Austrian Investment News and Analysis

Read the latest headlines about developments in the investment environment in Vienna and Austria

Deepening Austrian-Kazakh Relations: Focus on Economic and Political Cooperation

At a time characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Austria and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their intention to raise bilateral relations to a new level. The working visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Vienna marks an important milestone in the cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on the economy, politics, and security.

Yesterday

Inflation Outlook for Austria Shows Significant Improvement

The Austrian National Bank's (OeNB) latest inflation forecast gives cause for cautious optimism for the Austrian economy. Inflation has decreased and economic growth has also returned since the start of the year, albeit weakly.

March 13, 2024

Signa's Major Project "Lamarr" in Vienna Seeks New Owner

The prestigious "Lamarr" real estate project on the bustling Mariahilfer Strasse, a flagship property of the troubled Signa Group, is now officially on the market.

March 6, 2024

Vienna Airport Expands Cargo Traffic with Asia

Vienna Airport is setting new standards in international air cargo traffic through significant cooperation agreements with Incheon Airport in South Korea and the renowned airline Korean Air. These strategic alliances mark a decisive step towards increasing capacities and efficiency in the cargo sector between Europe and Asia and further strengthening Vienna's position as a leading hub in the air cargo industry.

February 28, 2024

Chinese BYD Strengthens Presence in Austria

Chinese car manufacturers are becoming increasingly present in the European car market and are openly demonstrating their role. The Chinese company BYD proudly presents its cars and other products on the Austrian market.

February 28, 2024

Vienna Airport Focuses on Expansion: 420-Million-Euro Terminal Expansion Project Launched

The foundation stone for a comprehensive terminal expansion has been laid at Vienna Airport Schwechat. With a budget of 420 million euros, the airport will not only become larger but also more modern and customer-friendly by 2027.

February 14, 2024

Realignment and Expert Dialog: Austria's Path to Fair Competition

The new head of the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), Natalie Harsdorf-Borsch, has set herself the goal of taking stronger action against companies that abuse their market power. This focus marks a strategic reorientation of the BWB, which previously dealt primarily with price agreements and investigated fewer cases of abuse of market power.

January 28, 2024

Austrian Banking Sector Focuses on Sustainability: OeKB > ESG Data Hub Established

In a remarkable step towards promoting sustainability in the financial sector, Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) has successfully introduced the OeKB > ESG Data Hub. Around 80% of the domestic banking sector, including well-known institutions such as UniCredit Bank Austria, Raiffeisen-Sektor, Erste Bank, and Sparkassen as well as Oberbank, already use this central online platform.

January 11, 2024

Vienna Stock Exchange Overcomes Challenges in 2023 with Record Bond Listings

The Vienna Stock Exchange experienced a challenging year in 2023, characterized by high interest rates, persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions affecting the European equity markets. Despite these unfavorable conditions, which impacted trading activity, the exchange achieved a record year for bond listings.

January 8, 2024

Emirati State Fund Mubadala Fails with Claim Against Signa Holding

The Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala, has failed with a significant claim against the insolvent Signa Holding. The request to claim a payment of 713 million euros was rejected in emergency arbitration proceedings.

December 21, 2023

Vienna Stock Exchange Expands Offering with Focus on ESG and Digitalization

The Vienna Stock Exchange has announced a significant expansion of its offering in the global market and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) segments with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and digitalization.

December 21, 2023

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg's Pioneering Visits to Senegal and South Africa

In an unprecedented diplomatic mission, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was the first Austrian official to visit Senegal and South Africa, setting new impulses in Austrian-African relations and opening the 31st Austrian Cultural Forum in Pretoria.

December 20, 2023

OMV's Borealis to Merge with Borouge in a 30 Billion Euro Deal

OMV's subsidiary Borealis is set to merge with the Abu Dhabi-based petrochemical company Borouge, creating a new global heavyweight in the chemical and plastic sector with an estimated value of 30 billion euros. This significant move marks a transformative step in the ongoing value creation and chemical growth strategy of both companies.

December 14, 2023

The Future of a Crumbling Empire: René Benko's Signa Group in Insolvency

The insolvency of the Signa Group, an Austrian company active in various sectors, including the real estate market, has far-reaching implications. Read more about the future of the Austrian flagship company!

December 6, 2023

Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce Hosts Libyan Delegations for Industry and Digital Transformation Talks

In a series of significant events, the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in Vienna, Austria, played host to high-level delegations from Libya, focusing on industrial development and digital transformation.

December 5, 2023

Austria-Arab Business Dialogue: Increased Cooperation and Innovation

The 13th edition of the Arab-Austrian Business Forum, which took place in Vienna, impressively demonstrated the growing importance of cooperation between Austria and the Arab countries. The forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), brought together over 200 participants from various countries, including high-ranking ministers and business people.

December 4, 2023

Revolutionizing E-Mobility in Austria: Introduction of the E-Control Tariff Calculator for E-Charging Stations

In a new initiative to promote e-mobility, the Austrian regulatory authority E-Control has introduced a new comparison calculator for public e-charging points.

