Winter Storm Warning Issued Across Austria
Heavy snowfall across Austria may disrupt roads, rail, and flights, with winter driving warnings and avalanche risks in alpine regions.
Wiener Linien Plans Campaign Against Loud Calls
Vienna’s public transit launches a campaign to curb loud phone calls and music, with possible fines ahead for rule breakers.
Viennese Researchers Set Guinness Record With World’s Smallest QR Code
TU Wien scientists set a Guinness record with the world’s smallest QR code, advancing ultra-durable ceramic data storage technology.
Austria Improves Slightly in 2025 Corruption Index, Ranked 21
Austria edges up in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index. See how transparency laws, enforcement, and EU trends shape the ranking.
Foreign Citizens Make Up 37% of Vienna and 20.5% of Austria
Foreign citizens now make up 20.5% of Austria’s population and 37% in Vienna, new Statistics Austria data show.
Filmmaker Wes Anderson Travels on ÖBB Nightjet Train
Filmmaker Wes Anderson traveled on an ÖBB Nightjet, discussing his love of trains and praising the design of the new sleeper compartments.
Austria Sets Record with 12 Films at Berlinale 2026
Twelve Austrian films, including ten federally funded works, will premiere at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival in a record showing for Austrian cinema.
Fog, Rain, and Sunshine: Austria’s Weather Through Tuesday
Austria faces changeable weather with fog, rain, and sunshine as westerly winds move in, bringing mixed conditions through Tuesday.
Eurostat Report: EU House Prices Up 53% Since 2010
Eurostat’s Housing in Europe – 2025 edition shows large differences in housing costs, ownership and a 53% rise in house prices across the EU.
Nestlé Withdraws Guigoz Baby Formula Over Toxin Risk
Nestlé has pulled a batch of Guigoz baby formula after a toxin was found in ingredients, prompting withdrawals across multiple countries.
Austria Records Modest Increase in Military Service Numbers
Austria reports a slight rise in conscripts and volunteers in 2024, as debate intensifies over extending compulsory military service.
Car Use Drops Sharply Among Young Viennese
Car use among young adults in Vienna has dropped sharply, with more people walking, cycling, and relying on public transport and car sharing.
Austrian Government Targets Fuel Price Cuts
Austria plans a special review of fuel prices as the government investigates why lower global oil prices are not reaching consumers.
Spain to Legalize 500,000 Undocumented Migrants, Austria Critizes Decision
Spain launches a mass legalization program that could grant residency to up to 500,000 undocumented migrants, easing requirements and reducing bureaucracy.
Austria Like Australia: Government Plans Under-14 Social Media Ban
Austria plans a social media ban for children under 14, aiming to implement it by the next school year, ahead of an EU-wide solution.
Styria: Hunter Killed by Accidental Gunshot in Forest
A 42-year-old hunter was killed by an accidental gunshot in southern Styria. Police are investigating but do not suspect foul play.
Study: Youth in Austria Use Less Social Media, AI Chatbots Rise
Youth Internet Monitor 2026 shows declining social media use among teens, while AI chatbots gain popularity, according to a new study.
Vienna Budget Gap for 2025 Revised Down to €2.8 Billion
Vienna expects its 2025 budget deficit to total €2.8 billion, €1 billion less than forecast, with lower debt and reduced interest costs.
Leopoldsdorf: Man Found Dead Near Roadway, Hit-and-Run Suspected
Autopsy results show a 24-year-old man in Leopoldsdorf died from a traffic accident. Police are investigating a suspected hit-and-run.
2025 in Austria: Fewer Asylum Applications and More Deportations
Asylum applications in Austria fell 36% last year, with Afghans the largest group and fewer people in basic care, official data show.
Austria’s Largest Espionage Trial Begins With Case Against Egisto Ott
Austria’s largest espionage trial in decades begins in Vienna, with former intelligence officer Egisto Ott accused of spying for Russia.
Vienna Plans Closed Group Homes for Repeat Offenders Under 14
Vienna plans a pilot project for closed housing of criminally underage repeat offenders, focusing on education, child welfare, and safety.
Vienna Lawmakers Debate German-Language Support in Schools
Vienna’s state parliament debates German-language support as parties clash over kindergarten education and migration.
Parliament Approves New Tax-Free Overtime Rules for 2026
Austria’s parliament approves new tax-free overtime rules for 2026, prompting debate over fairness, budget impact, and incentives for work.
Vienna Remains Espionage Hub, Russia Seen as Top Threat
Austria’s intelligence chief warns that Russia is the country’s main espionage threat, citing disinformation, cyberattacks, and influence operations.
