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.
Vienna: Tram 2 Derails After Collision With Cars
A Vienna tram on Line 2 derailed after colliding with two cars near Marien Bridge, injuring two drivers and causing major traffic delays.
Austria Restructures Border Controls
Austria is restructuring border controls, shifting from checkpoints to mobile border-area policing as apprehensions fall and troop deployments are reduced.
Austria Plans €540 Million Savings in Public Administration by 2030
Government plans to save €540 million in public administration by 2030, cutting jobs through retirements while investing €108 million in digitalization.
NATO Chief: Russia Could Target NATO Within Five Years
NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia may be ready to strike within five years, urging faster defense spending, arms output and Ukraine support.
Cobra Unit Faces Staffing Cuts as Police Budget Tightens
Austria cuts staff at its Cobra special forces and DSE units amid budget pressures, raising concerns about response capacity and police readiness.
OECD Report: Austria Has EU’s Second-Highest Health Spending
OECD report finds Austria has EU’s second-highest health costs, long wait times, and rising two-tier system risks, prompting government reforms.
Eurovision Winner Nemo Returns Trophy Over Israel’s Participation
Eurovision winner Nemo returns trophy, protesting Israel’s participation and saying the contest’s values no longer align with EBU decisions.
Austrian Parliament Approves Headscarf Ban in Schools from 2026
Austria passes a school headscarf ban for girls under 14, set to begin in 2026, alongside new rules on suspension support and student protections.
ÖGK to Cover Clinical Psychology Starting 2026
Public health insurance will fully fund clinical psychological treatment from 2026, expanding nationwide access to mental health care.
Austria Rejects U.S. Plan to Pull EU Members Away
Austria rejects claims in a leaked U.S. strategy suggesting Washington aims to pull it from the EU, reaffirming firm commitment to European unity.
Austria Replaces Repair Bonus with New “Device Saver” Program
Austria replaces its repair bonus with a new Device Saver Premium from January 2026, covering up to €130 for household device repairs.
Report: Trump Wants to Detach Austria From the EU
Leaked U.S. strategy under Trump lists Austria among countries Washington hoped to pull away from the EU, sparking political debate in Vienna.
Greens Criticize Austria’s 2026 Ban on Jobless Side Income
Austria’s Greens seek more exemptions from the 2026 ban on extra earnings for unemployed workers, warning the rule harms people in culture, science, and media.
Study Shows Early Education Key to Adult Literacy Levels
New PIAAC data shows major literacy gaps in Austria, with adults who attended kindergarten scoring far higher in reading than those who did not.
Police Detect Dozens of Serious Defects on Graz Tour Buses
Graz police halt tour buses with serious defects during Advent checks, issuing fines and banning unsafe vehicles from continuing their trips.
ÖÄK Vice President Risks Removal Over Expense Allegations
ÖÄK vice president Harald Mayer faces a no-confidence vote after reports of €26,000 monthly pay and controversial expense practices.
Stores Open in Vienna on Dec. 8: Full List of Hours for 2025
Find out which Vienna shops, supermarkets, and malls open on December 8, 2025, including holiday hours for Hofer, Spar, Billa, dm, and major centers.
Lower Austria Wants Fewer Immigration Quota Places
Lower Austria and Styria push for fewer immigration quota places in Austria’s 2025 settlement ordinance, sparking FPÖ criticism and legal debate.
Burgenland: Teacher Allegedly Has Students Build Swastika
Police investigate a Burgenland teacher accused of having students build a swastika in class as education authorities review consequences.
Austria Sets Record in 2024 With €164.6 Million in Film Funding
Austria’s public film funding hit a record €164.6m in 2024, driven by ÖFI+ and FISAplus, with 82% of support coming from federal schemes.
Israel Approved for Eurovision, Four Countries Boycott
Israel will be allowed to compete in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, a meeting of the participating broadcasters has decided.
Austria to Continue Technical Talks With Taliban on Deportations
Austria will continue technical talks with the Taliban to enable deportations of criminal refugees, Interior Minister Karner says.
Greens Back Rent-Control Law Despite Earlier Criticism
Austria passes a law capping inflation-driven rent hikes and setting five-year leases as Greens join majority despite earlier criticism.
Vienna Announces Several Fee Increases Across Public Services
Vienna plans significant fee increases including higher dog taxes and administrative charges as the city adjusts to rising costs.
Nearly 400,000 Unemployed in November
Austria’s unemployment climbs to 399,199 in November, rising for the 32nd month as vacancies and apprenticeships decline, AMS reports.
Austria Ranked Among EU Leaders in Digital and AI Adoption
EIB Investment Survey names Austria a European leader in digital tech and generative AI adoption, outpacing most EU countries and the US.
Austria Near Bottom of EU Ranking for Women in Top Roles
EIB report shows Austria fourth from last in EU for women in top business roles, far behind peers on female leadership and ownership.
Pilot Safely Lands Plane on A2 Highway Near Italian Border
Austrian pilot makes emergency landing on A2 motorway in Carinthia near Italian border; no injuries, traffic resumes after brief closure.
Austria Finalizes Purchase of 12 Fighter Jets
Austria buys 12 Leonardo M-346 jets in a €1.5B deal with Italy, including €400M industrial cooperation to boost air defense and technology.
EU Approves Cash Withdrawals in Supermarkets Without Purchase
A new EU plan lets shoppers withdraw €100–150 in stores without buying, with clearer fees and stronger fraud protection.
Report: Almost 2k Online Hate Cases in Austria in a Year
ZARA’s new report tracks 1,716 online hate cases, highlighting racism, legal-but-harmful content, and rising abuse targeting women.
Austria Tops EU in Waste Volume but Excels in Recycling Rates
Austria ranks first in EU waste generation but recycles 60%; EU audit warns recycling targets, capacity, and market demand lag behind.
Austrians Donated Over €1 Billion in 2024
Austria donated €1.07B in 2024, a record high despite inflation and recession, driven by flood relief and environmental causes.
Vienna Airport Drops €2 Billion Third Runway Plan
Vienna Airport cancels long-planned third runway after rising costs, delays, and airline opposition; future expansion still possible.
Austria’s Spanish Riding School Faces Horse Abuse Allegations
Animal abuse allegations surround the Spanish Riding School in Austria as officials investigate claims of mistreatment and internal misconduct.
Vienna-Floridsdorf: 52-Year-Old Man Shoots and Injures Another Man
Man shot and injured in Vienna-Floridsdorf; 52-year-old suspect arrested, multiple legal weapons found, police rule out terrorist motive.
Asylum Applications Drop by 49% Compared to 2024
Austria sees 49% drop in October asylum applications; Afghan approvals high, family reunification nearly halted, 10,000+ granted status.
ESC Tickets in Vienna: Pre-Registration Now Open
Eurovision 2025 ticket registration in Vienna is now open. Seats can be secured for the semifinals, previews, and the final from €15–€360.
Vienna-Florisdorf: Two Teenagers Injured in Stabbing
Two teens critically injured in a Floridsdorf stabbing near the Water Park; police arrest seven suspects and search for more attackers.
Austria Qualifies for World Champion First Time in 28 years
Austria made it to the World Cup after a tense 1–1 draw with Bosnia. Team secured first place with a late goal from Gregoritsch.
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