Austria To Gradually Drop Labor Restrictions Come ’09

Molterer said they are not considering the complete elimination of restrictions in 2009, but a gradual lift of restrictions. He added that, according to European legislation, restrictions could be imposed until 2011. He repeated that a decision would be made in 2009, after talks with the European Commission, adding Austria would most likely lift restrictions in a gradual manner, starting with the areas in which there is demand.

The Austrian official mentioned that the process has already begun, in the area of research, for example, not only on a university level, but on a company level as well.

He added in jest that Romania has a different problem, namely it wants to bring Romanians back not send them to work abroad.

Molterer is to meet Romanian economy and finance minister Varujan Vosganian and Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. He added that the talk with Vosganian would address the Nabucco pipeline project, aspects regarding energy and the use of alternative and renewable energy resources.

Molterer held a meeting with Austrian businesspersons in Romania, and he said that they are optimistic and preoccupied with subjects such as education, infrastructure investments and the optimal implementation of European legislation. He recalled that Austria was a supporter for Romania’s efforts to join the EU, because Austria desires a stable Europe and it is interested in the economic development of the region.

Asked to comment on Romania’s situation one year after accession, Molterer congratulated the economic growth and the low unemployment rate. However, he mentioned that accession is just one step, a phase. He said that there are slight concerns regarding the import-export ratio, but he added that, in the big picture, he gets the impression of a stable situation. In his opinion, the year 2008 will be decisive for the full use of EU offered potential.