The World Bank Group’s (WBG) office in Vienna serves as the institution’s operational hub for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. With over 300 employees, it stands as the largest WBG office in Europe, underscoring its significance within the WBG’s global footprint.
The WBG’s presence in Vienna dates back to 2007 when, with the support of the Austrian government, the Investment Climate Vienna Office was launched. Since then, the office has undergone significant expansion in multiple phases. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Vienna provides the WBG with a unique opportunity to leverage its proximity to the ECA region. This enables building stronger relationships with clients and facilitating support for them more effectively.
In 2013, the Western Balkans Country Director position was moved to Vienna. Beyond serving as the head of the office, the Country Director also leads the World Bank's lending programs and analytical work in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, to support their economic development and preparation for eventual European Union membership.
In 2017, the Vienna office became the regional hub for Central and Eastern Europe of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the WBG and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. The office hosts the Regional Director, many Regional Managers, and core industry and support teams working across the region. The Vienna team also manages IFC relationships with Austrian clients and partners.
Moreover, since February 2022, the Vienna office has been providing temporary workspace for the WBG’s Ukraine staff.
In addition to Investment Climate Vienna Office, WBG’s office in Vienna houses several programs supported by the Austrian Government, including:
Financial Sector Advisory Services Center (FinSAC)
Center for Financial Reporting Reform (CFRR)
GovTech Global Partnership (GTGP)
ECA Cities and Climate Change Program
The Western Balkans Green Recovery and Support Program
75 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
In 2023, Austria celebrated the 75th anniversary of its membership in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), commonly known as the World Bank. After witnessing the substantial benefits of IBRD support in the aftermath of World War II, Austria, represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance, evolved into a trusted and contributing partner.
To commemorate this milestone anniversary, a high-level event was hosted in Vienna, attended by the World Bank's Senior Managing Director, Axel van Trotsenburg.