November 23, 2023

Vienna Stock Exchange Strengthens International Presence with Barclays as New Trading Member

The Vienna Stock Exchange announced a significant step in its international expansion with the addition of Barclays Bank Ireland PLC as a new trading member. This marks an important milestone in the history of the exchange by adding one of the world's leading banks to its trading circle.

November 21, 2023

Energy Transition and Sustainability: French Visit to the AMAG Aluminum Plant in Upper Austria

The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, visited the AMAG aluminum factory in Upper Austria. He was accompanied by the Honorary Consul Mr. Redlhammer and Mr. Chaumont from the Economic Service. During this visit, they were received by the Managing Director of AMAG, Gerald Mayer, and the company spokesman, Leopold Pöcksteiner. The meeting provided an opportunity to shed light on the company's operational activities, strengths, and challenges.

November 17, 2023

Austria Backs Microelectronics: Three billion Euros Investment and AT&S Lighthouse Project

The Austrian government has made a firm commitment to support the microelectronics industry with three billion euros of investment over the coming years. These bold investments will help to promote the research and development of semiconductor companies in Austria and strengthen the foundations for digitalization, green energy transition, and sustainable growth.

November 2, 2023

APG Invests Nine Billion Euros in Austria's Electricity Grid

Austrian Power Grid (APG) has unveiled an ambitious €9 billion investment program designed to lay the foundation for a supply-secure energy transition in Austria. The company, a subsidiary of Verbund AG, thus plays a central role in the transformation of the Austrian energy supply system.

October 24, 2023

Austria's Growing Potential: MCF Energy's Welchau Gas Prospect

Austria could be on the verge of a breakthrough in its quest for energy security with the announcement of further developments regarding the Welchau gas prospect. MCF Energy Ltd. has confirmed plans to commence drilling at the Welchau site in Austria during Q4 2023.

October 18, 2023 · Updated: October 18, 2023; 20:00

Austria Wants to Be One of the Most Sustainable Destinations in the World

The extent to which the issue of climate change now affects all areas of our lives was also evident at this year's Expo Real in Munich.

Birgit Adelsberger · October 8, 2023

Austrian Group Shows at Expo Real 2023 how Sustainable Real Estate Works

Sustainability was a big topic at this year's Expo Real in Munich. Many of the conferences, which again featured high-caliber participants, addressed the topic of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) in connection with the various aspects of the real estate industry.

Birgit Adelsberger · October 8, 2023

OMV and Wood Sign Agreement to License Plastic Recycling Technology

In a move to promote the circular economy and reduce plastic waste, Vienna-based OMV and UK-based Wood have signed an exclusive cooperation agreement to commercially license OMV's ReOil technology. This agreement was reached at ADIPEC, the world's largest energy conference in Abu Dhabi, and is designed to drive progress in chemical plastic recycling.

October 3, 2023

Japanese Takeda Lays Foundation Stone for "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Urban Lakeside Aspern

In a symbolic act, the foundation stone was laid for Takeda's "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Seestadt Aspern. With an investment of around 120 million euros, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant represents the company's largest investment to date in Austria in a technically and ecologically optimized new building for biopharmaceutical research and development.

September 22, 2023

AACC Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting” at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in harmonious collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies or Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, successfully conducted the “Ambassadors’ Meeting”.

September 17, 2023

Green Peak Festival 2023: Austria's Pioneer for Climate Protection and Entrepreneurship

The renowned Green Peak Festival, which has established itself in the heart of Vienna as Austria's flagship event for sustainability and entrepreneurship, impressed once again. For the second year in a row, over 800 participants gathered to network, exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in sustainability. The project was supported this year by the Embassy of Israel.

September 11, 2023

Real Estate Prices in Austria Increased: Housing Increasingly Less Affordable

The cost of residential real estate in Austria has risen dramatically in recent years, significantly affecting affordability for many households. According to a recent analysis conducted by UniCredit Bank Austria, residential property prices in the euro area have risen faster than incomes. Austria has been particularly affected by this development, where property prices have actually fallen by almost 40 percent compared with incomes.

August 31, 2023

Vienna Airport Soars: A Remarkable Recovery and Vision for the Future in 2023

Flughafen Wien AG, the company that manages the Vienna International Airport, celebrates an impressive recovery in the first half of 2023 with significant growth in passenger numbers, revenue, and profit for the period. With an increase in passenger numbers of 44.3%, the Vienna location reached 91% of the passenger level before the Corona crisis in 2019. In the entire Group, the figure is even 94%.

August 27, 2023

Vienna Stock Exchange: Focus on International Investors and Sustainability

The Vienna Stock Exchange continues its course of attracting international investors while promoting sustainable investment opportunities. A recently published study on the ownership structure of institutional free float in the ATX Prime, conducted every two years by S&P Global Market Intelligence (formerly IHS Markit) on behalf of the Vienna Stock Exchange, shows that international institutional investors continue to play a major role.

August 21, 2023

"Wiener Gusto" in the Final for the EU Organic Awards 2023

Vienna is a proud finalist in this year's EU Organic Awards in the category "Best Organic City" thanks to its city-owned food brand "Wiener Gusto".

