WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce

New Regulations in Vienna: Year-round Outdoor Cafés and Green Parklets

In an innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vienna has adopted new regulations for catering establishments and public lounges. Both Schanigärten (Viennese Outdoor Cafés) and the green parklets known as "Grätzloasen" are now allowed to remain in public spaces all year round.

September 10, 2023

Austrian Government Aims to Increase Skilled Immigration and Address Labor Shortages

The Austrian government, led by Economy and Labor Minister Martin Kocher, plans to attract a minimum of 15,000 skilled workers from non-EU countries to Austria annually by 2027 through the Red White Red card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) program.

July 18, 2023

Austria on the Way to Innovation Leader in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2023

Austria has improved to sixth place in this year's European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and is thus on the right track to becoming an innovation leader.

July 13, 2023

Austrian Business Leaders and Government Officials Discuss Economic Ties with South Korea

The President of Austrian Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer welcomed South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. South Korea will be a global hotspot for future technologies of central importance for Austria.

May 14, 2023

Austrian Leadership Programs Begins With the Subject of “Life Science”

The Austrian Leadership Programs (ALPs) will run its 15th edition this year from April 17 to 21. Young leaders from around the world will gather in Vienna to discuss and represent the topic of “Life Science”

April 18, 2023

French Embassy in Vienna Held the Day of Francophonie

The French Embassy celebrated Francophonie Day in the form of an exchange on French as a "business language" at the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce.

March 30, 2023

Who Were the Four Expelled Austrian Diplomats in Moscow?

The expulsion of the Austrian diplomats, who must leave Russia, will lead to a significant reduction in embassy staff. But what positions did the diplomats hold?

February 20, 2023

30 Years of EU Single Market: Austria’s Advantages are Apparent

30 Years of the EU Single Market have had a positive influence on Austria’s economy. This is shown by the reports of the Ministry of Labor and Economy and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO).

February 18, 2023

Austria's Agriculture Minister Totschnig against Mercosur Agreement

Austria's Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig is against ratification of the Mercosur trade agreement. In his opinion, the agreement with South America would put domestic farm families and supplies under pressure.

February 6, 2023

Austrian Companies Remain Strong in Russia

Many Austrian companies are active in Eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, Ukraine and Russia. Especially in Russia, the activity of Austrian companies has been very successful but is controversial due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. According to research by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), almost a year after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two-thirds of the previously present companies from Austria are still active in Russia.

January 18, 2023

Renowned MIT Europe Conference in Austria in March 2023

The Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce is bringing top researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to Austria. Innovative technologies and solutions around sustainability, energy, climate and nutrition will be presented on March 29/30, 2023 in Vienna and for the first time in Graz and Salzburg.

January 4, 2023

Austria Awards State Prize for Innovation

The State Prize Innovation 2022 from the Austrian Ministry of Labor and Economy goes to the Lower Austrian company DSM Austria GmbH. With their innovation, they make an important contribution to the safe and healthy nutrition of animals and humans.

November 16, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Fight Against Climate Crisis

The Find out more about this week's developments. At the World Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheik, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen advocates climate justice. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is also trying to counter the climate crisis at the COP27 summit with its knowledge of nuclear technology and nuclear energy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

November 10, 2022

Austrian Chamber of Commerce Demands Acceleration of Energy Transition with Faster Approval Procedures

The EU Commission's emergency regulation is intended to accelerate the expansion of additional energy capacities, with the draft also to be extended to other areas of energy infrastructure. The head of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Karlheinz Kopf, demands acceleration of the Energy Transition with faster approval procedures and eased bureaucracy.

November 10, 2022

What is the Alps-Adriatic Economic Network?

Since 2007, the Network of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, Agriculture and Economy of the New Alpe Adria (NAAN) has been working to deepen economic relations. It now comprises - with the new addition of Bolzano - ten chambers from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, with one million member businesses, NAAN is making rapid progress toward becoming an EU Alps-Adriatic macroregion. Read more to find out about the project.

November 7, 2022

Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce and EU-Mercosur Agreement

The Association Agreement between the European Union and MERCOSUR countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, includes provisions on political dialogue, cooperation and trade. For the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, the agreement is a fair trade deal that increases exports and jobs, and high social and environmental standards remain untouched. The EU would be the first region to conclude an agreement with Mercosur.

November 4, 2022

Trade Between Tiger States and Austria at a High Level

The great potential for Austrian companies that emanates from the so-called tiger states in Asia was the main point of the Asia conference recently held by the WKO. Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Korea are considered global hotspots for innovation and new technologies.