From January 19: New U2 Station Lina-Loos-Platz
Vienna opens the new U2 Lina-Loos-Platz station in January 2026, expanding the subway to 110 stations and improving access to Donaustadt.
Vienna Business Agency Director Appointed Without Tender
Former Vienna ÖVP leader Manfred Juraczka moved into a top role at the Vienna Business Agency in November 2025 without a public tender.
From January 19: Cigarette Prices in Austria to Rise Again
Cigarette prices in Austria will rise from January 19 as tobacco taxes increase and the tobacco monopoly expands to new products.
US Media Over Greenland: Austrian Activist Mislabeled as “NATO Official”
US media misidentified Austrian activist Gunther Fehlinger as a NATO official after a viral video on Greenland and US military bases.
Billa, Spar, Lidl Rule Out South American Fresh Meat
Austrian supermarkets say they will not sell South American meat after the EU-Mercosur deal, sticking with 100% Austrian fresh meat sourcing.
Lower Austria: Woman, 36, Found Strangled by Partner in Cellar
A 36-year-old woman was strangled by her partner in Lower Austria. The suspect confessed and was arrested in the Mistelbach district.
Vienna Airport Closed: Freezing Rain Causes Ice Chaos
Freezing rain causes icy conditions across eastern Austria, closing Vienna Airport and disrupting road and rail traffic.
More Training Slots, Few New Kindergarten Teachers
Austria expanded kindergarten training places, but enrollment and graduate numbers remain flat despite growing staff shortages.
Cyprus Launches EU Council Presidency With Focus on Defense
Cyprus launches its EU Council presidency, focusing on defense, migration, and Ukraine, as leaders gather in Nicosia.
DiscoverEU: 40,000 Young Europeans Travel Europe for Free
DiscoverEU grants 40,000 young Europeans free train travel across Europe, including youth cards with discounts and cultural access.
FPÖ Clarifies Stance on Venezuela and Greenland
Austria’s FPÖ outlines its positions on Venezuela and Greenland, calling for neutrality, restraint, and opposition to military intervention.
SPÖ Faces Leadership Test as Babler Awaits March Confirmation
Austria’s SPÖ heads into a key year as Andreas Babler seeks confirmation in March, with former chancellor Christian Kern looming as a possible challenger.
Vienna’s ÖVP Sees Pre-School Failures Behind School Language Gap
Vienna ÖVP warns of a record share of non-regular students in first grades, blaming pre-school failures and calling for mandatory language support.
Survey: Austrians Expect Economic Recovery No Earlier Than 2028
IMAS survey 2025 shows inflation and living costs dominate concerns in Austria, with many expecting economic recovery only after 2027.
Austrian Public Holidays and Vienna School Vacations in 2026
Austria public holidays 2026 and Vienna school vacations 2025/26. Full calendar with official holiday and school break dates.
Commissioner Brunner: EU Deportation Rate Climbs to 27%
EU Commission reports a sharp rise in deportations, with rates reaching 27%. New migration rules aim to speed up removals across the EU.
Files Show Jeffrey Epstein Held Fake Austrian Passport
New files show Jeffrey Epstein possessed an Austrian passport under an alias. Authorities say there are no records of it being used.
Gunfire Hits Albanian Mosque in Hollabrunn
Shots were fired at a mosque in Hollabrunn overnight. Police are investigating possible extremist motives; no injuries were reported.
Asylum Applications in Austria Down 35% in 2025
Austria reports a sharp fall in asylum applications after extending its family reunification halt, with Afghans and Syrians leading claims.
€1.5 Million Paid Out to Victims of Graz School Shooting
Victims of the 2025 Graz school shooting have received €1.5 million in initial aid from Austria’s relief fund, which runs until 2029.
Austria Prepares Subsidy Cuts as Budget Gap Widens
Austria plans subsidy cuts for 2027–28 as a Fiscal Council report warns of a multibillion-euro gap to meet EU deficit targets.
Abolished Politician Pensions Cost Austria Over €40 Million a Year
Austria still spends over €40 million on abolished politician pensions. ORF reveals all 462 recipients, including former chancellors and MPs.
Vienna: Tram 18 Resumes Service to Schlachthausgasse
Vienna’s tram line 18 resumes service after upgrades, with renewed tracks, modernized stops, and an extension to the stadium planned.
Government Pushes Electricity Tax Cut, Sparks Debate in Parliament
Austria’s parliament debates a planned electricity tax cut for 2026, drawing criticism from the FPÖ and support from Greens and business groups.
Austria Plans Tax-Free Allowance for Working Retirees
Austria plans a €15,000 tax-free allowance to encourage retirees to keep working, replacing a proposed flat tax and starting in 2027.
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