July 25, 2023

State Secretary Tursky Emphasizes Goal of European Chip Sovereignty at Austrian Company AT&S

During his visit to Leoben, Florian Tursky, the State Secretary for Digitization and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Finance, was given an insight into the new research and production center of the global high-tech group AT&S, which is currently being realized at the company's headquarters.

July 19, 2023

OMV's Polyolefins Business Cooperation: Concerns Raised as Greens Question Borealis' Future

Austrian energy company OMV has decided to pursue negotiations with ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, on potential cooperation of their polyolefins business. This reinforces certain concerns of the critical voices on the OMV-ADNOC deal.

July 16, 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

Wealth of the Richest Austrians Grows Despite Global Trends

In its latest issue, the business magazine "trend" publishes its annual ranking of the "100 richest Austrians". In contrast to some global studies, which show a slight decline in the ownership of the super-rich, Austria shows a different development. The assets of the 100 wealthiest individuals and families increased by five percent to a total of around 210 billion euros.

July 11, 2023

OMV Gives Final Investment Decision for Gas Project in Romania

OMV announced the final investment decision by OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy company in Southeast Europe, for the Neptune Deep natural gas production development project.

June 22, 2023

Austrian National Bank Publishes Macroeconomic Forecast for 2023 to 2025

According to the published forecast of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB), the Austrian economy is expected to pick up speed in the second half of 2023, with GDP growing by 0.5 percent in 2023. Accelerated growth of 1.7 percent is forecast for 2024. Although HICP inflation will fall steadily after the highs at the beginning of the year, it will still be above average at 2.9 percent in 2025.

June 18, 2023

New Unitary Patent Paves the Way for Innovative Companies in Europe

As of June 1, 2023, a unitary patent (unitary patent) will be introduced that will be valid in most member states of the European Union. Austria already ranks eighth in the EU for future technologies.

June 1, 2023

Austria's Best Tax Consultants Were Awarded

The Institute for Investment Consulting (IFA AG) and the daily newspaper "Die Presse" presented the coveted "Tax Consultant of the Year" award to the best tax consultants in Austria. The festive award ceremony took place in the Sofiensälen in Vienna and was accompanied by Federal Minister of Finance Dr. Magnus Brunner as keynote speaker. More than 16,000 nominations demonstrate appreciation for both the industry and the award.

May 25, 2023

Austria Shows Interest in Developing the Railroad Infrastructure to the Slovenian Port of Koper

Despite expansion projects, rail capacity remains limited compared to road. The seaport in Koper, Slovenia, which is important for Austria, is an example of current efforts in rail expansion, but at the same time shows the limits of rail-bound freight transport. With regard to Koper, Austrian experts emphasized the importance of an efficient rail connection for freight traffic.

May 24, 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

Vienna Stock Exchange Reports High Profits for Third-Year Running

Vienna's stock exchange, Wiener Börse AG, has announced high profits for the third year in a row, despite the turbulent economic environment of 2022. Vienna's stock exchange plans to continue its focus on consistent market modeling and alignment with international standards and is calling on the government to act to take advantage of the capital market's potential as a powerful lever.

May 10, 2023

First European Gaia-X Community Event in Vienna

The European Association for Data and Cloud (AISBL) of the European Gaia-X Initiative, in collaboration with Gaia-X Hub Austria, hosted the first European Market-X Community Event at the Aula of the Sciences in Vienna. At this event, Market-X brings together stakeholders from different industries to shape the digital future of Europe.

March 19, 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

New Film Incentive Model in Austria: HBO Shoots New Series Project "The Palace" in Vienna

The Vienna Film Commission is now increasingly promoting international film and series productions in Vienna and Austria. A new film funding model has been in place for some time and has now brought the first international project to the city. The new series from HBO with Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet called "The Palace" had its shooting start in Vienna.

February 5, 2023

The European Single Market Generally Appreciated by Austrians

A survey commissioned by the Austrian Society for European Politics (OeGfE) displayed that Austrians are generally and pragmatically satisfied with the four freedoms of the European Single Market. The European Single Market is 30 years old now, so Austrians can serve this as a review of the market.

January 2, 2023

Austria Promotes Energy Research with 17 Million Euros

The Climate and Energy Fund promotes innovations for clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. The aim is to strengthen Austria as a location for innovation and to improve export opportunities for the domestic economy. A total of 17 million euros is available for the program, endowed from the funds of the Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK).

December 29, 2022

AACC has organized a Business & Innovation Panel held at Palais Eschenbach

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) organized a high-level Business & Innovation panel which was held in the United Arab Emirates. Speeches were made, highlighting the good business relations between UAE and Austria.

December 9, 2022

Diplomats as Economic Bridge Builders: Austrian Companies Present Themselves to the Diplomatic Corps

International investors and cross-border business relations were what Tyrolean and Vorarlberg company representatives hoped for at the recently held "Business Location Austria" event. This brought together representatives from business, tourism and entrepreneurship with diplomats accredited in Austria to network with each other.

October 21, 2022