We bring you all the latest scoops and news from Austria & Vienna, so can shine with your insider knowledge at your next dinner invitation in Vienna.
We introduce this new format based on positive feedback on our coverage of the coronavirus in Austria and Vienna. This regularly updates static article is your go-to address for the latest news and developments.
December 2021
02.12.2021 – GDP in Austria Above Pre-crisis Level
The catch-up process of the Austrian economy continued in the third quarter of 2021 after the third lockdown. The GDP (gross domestic product) increased by 3.8 percent compared to the second quarter. Compared to the third quarter 2020 it increased by 5.7 percent. This stated Statistics Austria on Thursday. For the first time, the economic output was higher than
before the corona crisis, by 1.1 percent in relation to the third quarter of 2019.
Several economic sectors have left the crisis behind them, said Statistics Austria director Tobias Thomas. Even in the sectors accommodation and gastronomy, which were hit hard by the crisis, 88.5 percent of the pre-crisis level was generated.
The current, fourth lockdown is an endurance test, said Thomas. However, there is nothing stopping a continuation of the economic recovery course with a sustainable containment of the pandemic.
The latest news from Austria & Vienna is reported in cooperation with the Austrian Press Agency / APA.
02.12.2021 – Possible Movement in Nuclear Talks With Iran
There might be movement in the Iranian nuclear talks in Vienna. The government in Teheran made two proposals on Thursday. The proposals are now to be checked. “We are in Vienna to continue the negotiations”, said Iran’s top negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani. This was according to the news agency Reuters. The two proposals focus on lifting sanctions and on obligations in the nuclear deal (JCPOA), the news agency Irna reported.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Premier Minister Naftali Bennet demanded the immediate discontinuation of the nuclear talks with Iran.
On Monday the talks to save the Iran nuclear deal resumed. The talks are the first diplomatic rapprochement after a month-long break and a change of president in Tehran.
Reported in cooperation with the Austrian Press Agency / APA.
01.12.2021 – Stationary Retail Opens on Sunday, December 19
Stationary retail will be open on Sunday, December 19 this year. Due to the current lockdown three pre-Christmas shopping, Saturdays, and the traditionally lucrative holiday on December 8 are missed out. Opening stationary trade on Sunday before Christmas should make up for at least some of the sales. The prerequisite is that the coronavirus pandemic situation in Austria allows an opening.
“The possibility of the one-time opening affects only those branches that are closed during the lockdown,” the union clarified. Supermarkets remain closed on December 19. Fashion retailers, electronics stores, toy stores, bookstores, and others are expected to benefit from the agreement the social partners agreed on Tuesday evening.
Employees who offer to work on December 19 will earn double and get an extra day off.
The latest news from Austria & Vienna is reported in cooperation with the Austrian Press Agency / APA.