October 20, 2022

WKO Calls for Coordinated Action to Combat Energy Crisis Ahead of EU Summit

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) recently called for a joint Europe-wide approach to combating the energy crisis. In doing so, it criticised the EU with its cautious attitude and national solo efforts.

October 8, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Presidential Elections in Austria

The Find out more about this week's developments. In Austria, the presidential elections will be held on Sunday. There are new diplomatic and economic developments in Vienna. And there is new art in town! Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

October 6, 2022

Born Global Academy: Initiative of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce

Internationalization is high on the agenda of many Austrian startups. According to Start-up-Monitor, 80 percent planned to export their business model this year. The Born Global Academy was launched last year by Aussenwirtschaft Austria and weGrow International offers an internationalization program for startups.

October 3, 2022

Viennese Ball Season: Every Third Viennese Plans to Attend a Ball

The Viennese ball season is just around the corner and the Viennese people can hardly wait. According to a survey, a large part of the Viennese want to visit one of the many balls. After two years of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers can look forward to a good season this year.

September 29, 2022

Austria's Economy Demands Help with Energy Crisis

Many companies in Austria are currently struggling with the high energy prices. Now the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Federation of Austrian Industries are calling for political intervention to prevent company closures.

September 27, 2022

Working in Austria: Further Facilitation of the Red-White-Red Card

Applying for a Red-White-Red Card is made easier again! Skilled workers who intend to work in Austria will find it easier to obtain a work permit in the future. Read this article to find out which simplifications have been decided.

September 26, 2022

Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President

With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.

September 15, 2022

Trade Relations With the USA: Exports and Investments of Austrian Companies on a Strong Upswing

Austrian companies are increasingly exporting to the USA. It is already their largest overseas market and mutual bilateral investments are steadily increasing. Read on to find out what influences the positive growth dynamics and why Austrian products are in such demand in the US.

August 16, 2022

Vienna's Luxury Shops Struggle with the Loss of Russian Tourists

During the past two decades, Russian tourists with purchasing power have enriched the city centre's luxury shops, but since the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, hardly anyone visits the Austrian capital. According to the latest statistics, fewer than one percent of tourists staying overnight in Vienna are Russians. Due to the loss of purchasing power, the tourism industry in Vienna suffers greatly.

August 15, 2022

The Importance of Migrant Businesses for Vienna's Economy

It is common to see migrants run and maintain many businesses in Vienna. They offer a variety of different products and services, but they all share one thing: they make a significant contribution to the Viennese economy. In a new study, migrant businesses were examined and their impact on Austria's capital was clearly demonstrated.

August 8, 2022

Virtual Economic Forum between Tunisia and Austria

A Virtual Economic Forum titled "Tunisia & Austria - Promoting Business & Investment Cooperation", was held online by the Tunisian Embassy in Vienna and the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in collaboration with the Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA Tunisia).

August 7, 2022

New EU Gas Emergency Plan: "Must Prepare for the Worst Case"

Recently, the European Commission presented its new EU Gas Emergency Plan under the title "Save gas for a safe winter". In this, the European Commission assumes that consumers can save up to 15% gas. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is pleased with the Commission's plans.

July 22, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna

Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Georgian Prime Minister visited Austria and Vienna enables Ukrainian displaced persons to graduate from Ukrainian high school. In addition, Austria's Chancellor visited Israel and concluded an important agreement there. Furthermore, expats in Austria appreciate the high quality of life, but do not feel welcome. Read more about this week's developments.

July 14, 2022

Croatia's Euro Accession: "Great Advantages for the Domestic Economy "

As of 1 January 2022, Croatia will officially become part of the euro area. This holds great opportunities for Austrian companies.

July 13, 2022

Reform of the Red-White-Red Card Passed by Parliament

In order to eliminate the shortage of suitable workers, the Austrian parliament recently decided to change the criteria for the Red-White-Red Card. In future, it should be easier to obtain this card. Austria's economy is relieved. If you want to know the exact changes, read on!

July 11, 2022

WorldSkills - "World Apprentice Championships" to be Held in Austria

The 46th WorldSkills was scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, from October 12-17, but had to be canceled due to the month-long covid-related lockdown. WorldSkills 2022 SpecialEdition is now spread over 15 host countries, including Austria, and will be held in Salzburg.

