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.
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.
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