Austrians Rate Their Housing Satisfaction 8.1/10
Austrians report high housing satisfaction (8.1/10) even as rents reach €9.80/m², rental rate hits 46 %, and building permits fall to a record low.
OeNB Sees End of Recession, Forecasts 0.2 % GDP Growth for 2025
OeNB now expects 0.2 % GDP growth in 2025, ending the recession; moderate growth continues despite tariff risks and budget deficits.
Tyrol: New Wolf Shooting Order Following Deadly Sheep Kills
After repeated sheep killings near homes, Tyrol authorizes wolf culling; latest report confirms 102 wolves and declining livestock losses in Austria.
IV President’s Call for Retirement at 70 Triggers Nationwide Backlash
Knill’s call to raise Austria’s retirement age to 70 draws fierce opposition from pensioners, unions, FPÖ, and Greens.
Austria Ranks 5th in Global Waste Index 2025 Despite 803 kg Per Capita
Austria jumps to 5th in Global Waste Index 2025, recycling 42% of its 803 kg per capita waste.
Amazon Claims 40% of Austria’s Online Sales
Amazon dominates with 40 % of Austria’s €10.5 billion e-commerce sales; Temu and Shein earn €550 million.
Digital Media Addiction Inquiries Jump 71% for Austrian Youth
Rat auf Draht logged 857 youth addiction calls in 2024: nicotine up 24%, screen addiction up 71%, alcohol down.
230 km/h Westbahn Returns
ÖBB completes flood repairs on Westbahn line—230 km/h service resumes and Tullnerfeld platforms extended.
No Draft for Austria’s Electricity Act Yet
Greens worry that delayed energy laws and proposed feed-in tariffs will stall renewables; government seeks opposition support for ElWG.
Man Dies in Hospital Following Graz Apartment Explosion
A 47-year-old man rescued from a Graz building explosion has died; fire brigade suspects gas explosion and has cordoned off the site.