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Finance Ministers from German-speaking Countries Adopt Lake Constance Declaration to Strengthen Competitiveness
Finance ministers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg met in picturesque Vorarlberg, Austria, to adopt the so-called "Lake Constance Declaration". This landmark declaration aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy while safeguarding the continent's prosperity and stability.
August 13, 2024
German-Speaking Foreign Ministers Discuss International Trouble Spots in Salzburg
The German-speaking Foreign Ministers Alexander Schallenberg from Austria, Annalena Baerbock from Germany, Dominique Hasler from Liechtenstein, Jean Asselborn from Luxembourg, and Ignazio Cassis from Switzerland met to discuss global and European challenges.
May 2, 2023
List of National Days of the Home Countries of All Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria
The Vindobona table below is an updated list of National Days of all nations, which belong to at least one of following categories: Foreign Missions and Delegations in Vienna, Austria; Diplomatic Corps and other representations in Austria; International Organizations in Vienna and Permanent Missions; Missions and Delegations to the OSCE.
February 11, 2015 · Updated: December 14, 2022; 08:12
Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austrian policymakers are concerned with inflation and energy issues. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 8, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna
Jean Graff, Luxembourg's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna, Helga Maria Schmid. Meet Ambassador Jean Graff, the new permanent representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna.
September 5, 2022
Human Rights in Russia: Third Appeal to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Since the Outbreak of War in Ukraine
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism was recently requested by 38 states, including Austria, to appoint an OSCE expert to review the human rights situation in Russia. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the Moscow Mechanism has already been contacted three times.
July 29, 2022
Austria Supports Joint Statement for Ukraine's Case Against Russia Before the International Court of Justice
The European Union, Austria, and over 40 other nations have issued a statement supporting Ukraine's case before the International Court of Justice against Russia. In order to hold Russia accountable for its violations of international law, the Joint Statement has been released.
July 15, 2022
New Photography Museum Will Open in Vienna
A new photography museum will open in Vienna's Arsenal in fall 2024. This museum will be a showcase and discussion space under the name Foto Arsenal Wien. In order to adapt the building, the city is investing two million euros. Read more about Vienna's newest addition to the city's bustling cultural scene.
June 1, 2022
Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Council on Foreign Relations: "Clarify to Putin how reality looks like"
In the course of the Foreign Affairs Council, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg praised the visit of Karl Nehammer to Moscow and expressed concerns about a coming intensification of violence in Ukraine. Also on the meeting's agenda was stabilization in the Western Balkans and the EU's Global Gateway Strategy. Read on if you want to learn more!
April 11, 2022
Jean-Claude Juncker Honored with the Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold in Vienna
Jean-Claude Juncker, the former European Commission President and head of government of Luxembourg, was presented with an award for services to the City of Vienna by Mayor Ludwig. Read what Mr. Juncker, Mayor Ludwig, and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer said at the ceremony.
October 22, 2021
Foreign Minister Linhart's Inaugural Visit to the EU Foreign Affairs Council
Foreign Minister Linhart recently traveled to Luxembourg for his first meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. In a meeting with the other foreign ministers from the EU, they discussed various issues, including the EU's Eastern Partnership and the war in Ethiopia. Linhart also met with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush during his visit. Read about Linhart's trip and what was discussed in the meetings, and watch Linhart's interview outside the event.
October 19, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules
Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.
July 20, 2021
German-Speaking Heads of State: "Possibility of More Sustainable and Resilient Era"
The heads of state of German-speaking countries met in Germany to discuss social cohesion after the Covid-19 pandemic and using the pandemic to move into a "more sustainable and resilient era". Read more about the meeting below.
June 30, 2021
Schallenberg Meets German-Speaking Foreign Ministers
The Foreign Minister of Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria met in Lugano, Switzerland, to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against the ongoing pandemic. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg pointed out that "sustainable, trusting and friendly cooperation" had been absolutely paramount during the crisis.
April 19, 2021
German-Speaking Finance Ministers Met in Vienna
Vienna hosted the tenth informal meeting of the German-speaking finance ministers. Representatives of Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria took part in discussions about Covid-19 and the future of taxes.
August 28, 2020
German Road Toll Discriminates Against Foreigners - ECJ
The German car toll violates EU law. This was decided by the European Court of Justice in a ruling. This levy is discriminatory, since its economic burden lies practically exclusively on the owners and drivers of vehicles registered in other member states. In Austria, the ruling is received with great pleasure, as the country has won the case through its infringement proceedings.
June 18, 2019
Summit of German-speaking Heads of State in Linz 2019
This year's informal meeting of German-speaking heads of state with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, King Philippe of Belgium, Federal President Ueli Maurer, Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen took place in Linz. The main topics were current political questions from the respective countries and the future of Europe based on the results of the European elections.
June 5, 2019
Diplomats for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019
More and more embassies, delegations and permanent representations to international organisations supported this day (IDAHOBIT), that raises awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide, as well as EuroPride 2019 in Vienna.
May 29, 2019
Welcome Expats - Vienna Remains the Most Livable City in the World
In 2019 Vienna was again rated by the international consulting agency Mercer as the city with the highest quality of life worldwide. In the special evaluation on the subject of personal security, however, Vienna was only ranked 6th.
March 14, 2019
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
Government Debt Increased to 82.6% of GDP in Austria and to 92.7% in Euro Area
At the end of the second quarter of 2014, the government debt to GDP ratio in the euro area (EA18) stood at 92.7%, compared with 91.9% at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Austria's government debt rose to 82.6 percent of GDP in Q2 2014 from 81.3 percent in Q1.
