Bulgarian Community
Benjamin Wolf
Benjamin studied Journalism, History and International Affairs. After stints with Cafébabel in Paris and Arte in Strasbourg, he is now working as managing editor and COO for Metropole in Vienna. Fields of expertise are politics, economics, culture, and history.
Photo: Visual Hub
Coronavirus Daily Updates
Coronavirus in Austria | Fully Vaccinated District of Schwaz Sees Rapidly Falling Case Numbers
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.
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Coronavirus
“Easter Lockdown” in Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland Prolonged Until April 18
With rising case numbers, intensive care beds in the eastern states are filling fast. A strict “cooling-down” is meant to bring this under control.
Coronavirus
Austria’s Vaccination Plan Explained
The center takes charge – Austrian federal states now need to prioritize elderly and high-risk patients. Those who have had COVID-19 will only get one shot.
Coronavirus
Team Sports to Resume on March 15, Restaurants to Reopen Outdoors on March 27
For the next opening steps, Vorarlberg will be a test region. Team sports for the young are to resume on March 15, other countrywide opening steps are envisioned for March 27.
Coronavirus
Austria’s Lockdown: Schools, Shops, & Services to Reopen on February 8
The country plans to reopen schools, shops, museums and services on February 8 – with stricter rules, regular testing and mandatory FFP2 masks.
On Display
Austria Deports Children by Night, Triggering Outrage and Protests
Over the last few days, Austria’s immigration authorities have deported children from Lower Austria and Vienna to Armenia and Georgia. Most of them have spent the majority of their lives in Austria or were born here.
Coronavirus
How Austria Plans to Support Its Schools & Artists
With schools in distance learning until February and cultural institutions closed perhaps through March, the government is stepping up support measures.
Coronavirus
Austria’s New COVID-19 Support Measures for Businesses
After extending the current lockdown until at least Feb. 7, the government promised additional support for businesses and workers.
Coronavirus
Traveling to Austria in Times of Corona
Since January 15, travelers to Austria have to register online and self-quarantine. Find here all the rules, exceptions and forms you need.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Vaccine: How Austria Plans to Do It
Austria’s CoV vaccination campaign is picking up speed. The federal government will provide the vaccine, while the federal states organize the distribution. Here is how it works
Coronavirus Daily Updates
CoV on Jan. 4-10 | New Cases Stabilize Around 2,000 a Day
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 4-10, 2021.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 19 | New Travel Restrictions in Place
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 19, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
Austria’s Coronavirus Rules for Christmas, the Holidays, and Travel
Everything you need to know about the COVID rules in Austria during the Christmas holidays and around the New Year.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 18 | Hard Lockdown From Dec. 26 – Jan. 17
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 18, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 16 | Austria to Receive 900,000 Pfizer/Biontech Vaccine Doses in Q1, Kurz Says
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 16, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 15 | Holiday & Travel Rules, Vaccine Approval on Dec. 21
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 15, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 14 | 2 Million Went to Mass Tests
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 12 | Tyrol Makes Free Antigen Testing Permanent
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 12, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 11 | Mass Tests in Salzburg, Upper Austria, Carinthia
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 11, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 9 | Only 4 Out of 22 Tested Disinfectants Effective
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 9, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus Daily Updates
CoV on December 7 | Mass Testing Proceeds
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 7, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Early December | Entry Restrictions May Be Extended
COVID-19 is shaping our daily lives. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
How Vienna Plans to Mass Test the Population for COVID-19
The city plans to test 1.2 million people from December 4-13 with rapid antigen tests. Here’s how it is supposed to work
Coronavirus
How Austria Plans to Roll Out the CoV Vaccine
The first people in Austria may get vaccinated against the coronavirus already at the beginning of 2021. Until then, the logistics and timetable have to be worked out
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in November
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in November 2020.
Coronavirus
The Rules of Austria’s Second “Hard” Lockdown
In response to surging case numbers, Austria re-entered full lockdown on Tuesday, Nov. 17. These rules apply until Sunday, Dec. 6.
