General
Mapping Austria’s Media Landscape
A look at Austria's complex system of quality media, tabloid papers and government funding – and how it is evolving.
News
Not So Silent Night for ÖVP, Engulfed in Another Corruption Scandal
At the centre of this investigation: ÖVP insider Thomas Schmid, investor Siegfried Wolf and a dubious tax remission of €630,000.
Diplomacy
Iran Allows Reinstatement of IAEA Surveillance Cameras
The IAEA's Rafael Mariano Grossi asserted the agency's political neutrality amid hopes that the Iran nuclear deal might be revived.
News
Government Passes Eco-Social Tax Reform
Everything you need to know about the tax reform passed on Wednesday, a signature project of the turquoise-green coalition.
News
Karl Nehammer Presents Himself as Reliable Chancellor
The new chancellor Karl Nehammer also has confirmed that the coronavirus lockdown will end on the coming weekend. "The opening will take place". It was only a question of how.
News
Frustrations Explode Over COVID Measures
More than 40,000 took to the streets of Vienna on Saturday to protest the ongoing lockdown and the planned vaccine mandate.
Coronavirus
Right-Wing Freedom Party’s Fake News About Hospitals Full of People With “Vaccine Damage” Causes Out...
Right-wing Freedom Party Dagmar Belakowitsch caused outrage by claiming that hospitals are filled with people with vaccination "damage".
General
Corruption Allegations Against EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn
The French newspaper "Liberation" raises serious allegations against Austria's EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).
News
Government Reshuffle: Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to Become Austria’s Next Chancellor
Following Sebastian Kurz’s withdrawal from political life and chancellor Alexander Schallenberg’s offered resignation, a substantial government reshuffle is taking place.
News
Sebastian Kurz Announces His Retreat From Political Life
Embattled former chancellor says he is stepping back from politics to spend time with his newborn; remains confident the ÖVP will continue to succeed.
News
A Battle of Wills Over Possible School Closures in Austria
With sky-high coronavirus levels among children and youth, virologists and educators differ on possible school closures.
General
Moscow Announced the First Meeting of Sergei Lavrov and Linhart
In an interview with the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Linhart said that he was looking forward to getting to know his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov personally.
News
Corruption Probe Continues: Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s Immunity Lifted
Parliamentary immunity was lifted for Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), under investigation for alleged bribery and corruption in the tabloid scandal.
General
Minister Elisabeth Köstinger Invites Neighbouring Countries to Tourism Talks
"We all want a safe winter season for our guests, so joint regulations between the involved countries are necessary and sensible", said Minister for Tourism Elisabeth Koestinger.
News
Environmental Corruption in Styria: State Prosecutors to Investigate
Styrian authorities face allegations of environmental corruption: The businesses behind large-scale construction projects may have been allowed to write their own environmental impact reports.
General
Interior Minister Nehammer to Visit Israel
Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) is due to meet with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in Jerusalem, with whom he will visit the Knesset.
News
Low Public Trust in Media After Advert Affair, Says Survey
A survey conducted by the Gallup institute and the Medienhaus Vienna found that public trust in media has plummeted following recent political scandals.
Long Reads
One Year After the Vienna Terror Attack of 2020, Most Austrians Not Afraid of Another Attack
One year on, two-thirds of Austrians are not expecting further terror attacks. At the same time, the government intensifies its activities targeting “political Islam”.
News
Climate Crisis Needs Global Solutions, Says Schallenberg
When speaking about the climate crisis at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, Alexander Schallenberg reminded everyone that we all need to act together.
Bosnian in Vienna
Should Bosnians Be Recognized as a Minority in Austria?
With 150,000 people of Bosnian descent in Austria, the community is one of the biggest of the country. Efforts are now underway to get Bosnian Austrians officially recognized by the law as an ethnic group.
News
NEOS Accuse The ÖVP of “Systemic Corruption”
The opposition NEOS party has accused the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) of "systemic corruption" following multiple scandals and the resignation of Sebastian Kurz as chancellor.
News
Motorway Expansion at Odds With Climate Goals, Say Austrians
Most Austrians consider motorway expansion and other highways development to be at odds with climate goals: 63% are in against it.
