97% of Austrians Shop Online, Spending €30 Billion in 2024
97% of Austrians shop online regularly, spending €30 billion in 2023, with travel, clothing, and cosmetics leading and cards as the top payment method.
FPÖ Accuses ÖVP of “Deep Black State,” Calls for Investigation
FPÖ demands a parliamentary investigative committee into the ÖVP, citing alleged “deep state” tactics and the Pilnacek death and pandemic measures.
ÖBB: Upper Austria Rails under 2,500 Passengers May Become Buses
ÖBB proposes replacing three lightly used Upper Austrian regional rail lines with bus services—lines under 2,500 daily passengers—to save costs amid budget cuts, sparking political backlash.
ÖNB: Boards with More Women Deliver Better ROI
An OeNB study finds that increasing female representation on supervisory boards causally boosts firm profitability, stability and growth, and benefits overall GDP.
ICCA: Vienna Hosts Most Congresses Worldwide
Vienna hosted 154 congresses in 2024—more than any other city—boosting tourism and generating €1.32 billion in economic impact, ICCA data show.
Study: 94% Want Financial Independence, Only 50% Can
94 % of Austrians value financial independence, but only 50 % achieve it; study links dependence to gaps in financial literacy and highlights gender disparities.
From Outsider to Nobel Laureate: Anton Zeilinger Turns 80
Quantum pioneer Anton Zeilinger, Nobel Prize laureate known for “flights of fancy,” turns 80, celebrating a career of groundbreaking photon entanglement and quantum communication.
Austria Sees Rise in Crimes Involving Date Rape Drugs in 2024
Austria sees a rise in crimes involving narcotics like date rape drugs in 2024, with 150 reported cases—most linked to sexual assault.
Greens, ÖVP, NEOS Fined Over €100K for Social Media Posts
Austria’s ÖVP, NEOS, and Greens fined over €100K for illegal party donations via social media posts. Legal reform planned to clarify regulations.
EU Forecast: Only Austria’s Economy Will Shrink in 2025
Austria is the only EU country with a predicted economic decline in 2025. High inflation, rising deficit, and low growth darken economic outlook.