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North Macedonia
New Croatian Foreign Minister in Vienna
The visit of the new Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić-Radman, to the Foreign Ministry in Vienna focused on the forthcoming EU Presidency, which Croatia will assume for the first time on 1 January 2020, as well as the possible start of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania.
September 13, 2019
Austrian Minister of the Interior: Observing Developments along the Western Balkans Route Closely
The North Macedonian Ambassador Nenad Kolev and Interior Minister Wolfgang Peschorn met for a working discussion in Vienna. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the topic of migration, in particular the Western Balkans route, formed the agenda.
August 13, 2019
Foreign Trade Gains with the Western Balkans
Exports worth 1.35 billion euros to the EU accession candidates of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) are balanced by imports to Austria worth 1.25 billion euros.
July 16, 2019
How North Macedonia Learns from Austria - Best Practices on the Topic of Equal Treatment
During a visit of the delegations of the North Macedonian Ministry of the Interior and the OSCE Mission Skopje to the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Vienna, representatives of all sides exchanged views on the subject of equal treatment.
July 4, 2019
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg at EU Foreign Affairs Council for the First Time
In Luxembourg, Federal Minister Alexander Schallenberg represented Austria for the first time at the FAC Foreign Affairs Council and the Council of the European Union.
June 21, 2019
Albania and North Macedonia: No EU Accession Negotiations for the Time Being, but Austria Still in Favor of It
The decision to start accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia was postponed. Several EU states are blocking enlargement in the Balkans. The EU committee of the Austrian Federal Council demands that the Western Balkans become part of the EU. The Austrian Federation of Trade Unions, on the other hand, warns against hasty new admissions.
June 20, 2019
European Forum Wachau 2019 - Stability and Continuity in European Policy
Austria will continue to represent its interests in Europe in a proven manner, said representatives from politics and business at this year's European Forum Wachau.
June 17, 2019
Austria Welcomes 6 New Ambassadors from Armenia, Mali, Namibia, North Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago and Turkey
On March 19, 2019, Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed six newly accredited Ambassadors to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.
March 20, 2019 · Updated: April 8, 2019; 12:00
Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Nenad Kolev
The new Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Nenad Kolev presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
March 19, 2019
Prime Minister of the Newly Named Republic of North Macedonia at the Vienna Opera Ball
Only a few days after the historic renaming of the Republic of Macedonia into the Republic of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, visited Vienna at the invitation of Federal Chancellor Kurz and together they visited the Vienna Opera Ball.
March 1, 2019 · Updated: March 4, 2019; 12:33
Austria Signed Memorandum with Economic Chambers of Western Balkan States
The representatives of the Economic Chamber and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Harald Mahrer and Karin Kneissl, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Chambers of the Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. The aim is to strengthen regional cooperation at the economic level, particularly in the area of dual vocational training.
January 18, 2019
Enlargement Perspectives for the Western Balkans - The Role of Parliaments
During a panel discussion in the Austrian Parliament, the perspective of enlargement for the Western Balkans and, in this context, the role of parliaments were discussed. The future of the six candidate countries in the Western Balkans is within the EU. They need an honest perspective for this common future with the EU Member States. The EU must contribute to ensuring the stability of the democracies in these countries. The former President of the German Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, attended the discussion.
October 11, 2018
Macedonian Community in Austria: 25th Anniversary of the Macedonian Orthodox Church
According to estimates, 25,000 Macedonians, including many from other parts of the former Yugoslavia, live in Austria. Despite the upcoming historic referendum in the Republic of Macedonia, it could be learned from diplomatic circles, that on the occasion of the Macedonia Austria Days in Vienna and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Macedonian Orthodox Church in Austria a concert of a traditional Macedonian folk dance orchestra with dances and songs and a reception with traditional wines and dishes from Macedonia was held.
October 2, 2018
Macedonia's Name Dispute with Greece: Macedonians in Austria Cast Their Votes
The Macedonians will decide next Sunday on a bilateral agreement between Athens and Skopje, which can pave the way for the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia to NATO and EU membership. Greece, which claims the name Macedonia for its northern region, should be made satisfied with "North Macedonia". The Macedonian foreign voters can vote for the referendum at the diplomatic representations of their country (diplomatic representations in Austria see below). Voters will be asked "Do you support EU and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?"
