Austria Relaunches Repair Bonus as “Device Saver Bonus”
Austria relaunches its repair program as the “Device Saver Bonus” in December, focusing on household items with a €30M annual budget.
Vienna Insurance Group Buys Nürnberger For €1.38 Billion
Vienna Insurance Group acquires German insurer Nürnberger for up to €1.38B, its largest deal ever, expanding into Germany’s market.
Government to Ban E-Mopeds From Bike Paths Under New Traffic Law
Austria’s new traffic law bans e-mopeds from bike paths, adds helmet rules for e-bikes and scooters, and allows camera-based traffic control.
Serial Burglar Robs Seniors In Vienna, Stealing €600,000
Vienna police arrested a 49-year-old serial burglar accused of stealing seniors’ keys and looting homes, causing €600,000 in damage.
René Benko Sentenced to Two Years in Prison For Fraud
Ex-tycoon René Benko sentenced to two years in prison for fraudulent bankruptcy; acquitted in rent case but guilty over €300K gift.
200 Complaints Filed Against Supermarkets For Misleading Discounts
Vienna fined supermarkets for false price labels and missing discounts after 1,200 inspections; major chains increased profits by 60%.
Vienna Plans €2 Billion Savings To Cut 2026 Budget Deficit
Vienna plans €2B in savings for 2026 to cut its deficit to €2.65B, with fee hikes and reforms but no cuts to free kindergartens or schools.
Ikea Austria Fined €1.5M For Filming Shoppers’ PIN Entries
Ikea fined €1.5M in Austria for illegal video surveillance at its Vienna store, accused of filming shoppers and their PIN entries.
René Benko Pleads Not Guilty in Innsbruck Fraud Trial
Signa founder René Benko goes on trial in Innsbruck for allegedly hiding €660K from creditors; prosecutors seek up to 10 years’ jail.
AMS Chief: Red-White-Red Card Won’t Fix Labor Market Gaps
AMS chief Johannes Kopf warns Austria can’t fix labor shortages with immigration alone and urges better use of refugees and AI tools.