Amina Frassl
Amina is Metropole's former online content manager. She is a contributing writer, focusing on current news and politics. She recently received her Bachelors' degree in journalism and politics from New York University and is currently pursuing her Masters' in international affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Food & Drink
How to Make Fattet Al-Makdous/Eggplant Fatteh
'Fatteh' comes from the Arabic language meaning crumble or lay bread over something.
News
New Study Finds Stops by Austrian Police Highest in the EU
Residents of the Alpine Republic reported some of the highest numbers in the European Union, with people of Sub-Saharan African origin reporting twice as frequently.
Cover Story
A Life in Languages – Vienna’s Many Voices
From Czech to Turkish, a Babel of languages is heard alongside German on Vienna’s streets. With 42% having roots abroad and English in all schools, multilingualism is (again) the norm.
Summer 2021
Summer 2021 | Let’s Talk!
In our 43rd issue we take a look at how language shapes who we are and how we are together. We focus on multilingualism, learning German and politica...
News
New High-Speed Rail Train Connection Between the Austrian and German Capitals
From Vienna to Berlin in under five hours – the Via Vindobona is part of Europe’s bid to expand railway lines and reduce short-haul flights within the region.
Coronavirus
All You Need to Know About Austria’s Green Pass
Hailed as a ticket back to normal life, the certificate will provide access to culture, gastronomy and sporting facilities. Here’s an overview.
News
“Bierwirt” Charged with Murdering Ex-Partner, Spurring Renewed Calls to Protect Women from Vio...
The recent murder in Vienna’s 20th district marks the ninth femicide in less than five months.
Recommended
Burgenland to Build Austria’s Largest Wind Turbines
The project near Neusiedl am See is hailed as a major step toward carbon neutrality.
Features
Austrian Catholics Criticize the Vatican’s Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Members of the Church are speaking out against the Vatican’s decision to bar priests from sanctifying homosexual unions.
Features
The Governing ÖVP Further Rocked by ÖBAG Scandal
Recovered chats reveal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Finance Minister Gernot Blümel’s involvement, previously denied, in the appointment of state holding CEO Thomas Schmid.
Features
To Speak or Not to Speak
A recent survey found that every second Austrian prefers staying silent over voicing an opinion.
Coronavirus in Austria
CoV on March 15-21 | Austria in the Third Wave
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of March 15-21, 2021.
Coronavirus in Austria
CoV on March 8-14 | Over 1 Million Vaccine Doses Administered
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of March 8-14, 2021.
Politics
EU to Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Amid Sluggish Rollout
The European Commission is working on a digital certificate that will enable free travel. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is an advocate, despite Austria’s slow inoculation rate.
Coronavirus in Austria
CoV on March 1-7 | Schwaz to Be Fully Vaccinated
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of March 1-7, 2021.
Features
No More Hiding – Austria Set to Disclose State Information
If the measure passes, the Republic will dismantle its nearly 100-year-old Official Secrecy Laws – the last EU country to do so – and launch new measures increasing public insight into state operations.
Coronavirus in Austria
CoV on Feb. 15-21 | More Than 500,000 Vaccine Jabs Administered
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Feb. 15-21, 2021.
Coronavirus
Bavarian Borders, Tyrolean Tantrums
Concerns over virus mutations have led Germany to close its frontier to Tyrol, setting off traffic jams on the streets and brawls among top officials. Even Brussels has chimed in.
Coronavirus
CoV on Feb. 7-14 | No Further Opening Steps Expected
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened concerning COVID-19 in Austria in the week from Feb. 7-14.
Coronavirus
CoV on Jan. 24-31 | Federal Government to Decide Next Steps Tomorrow
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 25-31, 2021.
Coronavirus
The AstraZeneca Vaccine Shortfall Is the Latest Setback in Europe’s Fight Against COVID-19
With the EU set to receive tens of millions fewer doses than promised, the newest delay is a huge blow to the bloc’s immunization plan.
Coronavirus
CoV on Jan. 18-24 | 1.2% of Population Vaccinated
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 18-24, 2021.
Features
Let Them Ski!
While reports of Austrians defying social distance rules on alpine slopes make international headlines, local ski lift operators are recording massive losses and rolling back services.
Coronavirus
CoV on Jan 11-17 | Lockdown Extended Until Feb. 7
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 11-17, 2021.