Home is where the Herz is
METROPOLE Wins the Jean Monnet Prize 2020
Our ongoing project “Home Is Where the Herz Is” was awarded the 2020 Jean Monnet Prize for European Integration for “celebrating diversity” and “giving a voice to Vienna’s immigrant communities.”
Coronavirus
Gag Order? Austria’s Education Ministry Attempts to Silence Reports of Coronavirus Cases at Schools
Keeping schools open in the pandemic has become a hot-button topic. A new directive of Austria’s Education Ministry now wants to control who should know about positive cases
Online
“Long live freedom! Long live our common, peaceful Europe!”
After the tragic events of November 2, Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen held a speech addressed to all people living in Austria. We translated it for our readers.
Online
“We will never forget the victims of yesterday evening and together we will resolutely defend our ba...
Following the tragic events of November 2, Austria’s chancellor held a speech addressed to all people living in Austria. We translated it for our readers.
City Life
How the Viennese Reacted to a Night of Terror – with Solidarity, Resilience and Wit
It was a night of grief and terror. But in their unique way, the Viennese showed heroism, resilience and wit.
General
Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | More Than 1,000 People in Austria Have Died From COVID-19 – A...
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in October
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
“Austria can manage this. Together.”
On Austria’s National Day, October 26, 2020, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed Austrians and “all people living in our country” with a calm plea for reasons, fortitude and unity.
Coronavirus
New COVID-19 Measures – What Will Change
The federal government has once again tightened rules for restaurants and events. Here’s what it means for Vienna.
Online
Vienna Has Voted – The Final Results in Detail
Viennese voters have handed the ruling SPÖ of Mayor Michael Ludwig a decisive victory. All other parties win a higher vote share. Only the far-right-wing FPÖ implodes, losing more than three quarters of its voters.
Online
7 German Words That Will Spoil Austrian Appetites
Erdäpfel, Topfen & Paradeiser are more than just words.
Online
Let the People Vote!
In Austria, every 5th person over 16 cannot vote, in Vienna, every 3rd. For democracy to flourish, we need to make these voices heard.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in September
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in September, 2020.
Online
The Latest News from Austria & Vienna
All that’s currently moving Austria – short, concise and in English.
Coronavirus
Austria, Slovakia, Czechia Vow to Avoid Border Closures
The parliamentary presidents of the three countries met in Grafenegg, 50 km outside of Vienna. Hungary’s recent steps to close its borders were also discussed.
Online
Vienna Offers to Take in Refugee Children From the Greek Islands
The City Council voted to take in 100 minors from the overcrowded refugee camp – principally from the Moria camp on Lesbos.
Online
Austria Offers Citizenship to Descendants of Victims of the Nazi Regime
A new law entering into force on September 1, offers a path to citizenship to tens of thousands whose ancestors were persecuted by the Nazis.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in August
Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.
International
In This Land of Immigrants, Tales of International Families
Having relatives all around the planet makes for exciting family stories, but keeping in touch with your loved ones is also a constant challenge.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in July
After the lockdown, here is how Austria is dealing with the “new normality” of the coronavirus.
City Life
Vienna’s Swimming Pool Guide
It will be a summer like no other. This year due to Corona, many Viennese will opt to spend a good part of their holiday in the city. Lucky for us, there are few better places for relaxing in the shade and swimming in pools or rivers than Vienna.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in June
With summer approaching, new challenges await Austria in dealing with the coronavirus.Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.
Online
In Austrian Schools, Laptops for All & €200 Million for the Digital Classroom
From digital devices to digital platforms, the government is launching an ambitious new program to bring technology to Austrian schools.
Coronavirus
Austria to Open Borders to All Neighbors – Except Italy
Starting on June 4, Austria will open the borders to Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia and Hungary. Travelers from these countries won’t need to go into quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test result.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in May
Austria has successfully flattened the curve, for now. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including available resources, trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.
