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Austrian News
Austrian News: Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian domestic politics with reference to the international interest
Memorial for Navalny in Vienna: A Sign of Resistance and Mourning Destroyed
An impressive testimony to the compassion and protest of the Russian community in Austria has formed in front of the Russian embassy in Vienna. In honor of the deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, an improvised memorial was created that not only expresses grief but can also be seen as a clear statement against the Putin regime.
March 17, 2024
European Gas Conference in Vienna Postponed due to Protests
The European Gas Conference planned for March 26-28 in Vienna is no longer on the international energy industry's calendar. Security concerns caused by announced protests forced the organizers to postpone the event indefinitely.
March 14, 2024
Inflation Outlook for Austria Shows Significant Improvement
The Austrian National Bank's (OeNB) latest inflation forecast gives cause for cautious optimism for the Austrian economy. Inflation has decreased and economic growth has also returned since the start of the year, albeit weakly.
March 13, 2024
Austria President Van der Bellen Opens New Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam
The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was opened in a festive ceremony that was overshadowed by protests. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who represented Austria on this occasion, emphasized his country's profound responsibility in the context of the dark chapters of the Holocaust.
March 11, 2024
Austrian ÖVP Against EPP Election Program: Nuclear Energy, Schengen Enlargement and Unanimity Principle as Points of Contention
In the run-up to the upcoming EU elections, a conflict is emerging within the European People's Party (EPP), as the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has announced that it will not support the EPP's election program.
March 6, 2024
City of Vienna Warns of Nuclear Renaissance and Small Modular Reactors in Europe
In a recent statement, Vienna City Councillor for Climate Action Jürgen Czernohorszky, who is also Chairman of the Cities for Nuclear Free Europe (CNFE) initiative, is critical of Sweden's nuclear power plans, the situation, and the development of Small Modular Reactors in Europe.
March 4, 2024
Controversy Over FPÖ Candidacy for Yad Vashem Board Shakes Jewish Communities
The nomination of Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) for a position on the board of the "Austrian Friends of Yad Vashem" has triggered a broad wave of outrage and criticism that reaches far beyond Austria's borders. Rabl's candidacy, known for his affiliation with a party that is often criticized for its extreme right-wing tendencies, was met with staunch opposition from renowned institutions and personalities.
February 22, 2024
Decline in Frozen Russian Assets in Austria
The significant drop in the volume of frozen Russian assets in Austria, as observed over the past year, mirrors a broader trend seen in other countries, where the handling and status of these assets have been dynamic and subject to legal, political, and financial considerations.
February 21, 2024
"Shaping Europe together": EBÖ Launches Second Workshop in the Run-Up to the 2024 EU Elections
The European Movement Austria (EBÖ) is intensifying its efforts to actively involve companies and associations in shaping the future of Europe. Under the motto "Shaping Europe together", the second workshop in this series will take place on March 18, 2024, at the House of the European Union in Vienna. The aim is to give participants a comprehensive insight into EU policy and enable them to play a greater role.
February 20, 2024
Austrian Politician and Doctor Pamela Rendi-Wagner in the Race for the Head of the ECDC
The former leader of the Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and qualified doctor Pamela Rendi-Wagner is facing a potential new challenge in her career. She is on the shortlist for the position of head of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an important EU authority based in Stockholm.
February 15, 2024
Vienna Airport Focuses on Expansion: 420-Million-Euro Terminal Expansion Project Launched
The foundation stone for a comprehensive terminal expansion has been laid at Vienna Airport Schwechat. With a budget of 420 million euros, the airport will not only become larger but also more modern and customer-friendly by 2027.
February 14, 2024
Austrian Alevi Leader Arrested in Türkiye
In a disturbing incident, Mehmet Ali Çankaya, the former president and current honorary president of the Federation of Alevi Communities in Austria, was detained at Istanbul airport during a private visit to Türkiye and subjected to hours of interrogation.
February 13, 2024
Austria's Army is Gearing Up: Large-Scale Investment in Wheeled Tanks, Helicopters and Aircraft
The Austrian Armed Forces is facing a significant expansion of its vehicle fleet and aircraft fleet. The Ministry of Defense under department head Klaudia Tanner had already planned and made several new purchases since 2021.
February 13, 2024
Austria and Montenegro Strengthen Relations: EU Accession by 2028 in Sight
During an official visit to Vienna by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of Western Balkan integration into the EU, with Montenegro leading the way. Given the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a "realistic prospect of accession" for these countries is now "more important than ever".
February 8, 2024
Signa-Retail Company Lamarr Declares Bankruptcy
The highly anticipated Lamarr Kaufhaus project on Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna, set to include a flagship department store and hotel, has filed for bankruptcy. This development comes as a significant blow, as the project, originally slated for completion in 2025, has faced financial turmoil. The insolvency was confirmed by the Creditors' Protection Association KSV 1870 on Friday.
February 4, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Thanks Descendants of Nazi Expellees for Regaining Austrian Citizenship
Together with the President of the Jewish Community Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the new publication "Wir und Österreich - Austria and us". This moving publication tells the stories of 15 descendants of victims of National Socialism who share their memories, feelings, hopes, and expectations in connection with regaining Austrian citizenship.
February 4, 2024
EU Ambassador in Vienna Selmayr Transitions to Academia
After serving as the Ambassador of the European Commission in Austria since November 2019, Martin Selmayr is embarking on a new journey in academia.