Coronavirus
Anti-Vaccine Party MFG Positions Itself Across Austria
The anti-vaccine party entered the Upper Austrian assembly during the regional elections in September and now plans to run nationwide.
News
Austrian Defense Minister Criticizes the EU
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner criticized the EU and called for more action on a Common Security and Defence Policy
News
Austrian Army Game Offline Because of Right-Wing Symbol
A video of a soldier with a far-right symbol on his helmet found its way into an Austrian army online game. The game has been taken offline.
News
Vaccination Palace at the Hofburg: A “Little Jab” at the President’s Office
Around 300 people were vaxxed against corona on Austria's National Day - most of them for the first time - in the "vaccination palace."
News
Assisted Dying in Austria to be Permitted from 2022
As of Jan. 1, 2022, a legal pathway for assisted dying in Austria will be available.
News
Austrian Labor Minister in Washington, D.C.
The Austrian labor minister was in Washington to discuss employment measures and pandemic recovery with his U.S. counterparts..
News
Spotlight on Afghanistan at Vienna Migration Conference
The sixth "Vienna Migration Conference" is all about migration partnerships and the focus of this years' discussions was Afghanistan.
News
Austria To Launch Plastic Bottle Deposit System in 2025
The new "Einwegpfand" deposit system aims to encourage consumers to keep their disposable plastic bottles and cans out of the trash - but it won't begin until 2025.
News
Austrian Foreign Minister Plans to Stay the Course
According to interviews with several daily newspapers Austria's new Foreign Minister Michael Linhart of center-right Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) plans continuity in Austrian foreign policy.
News
Schallenberg and Merkel: Close Cooperation Planned with Berlin
Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had exchanged "in a friendly atmosphere" on topical issues with regard to the European Council this week.
News
Austrian Interior Minister Nehammer Visits the Netherlands for Talks About Migration
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer of the conservative People's Party (VP) travelled to the Netherlands on Friday for talks about migration.
General
Why Were Austrian Kindergarten Employees On Strike?
Thousands of kindergarten teachers on strike this week said staff and children deserve better conditions - because early childhood education is education.
News
Foreign Minister Linhart Underlined Importance of EUFOR Mission in Sarajevo
Foreign Minister Linhart spoke out in favor of the EUFOR peacekeeping force remaining in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He also emphasized the "extremely important task" of the Austrian contingent.
News
Chancellor Schallenberg in Brussels: “The EU Is Part of My DNA”
Only three days after his swearing-in ceremony, the new chancellor Alexander Schallenberg travelled to Brussels for his first foreign visit.
News
Update: Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Sworn in as Member of Parliament
Former chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who stepped down last week amid corruption accusations, has joined parliament as head of the ÖVP faction
News
Opposition Heavily Criticizes Budget Draft
Opposition says budget draft for 2022, presented by Finance Minister Gernot Blümel on Wednesday, is short-sighted and lacks ambition
News
Austrian Economy: Budget Plans Show Decreasing Debt and Deficit
Finance minister Gernot Bluemel announced momentum in the Austrian economy, and announced a return to "sustainable budget policy" after overcoming the corona crisis.
News
Polling Analyst Arrested in the Kurz Corruption Inquiry
Polling analyst Sabine Beinschab was arrested on Tuesday, October 12 in connection with the Conservative Party (ÖVP) scandal
General
New Chancellor Schallenberg Intends “Close Cooperation” with Kurz and the Greens
New Austrian Chancellor speaks: While VP and Greens call for stability, opposition parties see Kurz influence as a democratic threat
News
Austrian Justice Minister Discusses Rule of Law with EU Commissioner
Justice minister Zadić and the EU commissioner for Justice Reynders discussed rule of law this Monday amid the ruling party's corruption scandal.
News
Alexander Schallenberg Sworn in as New Chancellor
Alexander Schallenberg (Conservative Party, VP) has been sworn in by President Alexander Van der Bellen as the new Chancellor of Austria.
News
How European Media Reported the Resignation of Sebastian Kurz
This past week, Austrian politics has once again been at the center of widespread attention. We collected some media reactions from across Europe.
News
Sebastian Kurz Resigns As Chancellor, Foreign Minister Schallenberg to Take Over
Sebastian Kurz announced today that he will step down as chancellor. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is tapped to take over.