September 26, 2018
The Window of Opportunity for the Western Balkans
Will the Western Balkan countries be able to take advantage of the moment and will it bring the year 2018 closer to the European Union? In February 2018, a new Enlargement Strategy was presented in Strasbourg by the EU Commission. Bulgaria, currently having the Presidency of the Council of the EU, will organize a major Balkan’s Summit in May. Austria, for a long time one of the most prominent promoters of the EU Enlargement for the Western Balkans and a country deeply intertwined with the region, will assume the EU presidency in the second half of 2018. This year represents one of the crucial moments for enlargement as major steps need to be undertaken to reach the goal of making the enlargement perspective realistic for 2025.
April 26, 2018
Goals for Austria's Presidency of the Council of the European Union
On 1 July 2018, Austria will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Bulgaria. During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union (1 July to 31 December 2018), guided by the motto "A Europe that protects", Austria will focus on three key areas: security and the fight against illegal migration, retaining competitiveness through digitalisation, and stability in the neighbouring regions (particularly the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU).
April 25, 2018
The New Balkans in the Year of Hope for EU Enlargement
2018 has been frequently described as the „year of hope“ for EU enlargement and for the Balkans. In February 2018, a new Enlargement Strategy was presented in Strasbourg by the EU Commission. Bulgaria, currently having the Presidency of the Council of the EU, will organize a major Balkan’s Summit in May 2018. Austria, for a long time one of the most prominent promoters of the EU Enlargement for the Western Balkans and a country deeply intertwined with the region, will assume the EU presidency in the second half of 2018. 2018 represents one of the crucial moments for enlargement as major steps need to be undertaken to reach the goal of making enlargement perspective realistic for 2025.
April 20, 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
Telekom Austria AG / Results for the Full Year 2017
Telekom Austria Group announces its results for fourth quarter and full year 2017, ending 31 December 2017. Group total revenues rose by 3.0% on a proforma basis (reported: +4.1%), EBITDA increased by 2.0% (rep.: +3.2%). Revenue increase driven by growth in fixed-line service revenues and equipment revenues, while mobile service revenues were lower due to roaming; the revenue increase was driven by all markets except for the Republic of Macedonia.
February 13, 2018
Western Balkans Summit was Held in Paris
Following the 2014 Western Balkans Summit in Berlin and the Vienna Western Balkans Summit of August 2015, the third Western Balkans Summit was held in Paris in the context of the ‘Berlin Process’. More than 500,000 of the people with migration background who live in Austria are from the region. Austrian companies have hundreds of branches or subsidiaries in the Western Balkans, which clearly illustrates the very close economic relations.
July 8, 2016
Western Balkans Countries Discussed Investment, Jobs and Integration in Vienna
The World Bank and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) held a high-level policy dialogue on ‘Investment, Jobs and Integration’ last week. Ministers and senior officials from the Western Balkans region as well as policy experts from international organisations and the business community gathered to discuss the challenges the region is currently facing, in particular the high unemployment rate, low international competitiveness, and lack of modern infrastructure.
July 8, 2016
The Western Balkans Conference Which Led to Row Over Worsening Refugee Crisis
Convened on the initiative of Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz and Austrian Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the Western Balkans conference “Managing Migration Together” was held at the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Vienna. 18 foreign and interior ministers from the Western Balkans attended the conference. The participants included the foreign and interior ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.
February 26, 2016
Central and Eastern Europe's Financial Elite Gathered at the CEE Forum in Vienna
The 21st Euromoney Central and Eastern European Forum ended in Vienna today, where 1000 delegates from the region joined local and international investors to help plan, debate and analyze the economic agenda for the region for the year ahead. The vast majority of the delegates have a negative outlook for the year 2016. Only one of the participants expects that this year CEE will grow more than 3.5%.
January 20, 2016
Report: Drug Money and Opiate Trafficking on the Balkan Route
A report recently launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that the total value of illicit heroin and opium trafficked from Afghanistan to Western Europe through the Balkans amounts to some $28 billion every year. Sixty-five per cent of this total ($18 billion) is generated in Western and Central Europe.