July 3, 2022

What Austria Expects From the Czech Republic's EU Presidency

Czech Republic has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, replacing France, which held the post in the first half of the year. Austria's neighbouring country takes over the presidency at a crucial time, capped by international conflicts and economic crises.

July 1, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and State Visits in Vienna

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Dutch Royal Couple visited Austria and International Organizations in Vienna released important publications. The consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War are making themselves felt in security issues and are changing people's lives in Vienna as well. Further, the newest developments in the Iran Nuclear talks raise hopes. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 30, 2022

Russian Food Markets in Vienna Under Pressure

Specialty foods such as vodka, buckwheat, and chocolate are available in Vienna's Russian groceries. Since Moscow invaded Ukraine, Austrian-Russian traders have been worried about import difficulties and hostility.

June 28, 2022

Vienna Stock Exchange Prize 2022 Back on Stage Again

This year, for the first time, the Vienna Stock Exchange Award went to the Styrian printed circuit board manufacturer AT&S. Second and third place went to the oil and gas group OMV and the building materials manufacturer Wienerberger. The prize was awarded for the 15th time.

June 15, 2022

Reform of the Red-White-Red Card: Facilitation for Workers From Abroad

The Red-White-Red Card, which allows its holders access to the Austrian labor market, is to be made easier to obtain in the future. This was recently announced by Minister of Labor Kocher and Minister of Economics Schramböck. Relaxations in the approval procedure are intended to attract more skilled workers to Austria in the future in order to combat the acute shortage of skilled workers in the country. The Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries are delighted.

April 28, 2022

Austria Enhances Bilateral Economic Relations with Conflicting Neighbors India and Pakistan

The initiative ReFocus Austria, accompanied by Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, visited the emerging republics of Pakistan and India in recent days. The aim of the trip was to establish economic relations and promote mutual investments. Read on if you want to know which sectors are in particular demand.

March 23, 2022

Continued Strong Interdependence of Business between Russian, Ukrainian and Austrian Companies

Austrian businesses have established significant ties with those in Ukraine and Russia over the years. Read about the amount of business Austria does with each country and how the recent escalation of tensions could affect this.

February 23, 2022

Chamber of Commerce Massively Criticizes New Parking System in Vienna

As of March 1, 2022, comprehensive and contiguous short-term parking zones will be introduced in every Viennese district, as well as the parking permit ("Parkpickerl") for the respective district residents. The price and parking duration will be standardized for all districts. For private car owners as well as for entrepreneurs this regulation brings considerable additional costs and new problems.

February 16, 2022

Vienna is Becoming the Start-up Capital of Austria

Vienna's start-ups generated an added value of 3.9 billion euros in 2021, making it the most popular place in Austria for start-ups. Read more about the start-up environment in Vienna and what it has done for the Austrian economy.

February 9, 2022

EXPO 2020 Dubai: Extraordinary Austria Pavilion Wins Multiple Awards

The Austria Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai has now won yet another award. Read about the multiple awards the pavilion has won and why it is receiving so much recognition.

February 8, 2022

Armenia and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is visiting Armenia in an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties. Read about Austrian-Armenian relations and Schallenberg's trip, which includes meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

February 2, 2022

Expo 2020 Dubai: Austria's Youth Showcase Their Innovation

The four teams that won Austria's "Innovative Youth" competition will get to showcase their projects at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Read about the competition and what the winning projects were.

January 27, 2022

Austrian Economic Delegation Visits UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai

An economic delegation representing Austria visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Expo 2020 Dubai. Read about the delegation's official visit to the UAE.

December 22, 2021

Australia and Austria for Strong Multilateralism and Foreign Trade

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed the good relations with Australia in a personal meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Mrs. Payne also paid a visit to Chancellor Nehammer.

December 13, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Verification of Compliance with Applicable Access Rules Becomes Easier

A new app known as Green Check is now widely available in Austria and has made verification of compliance with COVID-19 access rules much simpler. Read more about the new app and how it works.

November 12, 2021

Alexander Maculan Receives Russian Order of Friendship

Alexander Maculan, CEO of TAMAK Holding AG, was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by Ambassador Dmitrij Ljubinskij at a recent meeting of the Austro-Russian Business Council at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Read about Maculan and why he was given this honor.

November 4, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Concerns About Transition to 2.5G Rule in Workplace

Due to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Austria is considering transitioning from the 3G rule in the workplace to a 2.5G rule in the coming weeks. Some government officials are expressing concerns about the implementation of this change. Read about the potential requirement change and the concerns that some have about it.

November 3, 2021