News
The Chats That Launched a Thousand Questions
In 2019, it was a secretly filmed video that broke the coalition between ÖVP and FPÖ. For the ÖVP-Green government, chats may spell the end of the coalition.
News
What’s Next in Austria’s Government Crisis
The Austrian government is on the brink of collapse following allegations of corruption against chancellor Sebastian Kurz and the ÖVP. Here’s what could come next.
News
Kurz Wants to Continue Coalition, Greens Skeptical
After the raids Wednesday, October 6, on ÖVP offices and allegations that favorable newspaper coverage was paid for with taxpayer money, the chancellor is under intense political pressure.
News
Chancellor Kurz Rejects Corruption Allegations; Greens Question Kurz’s Competence but Coalition Stil...
The political fall-out continues after Chancellor Kurz and associates are implicated in bribery and corruption allegations
General
ÖVP and Chancellor’s Offices Raided; Damning Texts Appear to Show Tabloid Was Paid to Run Falsified ...
Allegations are coming hard and fast in scandal already dubbed the “Ibiza of the ÖVP“: Chancellor Kurz and tabloid Österreich under extreme scrutiny
News
Finance Minister Gernot Blümel Defends Tax Reform
"This is supposed to be a positive incentive and not punishment", said Finance Minister Gernot Bluemel on television on Tuesday.
News
Van Der Bellen on Official Visit to Warsaw
President Alexander Van der Bellen continued his Poland trip on Tuesday with an official visit to the capital, Warsaw.
General
Kurz Stays Vague On Result of German Elections
"We are counting on continuing our established cooperation with the future German government", said Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
News
Vaccine Skeptics Join Upper Austrian Parliament
In the preliminary final results on Monday morning, the vaccine skeptics were set to join the Upper Austrian parliament with seven percent, while the...
News
Kurz Welcomes US Commitment to Multilateralism
After US president Joe Biden's speech at the UN General Debatein New York on Tuesday, Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), says he is pleased that the "US has made a clear commitment to multilateralism".
General
Austria and Greece Aim To Strengthen Military Cooperation
Austrian defense minister Klaudia Tanner and her Greek counterpart Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos signed a "memorandum of understanding" in Vienna.
News
Kurz Wants to Support Italy in Tightening External European Borders
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) stands by his declared tough line on immigration, while Austria has in fact welcomed more refugees than almost any other European country in the last 10 years. Civil initiatives and the opposition see much room for improvement when it comes to the government’s migration and integration policy.
News
Austrian Jobless Rate Falls, Almost Reaches Pre-Crisis Level
The Austrian unemployment continues to fall, with the pre-crisis level within reach.
News
Political Debate Around Austrian Citizenship Heats Up
A push by the SPÖ to simplify the path to becoming a citizen provokes strong reactions, with the ÖVP, FPÖ and NEOs opposed and the Greens receptive.
News
Austria’s Integration Ministry Takes Down “Islam Map” Amid Public Outcry
The controversial website has been temporarily removed after an incident involving the right-wing "Identitären" movement.
News
Herbert Kickl Takes Over Austria’s Far-Right FPÖ
Popular among party hardliners, the former interior minister and vocal Kurz critic assumes leadership following the sudden resignation of Norbert Hofer.
News
The Austrian Government Acquires the Site of the Former Concentration Camp at Gusen
With negotiations concluded, the "hell of all hells" will now be turned into a "place of remembrance," memorial and education center.
Politics
May Day Protest Turns Violent as Protesters and Police Clash at Votivpark
A Labor Day rally promoting feminism, climate change policy and anti-capitalism ended in several arrests and police violence.
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.
International
Merkel Defends Her Wirecard Lobbying Efforts in China
German Chancellor Angela Merkel testified before the German Bundestag last Friday regarding her actions on behalf of the now disgraced company.
News
Who is Wolfgang Mückstein? All You Need to Know About Austria’s New Health Minister
A newcomer on the national stage, the general practitioner has taken on arguably the most demanding job in the country.
Coronavirus
How the EU Got Its COVID Vaccine Program Back on Track
Just three months on from January’s low point, the European Union’s vaccination effort has rebounded, predicting 70% of adults protected by mid July.
Coronavirus
Rudolf Anschober Resigns as Health Minister, Citing Exhaustion
After 15 months leading Austria’s response to the pandemic, the widely respected leader stepped down on April 13.