Coronavirus
CoV on Dec. 28 – Jan. 3 | 6,000 People in Austria Vaccinated
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on Dec. 21-27 | Day 1 of the Vaccine Rollout
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
The Rules of Austria’s Third Lockdown
Following Christmas, the country will re-enter a one-month national lockdown. This time around, a negative test result is the key to freedom.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 20 | Government Bans Flights From the United Kingdom
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 20, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus in Austria
CoV on December 6 | Last Day of Second Lockdown
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 6, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
How Austria Plans to Reopen After the Second Lockdown
Just in time for the holidays, Austria will ease restrictions on Dec. 7. Here is a complete overview of the next steps.
Politics
“Social, Brave, Humane, Sustainable” – Red-Pink Make Its Debut in Vienna
Following three weeks of intense negotiations, the Vienna’s SPÖ and NEOS have presented a 212-page coalition program for their administration. Here are the most important takeaways.
Politics
The Ugly Truth Behind Vienna’s Terrorist Attack – Blind Bureaucracy and Clumsy Management
Investigations surrounding the Jihadist attack in Vienna’s inner city have revealed hiccups in the Austrian secret service and shed new light on the country’s large extremist scene.
Politics
Jihadist Terror Attack in Vienna’s First District
On Monday evening, at least one ISIS “sympathizer” attacked diners sitting outside in the inner city. Four civilians and one gunman were killed, and 22 others injured, some severely. Police are still looking for possible accomplices. This is a developing story.
Politics
Black Voices – ‘Writing History’ in Austria
Following the popular Black Lives Matter protest in Vienna, young activists launched a Citizens’ Initiative demanding a national action plan against racism.
City Life
Hut ab! Vienna Leads the Return of the Hat
Out of style for decades, the hat is making a gradual comeback, aided by local manufacturers who kept the custom alive.
Politics
“Pass Egal Vote” – Giving a Voice to the Unheard
In allowing noncitizens to cast a simulated ballot, SOS Mitmensch aims to foster inclusion in Austria’s restricted political system.
Fall 2020
Kitzbühel in Summer Is For Gourmets Who Hike
A picturesque medieval town, regional gourmet cuisine, hiking and idyllic scenery make Kitzbühel the perfect getaway.
Vienna News
Trump Praises Austrian “Forest Cities” With Exploding Trees
With some highly unusual comments meant to put California’s environmental management in a bad light, the U.S. president set off a twitter storm of mockery and once again exposed his ignorance of the world.
Coronavirus
QAnon Supporters Put on a Homophobic Display at a Protest in Vienna
At a protest against coronavirus restrictions in Vienna, far-right extremists put on a homophobic display in front of a cheering crowd, while drawing outrage from the Greens.
Politics
Low Marks for Integration in Austrian Schools – Who is to Blame?
The annual integration report has confirmed that migrant children have difficulty learning German, but Integration Minister Susanne Raab rejects changing the system.
Politics
No More Swimming on the Gürtel
'Gürtelfrische West' has been shut down by city officials – yet another set back for Deputy Mayor Birgit Hebein, widely criticized for her “pop-up politics.”
Politics
Reopening Austrian Schools
The education minister’s agenda for the fall semester includes minimizing contact between students and holding classes outside.
Politics
Newcomer Parties Fighting to Get on the Ballot
New, small political parties are vying to get on the ballot for the upcoming elections – in the district council elections, EU citizens can vote too.
Politics
The EU Deal Enters a New Phase
After an agreement over a coronavirus relief package, the European Union is working to implement the plan.
Politics
Vienna Takes on Airbnb Over Social Housing
After negotiations failed, the city is suing the short-term housing platform over illegal sublets in Gemeindebauten municipal apartments.
Coronavirus
Wrestling for the EU Deal | Austrian Officials, Like the Country, Were Divided
Austria’s EU officials expressed diverging opinions ahead of the bloc’s budget-corona negotiations.
Vienna News
Adria | Danube Canal Bar Owner Fights the City Over Licenses
Adria-owner Gerold Ecker continues to fight for his right to stay in the popular location, blocking the opening of a new restaurant.
Vienna News
KAICIID is Leaving Vienna
After years of heated debate over its mission, the disputed Saudi-led organization is moving to Geneva.
Vienna News
The End for Cars in the Inner City
The Greens have long pushed for a car ban in Vienna’s first district. Now, this is becoming a reality.
Coronavirus
Vacation in Austria, Like the Habsburgs
The government is making a bid to save the summer tourism season by targeting Austrian guests with a €40 million “Vacation in Austria” campaign.
General
Funding a New Future | The Race for a Vaccine
In Metropole’s first online special event, life science experts discussed the funds required to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
Coronavirus
Viennese Tourism is Fighting for Survival
Organizations and hotel businesses are vowing to save the city’s summer tourism with advertising campaigns directed at locals and guests from neighboring states.