October 23, 2014
Austria: Hypo Group’s Investigation Committee Ready for Action
The group of foreign experts at the investigation commission for Hypo Group Alpe Adria is supposed to guarantee the required objectivity. The first results are expected to be published at the end of the year.
April 10, 2014
Final Time-Out for Austrian Bank Secret
During the EU Summit the final time-out for the Austrian bank secret for foreigners was decided. Both Austria and Luxembourg agreed to give up their banking secrets.
March 21, 2014
Austria: Banking Secret for Foreigners to be Abolished Forever
From 2017 on, the banking secret for non-Austrian residents will be abolished completely.
March 11, 2014
EUSD: Austria “Ready to Agree“
Despite earlier statements to the contrary, Austria could now agree to the extension of the European Saving’s Directive (EUSD) during tomorrow’s ECOFIN meeting in Brussels.
March 10, 2014
Austrian Bank Secret Remains Until 2017
Austrian Finance Minister Spindelegger will present proposals for amendments of the EUSD tomorrow.
March 10, 2014
Austrian Bank Secrecy to be Abolished by 2016
EU Commissioner Algirdas Semeta recently stated that bank secrecy in Austria will expire since by then the automatic exchange of information will be implemented as a standard.
February 24, 2014
Bulgaria: FDI Keeps Increasing
FDI (foreign direct investments) increased by € 1,229.4m in Bulgaria in 2013 while equity capital came at € 953.4m last year.
February 18, 2014
Spindelegger Insists on Austrian Bank Secret
On Friday the Finance Ministry confirmed to the Austrian Press Agency (APA) that there is “momentum in the field” in regard to disclosure of information about bank accounts of foreigners.
February 10, 2014
Austria: Debt Rate Rises Unstoppably
In the third quarter last year the Austrian public debt rate increased significantly compared to the previous quarter.
January 22, 2014
Bank Austria Generates Fresh Capital
On Monday, January 13, UniCredit Bank Austria issued its first mortgage bond for 2014 to strengthen its capital base.
January 14, 2014
Orco Property Group: Cut in Number of Board Members
Shareholders of Luxembourger real estate company Orco Property Group voted to cut the number of board members from nine to five on Monday.
January 8, 2014
Austria: Tax Increases Contemplated by Government
During the coalition negotiations increases of taxes on tobacco and alcohol is currently considered by the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the People’s Party (ÖVP).
December 9, 2013
WKO: Better Framework Conditions for SMEs
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with between 10 to 249 persons employed, are a driver of the European economy, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. WKO calls for better framework conditions for SMEs.
November 26, 2013
EU Commission Criticizes Austria Once More
The EU Commission has again criticized Austria and Luxembourg and demands the countries to stop blocking the extensive exchange of tax data.
November 15, 2013
ESM Charges € 262 From Every Austrian
The establishing of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) burdens every Austrian citizens with an average amount of € 262. Luxembourg is the country contributing the most per capita followed by Ireland.
September 24, 2013
Austria: Unemployment Rose By 9.5 Percent
In total, 330,309 persons were looking for a job in May. Austria still has the lowest unemployment rate within the European Union.
June 3, 2013
Croatia: PM Anxious About Country’s Image
Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic announced that Croatia had to fight hard for its reputation within the European Union.
May 27, 2013
Banking Secret until 2015 in European Union
The banking secret for tax foreigners in the European Union could finally be completely aborted by 2015. There is an ambiguity about Luxembourg’s position in advance to the EU mini-summit over the extended EU Savings Directive (EUSD).
May 22, 2013
Austria to Give Up Bank Secret for Foreigners
After years of blocking, Austrian Finance Minister Maria Fekter gave green light to the abandoning of the bank secret for foreigners.
May 14, 2013
Semeta Confident Austria and Luxembourg Stop Blocking
EU Tax Commissioner Algirdas Semeta does not expect any blocking by Austria for the loosening of the bank secret for foreigners and the transition to the automatic exchange of information.
May 6, 2013
EU Commission Waiting For Austria’s Decision
The EU Commission expects a uniform stance in regard to Austria’s bank secret and the transition to automatic exchange of information.
April 23, 2013
Bulgaria: FDI Increased by € 40.3m
Largest investments from Greece (€ 9.4m). Austria ranks 4th (€ 6.1m) in investors.
April 18, 2013
Austria About to Lose Fiscal Secret
The Austrian government declared to negotiate with the EU about the abanonment of the fiscal secret.
April 9, 2013
Green’s Fear of Russian Black Money in Austria
Once more, the Austrian Greens insist on a reform of the bank secrecy.
April 2, 2013
Meeting of German-speaking Finance Ministers in Berlin
On Wednesday, 13 March 2013, German Finance Minister Dr Wolfgang Schäuble welcomed the German-speaking Finance Ministers of Europe to talks in Berlin. The talks focused on current finance and fiscal policy issues.
March 15, 2013
Austria Records Highest Unemployment of All Times
With 410,000 job-seekers, unemployment has never been higher. Nevertheless, Austria has the lowest unemployment quota in the EU.
February 1, 2013
EU Wants Austria to Give Up Bank Secret
Commissioner Algirdas Semeta threatens with a complaint against Austria. According tom him, Austria and Luxembourg are blocking the automatic information exchange.
January 25, 2013
Euro Exchange Rate: Nowotny Contradicts to Juncker
According to Eurogroup-chief Jean-Claude Juncker, the exchange rate of the euro is “dangerously high”. Nowotny disagrees with Juncker.
January 16, 2013
Bank Secret: Brussels Increases Pressure on Austria
EU-Commissioner Algirdas Semeta calls Austria and Luxembourg to give up their blockade against the reform of the interest taxation directive.
January 14, 2013