-average number of infringement proceedings by the European Commission. These include not only proceedings concerning the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment, but also failures in the areas of public procurement, financial market regulation and the fight against tax fraud. Now the EC has also opened an infringement procedure concerning the indexation of family allowances.

July 31, 2019

Ursula von der Leyen Gets Johannes Hahn Proposed as Austrian EU Commissioner

Ursula von der Leyen was approved by the European Parliament as the next president of the European Commission. Her first, and very tricky, task is to assign jobs to the commissioners of each country. Johannes Hahn was again nominated by the main committee of the austrian parliament as the Austrian member of the next EU Commission.

July 19, 2019

European Commissioner: Austria Sends Hahn for Third Time

The Austrian Federal Government under Chancellor Bierlein has announced that Johannes Hahn will again be nominated as an Austrian member of the future EU Commission.

July 12, 2019

Potential President of the EU Commission Michel Barnier Met Top of New Austrian Government

Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier was in Vienna to meet several members of the new government, including Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Officially, the Brexit negotiations were the focus of the talks, however, unofficially Barnier repeatedly shows interest as Jean-Claude Juncker's successor in the office of EU Commission President.

June 11, 2019

Migration Agency Demands New EU Migration Policy

Vienna based think tank International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is teaming up with its 17 member states to draw up migration policy recommendations for the next EU Commission.

May 10, 2019

Exclusive Mini-Davos Conference in Austria's Most Beautiful Ski Resort

European Commissioner Günther Oettinger invited for two days leading politicians, bankers and industrialists to his Europe Forum 2019 in Lech am Arlberg in the Austrian Alps.

April 26, 2019

Indexation of Family Benefits: "There are no second-class children in the EU"

The EC European Commission opens an infringement procedure against Austria, as it pays families less child benefit if their children live in another EU country with a lower cost of living.

January 24, 2019

How to Eliminate Violence against Women?

In context with the UN-sponsored campaign "International Day for the elimination of violence against women", there are various initiatives against violence against women not only at the UN, but also in Brussels and Vienna. Federica Mogherini announced that the EU has decided to allocate an additional €5 million to support the projects of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege. And the Austrian Foreign Ministry, together with the Austrian Integration Fund, is participating in the campaign "16 days against violence against women".

November 26, 2018

Danube Region Business Forum - Infrastructure and Its Implications on Business in CEE and SEE

The Danube Region is one of the traditionally important markets for Central European regions and companies. However, the infrastructure of this region does not yet meet the requirements of the economy. The 8th Danube Region Business Forum will take place on 9 October 2018 at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna. The aim of the forum is to ensure that the infrastructural quality and cooperations in the region meet the requirements of the economy.

October 3, 2018

Annual Report of the European Commission: How did Austria do?

The European Commission presented its annual reports on 27 EU member states. How did Austria do? Well, it kinda ended up with a black eye. The report took a pop at Vienna for a number of structural shortcomings, including tax burden on labour, pension and healthcare expenditures, house prices, restrictive regulation in the services markets, stagnating productivity and and not enough action on spreading digital technologies. That isn’t a particularly good report card for the previous coalition government of ÖVP und SPÖ. Let’s see if the new coalition government of ÖVP und FPÖ can make the grade the next time around.

March 11, 2018

The Western Balkans Remain a Priority of Austrian Foreign Policy

Because of a common history and the tradition of political, cultural and economic relations, Austrian foreign policy has always attached particular importance to the Western Balkans. The primary goal of Austrian foreign policy is to support the transformation of the Western Balkans area into a zone of stability. From the Austrian perspective there is only one option for the Western Balkans: a full European integration of the region. However, the political commitment from the regions' leaders is expected.

February 28, 2018

EU to Crack Down on Postal Rip-Offs including Austrian Post

The FT reports that Brussels is preparing a regulatory crackdown against rip-off pricing by national postal operators on cross-border parcel deliveries. According to a study, cross-border parcel deliveries are often five times more expensive than identical trips on the domestic market. While the price of a standard 2 kg parcel delivery in Austria with the national postal operator is €4.44, to have that same parcel send to neighbouring Italy would cost €14. Sending the same parcel back from Italy to Austria will rise to €25. In order to connect the common market, the EU wants to develop the potential of e-commerce and to boost cross-border trade. According to the FT, a spokeswoman of the European Commission said that early next year the Commission will “launch measures to enhance price transparency and regulatory oversight” of the European parcel delivery market.

December 22, 2015

Poland's Donald Tusk to Become European Council President

Current council president Herman Van Rompuy tweeted the announcement from the EU summit. Mr Tusk, Poland's centre-right prime minister since 2007, will become the European Council's president. Italy's Federica Mogherini, a centre-left politician and foreign minister will replace the UK's Catherine Ashton as EU foreign policy chief.

August 30, 2014

Albania Receives EU Candidate Status

At the General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Ministers from the EU Member States have agreed – based on the recommendation by the European Commission to grant EU candidate status to Albania, subject to endorsement by EU heads of states at the forthcoming European Council on Friday in Brussels.

June 26, 2014

Austrian EU Commissioner Hahn Blames British PM Cameron for Opening Doors to Ukip

Hahn argues, that David Cameron is to blame for his own defeat at the hands of the eurosceptic UKIP at the European elections.

May 31, 2014

Calls for European Energy Union Become Louder

Polish PM Tusk called for a European energy union. His Hungarian counterpart supports the idea.

May 9, 2014

Majority of Czech Entrepreneurs Want Euro

According to a survey, more than three quarters of Czech entrepreneurs are in favor of the country adopting the Euro.

April 30, 2014

Czech Republic: Euro Support Still Weak

Almost a quarter of Czech citizens support the idea of joining the single European currency union.

April 2, 2014

Czech Republic: Government Refrains from Fiscal Discipline

In 2013, the budget deficit was down to 2.7% of GDP from 4.4% of GDP. In the next few years, the European Commission expects a trend reversal.

March 8, 2014

Poland: Fastest Growing Economy in EU

According to the EU Commission, Poland will see the fastest growth in 2014 among the largest former communist countries of the European Union.

February 26, 2014