December 14, 2015
Only Full EU-Integration Can Stabilise the Western Balkans for a Lasting Time
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sebastian Kurz commented on the European Commission’s progress reports, which were presented earlier this month: “Most of the Western Balkans countries’ progress on their way in direction of EU-membership is noticeable and positive. The Commission’s new methodology renders possible an improved analysis on the progress made in the respective countries in the last year. This creates a positive competition. The new progress reports also underscore that all candidate countries still have a lot of hard work before them and EU support towards this is essential. The current refugee crisis is no exception in this respect as it shows, how important the Western Balkans countries and Turkey are to Europe in tackling this particular challenge.”
November 18, 2015
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: February 7, 2018; 08:12
Austria's Foreign Policy on the Western Balkans
Due to centuries of political, cultural and economic interrelations, Austrian foreign policy has always attached particular importance to the Balkans. The prime goal of Austrian foreign policy is to support the transformation of the Western Balkans into a zone of stability.
June 4, 2014
Austria: Western Balkans Representatives are Meeting in Vienna
The Western Balkans Conference and the Central European Initiative (CEI) Ministerial Meeting are currently discussing questions regarding the EU enlargement, the role of the EU as a peace project and the economic situation in the Western Balkans.
June 3, 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
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
Macedonian Banks Should Support Private Sector
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Stavreski calls upon Macedonian banks to support the private sector.
December 18, 2013
Macedonia: Foreign Currency Lending Massively Up
Parents of Macedonian banks have only very limited influence on their subsidiaries, the EBRD reports.
November 9, 2013
Visegrad Countries Encourage Western Balkans to Join EU
Representatives from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary support the EU accession of Western Balkan countries.
October 31, 2013
Lopatka: EU Enlargement Process of Western Balkans Decisive for Austria
“Non-Enlargement” of Western Balkan states would be fatal for Austrian businesses operating in the region and the national economy.
October 31, 2013
Southeastern Europe Initiates Common Economic Strategy
In Croatia´s capital Zagreb, the Southeast European countries agreed on putting more common effort into innovation based growth strategies.
October 26, 2013
Southeastern Europe: Dramatic Labor Market Conditions
In Southeastern Europe, the labor market conditions are similarly bad as in Southern Europe. Above all, youth unemployment is extremely high.
October 22, 2013
EU Enlargement: Commission Recommends to Take Up Albania and Macedonia
In a set of annual reports adopted, the European Commission recommends granting EU candidate status to Albania and for the fifth time in a row, the opening of accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
October 17, 2013
Gazprom to Team Up With Macedonia
Russian energy giant Gazprom is interested in cooperating with FYR Macedonia.
September 17, 2013
EU Commission: EU Integration Important for Macedonia
"EU integration continues to be important to all political parties in FYR Macedonia" - Füle
August 27, 2013
Macedonia to Join South Stream Pipeline Project
Contracts will be signed next week in St. Peterburg.
June 12, 2013
VIG: Acquisition of QBE Makedonija completed
Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) new market leader in Macedonia
April 9, 2013
Macedonia: Fresh € 100m for Business Sector from EIB
The Macedonian government plans to provide fresh EUR 100 million loan, with 5.5% interest rate, as support to the business sector.
April 2, 2013
Serbia and Macedonia Enhance Cooperations
Cooperation between Serbia and Macedonia precondition for efficient tackling of regional issues
April 2, 2013
Macedonia: Protests Against Government
Young Albanians protest against an „Anti-Albanian“ policy.
March 8, 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
Austria in Favour of Initiating Accession Negotiations with Macedonia
Austria´s State Secretary Reinhold Lopatka speaks at General Affairs Council in Brussels.
December 12, 2012
Southeast Europe Agrees on Growth Strategy
In order to meet the 2020 growth strategy of the EU, the Balkan countries plan to co-operate more closely. Turkey and Bulgaria emphasize their good relations.
December 8, 2012
"Foreign policy means security policy"
Vice-Chancellor explains Austria's foreign policy commitment in his annual address at the UNA-Austria and demands global nuclear disarmament.
November 28, 2012
Macedonia to Stimulate Economic Growth
Due to the recession in the Eurozone, exports are shrinking. Next year, Macedonia will overcome the crisis, the local government says.
September 24, 2012
Vienna Insurance Group Becomes Market Leader in Macedonia
After the acquisition of QBE Makedonija, Vienna Insurance Group ranks first in the Macedonian insurance market.
September 17, 2012
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