General
Solar Roofs for All New Buildings in Vienna & a Turbocharged Climate Budget
A new city planning law stipulates that all new residential buildings in Vienna have to be built with solar collectors on the roof. Meanwhile, the federal government almost doubled funds for climate initiatives.
General
Home is where the Herz is
Understanding Vienna means understanding all the cultures that make up this diverse city. Vienna is home to people from over 180 nations. Metropole g...
Online
Vienna Ranked as Greenest City in the World – and Metropolitans Show Why
Our readers share some of their favorite pictures of springtime Vienna.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in April
Austria has successfully flattened the curved. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in April 2020 in Vienna and beyond.
Coronavirus
How Austrian Businesses Are Now Fighting the Coronavirus
The pandemic and the shutdown have shaken the country’s economy. Now businesses gear up to help fight the coronavirus, with masks, hackers, drones and more.
How To
How to Write a Will in Austria
Getting our affairs in order in time of a crisis can be a huge relief for all parties, while protecting those you love.
Coronavirus
The ORF Goes Multilingual – a Little Bit
Austria’s public broadcaster now offers current news snippets in multiple languages. The short videos published every other day on Instagram cover coronavirus news in 9 languages.
Coronavirus
The Austrian Cultural Forum New York Invites You to Vienna’s Digital Concert Hall
The sound of Austrian music reverberates even in times of the lockdown, from Vienna to New York. The Konzerthaus’s digital concert hall brings live music to your home.
Coronavirus
All Eyes on Austria as it Reopens Stores, Eases Coronavirus Lockdown
The world watches as Austria becomes one of the first countries European countries to start lifting its lockdown. A media review.
Coronavirus
An Easter Sunday in the Prater
This spring is different. A report from a Styrian in Vienna, as we all stay together apart.
Coronavirus
What to Eat to Keep Your Immune System Fit
Two immunologists share which nutrients can support our resistance to disease in the times of corona.
Coronavirus
Vienna’s Artists Bring the Best of Culture to Your Couch
Cultural life on Austria is on standby – but not quite. Many institutions are trying to keep the spirit alive online. We’ve compiled the best of Vienna’s cultural offerings you can enjoy from your couch.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in March
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in March 2020 in Vienna and beyond.
Coronavirus
Help Us Help You
In these turbulent times, we are there for you, every day. Now we need your support to keep it up.
Coronavirus
English-language Updates on the Coronavirus in Austria
Metropole is there for the roughly 500,000 non-German speakers across Austria who need information on COVID-19 developments. Their contribution to the #stayathome effort is vital for the success of Austrian safety measures.
Coronavirus
The MA 35 & Vienna’s City Administration in the Time of Corona
The MA 35 still operates, but remotely. And Vienna’s Mayor issued an urgent plea to the Viennese to not overwhelm the city’s administration at exactly this time.
Online
3 Ways to Swear Like a Real Wiener
Entire books have been written about the ingenious ways the Viennese swear, rant, yammer and nag. And we know how to help you get acquainted with the high art of Viennese swearing.
Online
5G Comes to Austria
In a “game-changing” advance, all major Austrian telecom companies have launched the next generation of telecommunications network – 5G.
Online
Can’t Vote in Vienna? Here’s Your Chance to Have a Voice
A new project by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) aims to bring Viennese who are not citizens into the political conversation. And you can be part of it!
Online
Austria’s New Government | Who’s Doing What
Here are the people who will be running the country: their backgrounds, portfolios and plans
Online
New Austrian Government Sworn In
Austria’s first ever coalition between ÖVP and the Greens is being sworn in today – setting quite a few records.
