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.
Vienna Book Fair 2025 Draws Record 72,000 Visitors
Buch Wien 25 welcomed 72,000 visitors, expanding with a second hall and 516 events, solidifying its role as Austria’s leading book fair.
New Gambling Reform Targets Online Betting and Tax Evasion
Austria prepares new gambling law with stricter player protection, online gaming rules, and anti-money measures ahead of 2027 license renewals.
AK Demands Expansion of Austria’s Vocational Schools
Austria’s vocational schools face overcrowding as student numbers rise. AK urges rapid expansion of BMHS to tackle skilled worker shortages.
Graz Shooting Parents Sue Austria Over Gun Approval
Parents of Graz shooting victims sue Austria over shooter’s gun permits and official negligence in school massacre case.
Statistik Austria: Austria’s Population Aging Fast
Austria’s population is aging rapidly; one in four will be over 65 by 2040, Statistik Austria warns, urging action on pensions and care.
Nurse in Vienna Suspected of Killing Patient With Overdose
Vienna prosecutors investigate Klinik Favoriten nurse over suspected overdose death; hospital confirms irregularities in medication logs.
Tyrol & Vorarlberg: €100K Fines After Financial Inspections
Financial Police uncover tax and labor violations in Tyrol and Vorarlberg alpine huts, with €100K in fines for unregistered workers.
Vienna Cuts CO₂ Emissions by Nearly 6% in One Year
Vienna cuts CO₂ emissions by 5.8%, surpassing Austria’s average. Strong climate policies and green initiatives drive the success.
Weapons Cache Linked to Hamas Found in Vienna Storage Unit
Vienna police uncover Hamas-linked weapons cache; 39-year-old Briton arrested as suspect in terror plot targeting Jewish institutions.
Schönbrunn Christmas Market Opens November 6 in Vienna
Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market opens Nov 6 with lights, concerts, and new attractions as the city’s festive season begins.
Schools to Get More Freedom in German Language Support Plans
Austria to let schools design their own German support models for non-native students, replacing mandatory separate language classes.
Vienna’s Hotel Sacher Named Among World’s 50 Best Hotels
Vienna’s Hotel Sacher named among the world’s 50 best hotels, the only German-speaking entry, praised for luxury and Austrian charm.
October 2025: Austria’s Unemployment Rises to 7.2%
Austria’s unemployment rises 4.4% to 388,000; jobless rate hits 7.2% as inflation and weak economy prolong the downturn, says AMS.
Casual
Friday
Update
Every Friday afternoon – a round up of of the most important news of the past seven days in your inbox. FREE!