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.
Coronavirus
WKÖ and ÖGB Condemn “Easter Lockdown”
In a rare show of unity, the Austrian Economic Chambers and Trade Union Federation call the latest anti-COVID measures “not feasible” in a joint statement.
Features
To Speak or Not to Speak
A recent survey found that every second Austrian prefers staying silent over voicing an opinion.
Features
Erhard Busek – Lessons from Europe
March 25 marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, as well as the birthday of the former Vice-Chancellor – an occasion to reflect on the European ideal.
Features
Vienna Welcomed 218 New International Businesses in 2020 Despite COVID-19
City officials remain optimistic as they try to find new ways to attract investors.
Features
Overwhelmed by Applications, the MA35 Improves Its Service
As the pandemic adds more strain to the system, Vienna’s immigration authority introduces new measures to combat delays.
Features
“The Hungary Model” – Illiberal Tactics for Weakening Independent Media
Press freedom in Central Europe is under renewed threat. Yet there are no systematic arrests of journalists as in Belarus or Turkey, less of the blatant acts of censorship common in Russia and few of the gruesome killings of reporters that are common in autocratic countries around the world. Instead, they are now following the Hungary model.
Features
Mayday, Mayday! Austrian Democracy in Danger!
As criticism and corruption allegations pile up against his administration, the biggest cause for concern is Sebastian Kurz’s deliberate attempts to undermine the nation’s checks and balances.
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.
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.
Features
Survey – A Discouraged Public Gives Coalition Poor Marks
A year after the start of the pandemic, trust in the government has plummeted to new lows, as frustrations mount amid evidence of a new ÖVP scandal.
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.
Features
Lerncafés – A Place in the Coffeehouse to Study and Learn
Students of all ages and programs can find a quiet spot in some of Vienna’s traditional 'Kaffeehäuser' and the district 'Volkshochschulen.'
Features
Nehammer’s Solutions Fall Short as Anti-Lockdown Demos Continue
10,000 maskless protestors marched on Sunday, Jan 31 against COVID-19
restrictions, despite a governmental ban.
Features
Arbitrary Authorities & Police Violence – A Fearsome Deportation
In the night of January 27-28, two girls born in Austria were deported with their mother to Georgia. To the surprise of the authorities, dozens of demonstrators turned up, including some prominent faces. An eyewitness report.
Features
Construction Begins on Vienna’s New U5 Line
Set to open in 2026, excavated streets and squares will lead to traffic detours around the Rathaus and along the Alserstraße for some time to come.
Features
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.
Features
Austrian Insiders Arrested for Aiding Flight of Wirecard COO
Vienna police have taken a former
FPÖ MP and BVT-security head in custody for assisting the escape of Jan Marsalek, mastermind of one of Europe’s greatest postwar financial scandals.
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.
Politics
Waiting for ‘Willi’ – No-Show in Sigrid Maurer’s Suit Over Online Sexual Abuse
Pushing for clearer laws covering abuse on social media, Green Party leader Sigrid Maurer faces more delays and disingenuous.
Features
Brandishing Conan’s sword, Schwarzenegger Stands for U.S Democracy
The Hollywood actor passionately drew on history and personal experience in response to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Features
Aschbacher’s Plagiarism – of Titles and Tragedies
A government minister resigns in disgrace. But the bigger scandal is the value of Austrian universities' degrees.
Politics
Church and State – No Prayers Please, We’re Austrian
An invitation to a prayer breakfast in the Parlament managed to offend almost everyone, Christians and secularists alike. It also raised the specter of a far darker time.
Politics
Grasser Found Guilty in a Tale of Insider Bidding and Bags of Cash
The Austrian Republic's longest corruption trial ended sensationally. If it has ended. Ex Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser and close friends have been found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Politics
The Ramifications of Terror
One month after, Austrian society is still reeling from the terrorist attack on November 2.
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
Muslim Community Condemns Church Break-Ins
Attacks by young Islamists at Antonskirche and Stephansdom prompted strong rebuke from the IGGÖ: “We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.”
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
Multilingualism: Treasure or Burden? Probably Both.
Conflict over remedial German classes in schools continues, as politicians, experts and teachers debate how best to support children with poor language skills.
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.