Online
How the ÖVP & Greens Reached the Coalition Deal
How Austria got its first-ever coalition government between Conservatives and Greens
Online
“With Courage and Confidence”
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addresses the nation in his New Year’s Speech 2020
Online
The Best Train Trips from Vienna in 2020
The Austrian capital has become the best-connected city by rail in Europe
Online
Apprenticed Asylum Seekers Can Stay
A new law ends the practice of deporting asylum seekers in formal training for jobs in Austria
Online
Strache Loyalists Found New Party
Three FPÖ members of the Viennese municipal council announced today that they’d form a new political club – The Alliance for Austria (DAÖ). Former FPÖ chief H.C. Strache is expected to head the new party in due time.
Online
New Nightjets for the ÖBB
New nightjets for the ÖBB | A new generation of sleeper trains promise futuristic comfort to train travelers all over Austria.
Online
Crime Group Smuggling Nuclear Materials Arrested in Vienna
In an internationally coordinate operation, a group attempting to sell nuclear containers could be arrested.
Online
The Ephrussis Are Back in Vienna
Once one of Europe and Vienna’s most famous Jewish families, expropriated and expelled by Nazi terror – the Ephrussis – are back in Vienna with a new grand exhibition.
Online
ÖVP & Greens Enter Coalition Talks
After flirting and courting, now come the hard-nosed marriage negotiations
Online
ÖBB Launched Night Train Service to Brussels, Starting at €29
The new night train connection from Vienna to Brussels will be launched on January 19, 2020. And the ÖBB are already working on more nocturnal rail connections.
Online
Metal Workers Get a 2.8% Raise
Always first to negotiate the new sectoral wages, metal workers are a bellwether for economy-wide wage negotiations in Austria.
Online
Diversity in Parliament
Austria’s newly elected National Assembly is the most female and diverse in its history – but imbalances remain.
Local Finds
7 Austrian Expressions that Sound Hilarious in English
Translating expressions word for word into another language seldom makes sense, as anyone who ever tried it can attest. Chances are you will be met with befuddled looks or cackling laughter, like a human version of google translate.
Online
What Coalition the Media Expect – and Want
The elections have been fought, the winners and losers on the record. Now all eyes are turning to the decisive coalition negotiations.
Opinion
Maria Theresia Is to Blame
In September, over 220,000 Viennese students went back to school. Some go willingly, some have to be dragged, but Austrian parents have a stock response to unwilling schoolgoers: Blame Maria Theresa
Online
What Coalition Now for King Kurz?
A coalition between Conservatives and Greens seems currently like the most feasible option. Will ÖVP chief Sebastian Kurz go for it?
Online
Austria Goes to the Polls
With parliamentary elections less than four weeks away, parties put forward their ideas.
Online
World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Light Rail to Be Built in Austria’s Zillertal
The popular tourist region in Tyrol has decided to replace its existing diesel system with a hydrogen-powered light rail, a world premiere on narrow gauge tracks.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the People’s Party (ÖVP) Wants for Austria
The basic tenets of the program are and remain, according to Kurz: no new debt, a lower tax burden and the fight against illegal immigration.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) Wants for Austria
The 46-page SPÖ manifesto focuses on health, work, education, infrastructure and protecting the climate – but also contains some bold policy proposals.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Freedom Party (FPÖ) Wants for Austria
The FPÖ’s manifesto is thus a mix of praising the measures taken over the last two years and promises to go further.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Liberal Party (NEOS) Wants for Austria
the party’s 80-pages manifesto focuses on protecting the climate and sustainability, alongside long-term NEOS topics such as education, a pension reform and more transparency for parties and state authorities.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Green Party Wants for Austria
Led into the 2019 elections by long-time politician Werner Kogler, the fight against climate change and for sustainability takes center stage in the Green party manifesto.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Liste JETZT Wants for Austria
The list led by former Green MP Peter Pilz seems unlikely to make it into parliament this time. The central idea of the Liste JETZT is better control of the government.
newsletter
Party Manifestos | What the Small Parties Want for Austria
Seven smaller parties are also running in the 2019 parliamentary elections, but only two – Wandel and the KPÖ – made it onto the national ballot.