January 31, 2024
Exciting Race for EU Mandates: Austria's Parties in Starting Position
Austria's political landscape is gearing up for an exciting election year, starting with the election of EU representatives in June. The Neos were recently the last of the parliamentary parties to complete their list of candidates and their election program, marking the official start of preparations for the EU elections. Despite this great start to the campaign, the rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe and the troubled relations between the EU and Russia will make the EU elections even more complicated.
January 31, 2024
Austria's Ministry of Defense Warns of Global Risks
In a time of global uncertainty, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has presented the "Risikobild 2024 - World out of joint". The presentation at the Raiffeisen Forum, led by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, aimed to shed light on the security policy challenges at the national and international level for the coming twelve to 18 months.
January 29, 2024
Realignment and Expert Dialog: Austria's Path to Fair Competition
The new head of the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), Natalie Harsdorf-Borsch, has set herself the goal of taking stronger action against companies that abuse their market power. This focus marks a strategic reorientation of the BWB, which previously dealt primarily with price agreements and investigated fewer cases of abuse of market power.
January 28, 2024
Austrian Justice Minister Zadić Plans Reforms in Connection with the Signa Insolvency
The insolvency of the Signa real estate company has far-reaching consequences, which are now also prompting the Austrian Ministry of Justice under the leadership of Green Justice Minister Alma Zadić. In a five-point plan in response to Signa's insolvency, Zadić plans to significantly tighten the penalties for failing to submit balance sheets.
January 24, 2024
Israel's Ambassador to Vienna, David Roet, on Current Challenges in Austria and the EU
David Roet, Israel's ambassador to Austria, has been actively involved in the public debate since his arrival and is committed to solidarity with Israel.
January 23, 2024
60 Years of the Documentation Archive of Austrian Resistance
The Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW), an important institution in the reappraisal of Austria's Nazi past, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1963 by former resistance fighters and victims of Nazi persecution as well as committed academics, the DÖW has played a central role in researching and communicating the history of resistance against the Nazi regime.
January 15, 2024
Secret Meeting to Plan Mass Displacement in Germany: The Role of the Austrian Martin Sellner
A secret meeting held in a hotel near Potsdam last November brought together high-ranking AfD politicians, neo-Nazis and wealthy entrepreneurs. The meeting aimed to discuss a plan to expel millions of people from Germany. Among those present was Martin Sellner, a well-known far-right activist from Austria and former spokesperson for the Identitarian Movement Austria.
January 10, 2024
Political Thriller Around the Abramovich Villa in Austria
The sale of a villa on Lake Fuschl to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's family in Salzburg has been revealed to have disappeared. The property was acquired through an offshore letterbox company and a British trustee. The Green Party is now calling for the sale to be reversed, requiring a trust deed. The party is seeking clarification on how the sale can be reversed without the deed.
January 9, 2024
South Tyrol on the Verge of Forming a Center-Right Five-Party Coalition
In South Tyrol, the coalition negotiations of a center-right five-party coalition, consisting of the South Tyrolean People's Party (SVP), the South Tyrolean Freedom Party, Fratelli d'Italia, Lega, and La Civica, have reached a basic agreement on all substantive issues.
January 4, 2024
Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Reaffirms Support for South Tyrol's Autonomy Reform
At a meeting in Vienna, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer assured South Tyrol's Governor Arno Kompatscher of Austria's support for the revision of South Tyrol's autonomy.
January 2, 2024
Van der Bellen in New Year's Address: Call for More Dialog and Confidence
In his New Year's address, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen called on Austrians and all those living in Austria for more confidence and constructive dialog.
January 1, 2024
Schengen Enlargement: Romania and Bulgaria Move Closer, Austria Remains Reluctant
A political agreement is emerging between Romania, Bulgaria, and Austria in the discussion about the expansion of the Schengen area. Romania and Bulgaria are aiming to apply the Schengen acquis at their air and sea borders from March 2024, but Austria remains cautious about the two countries fully joining the Schengen zone.
December 28, 2023
New Second Home Tax in Vienna in 2025
Vienna is implementing new measures to regulate second homes. From 2025, an annual tax will be introduced for people who have a secondary residence in Vienna but do not have their main residence there.
December 21, 2023
Vienna Commercial Court Establishes Creditors' Committee for Signa Holding
The Austrian Signa Holding, founded in 2000 by René Benko, is currently facing major challenges. The Commercial Court of Vienna has set up a creditors' committee for the ongoing reorganization proceedings to examine the non-transparent structures of the Signa Group and to decide on the reorganization plan offered by Signa.
December 18, 2023
Dispute in the Austrian Government and EU Reactions: Focus on Climate Protection
There is a dispute in Austrian politics over the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which is causing tensions with the European Union. The EU Commission has called on Austria to submit the NECP without delay, as Austria, along with Bulgaria and Poland, has not yet submitted an updated draft by the European Climate Law. This could lead to infringement proceedings, which could escalate over several stages up to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
December 18, 2023
Austria's Engagement in Palestine: New Security Measures and Humanitarian Support
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg set an example for humanitarianism by meeting a group of Austrian-Palestinian dual nationals who were recently evacuated from the Gaza Strip. This meeting, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, allowed the Minister to learn first-hand about the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip and the challenges of the evacuation operation.
December 14, 2023
Discussion in Austria's Parliament on Security Policy Concerning Ukraine and Israel
In the run-up to the European Council, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met in Parliament to discuss current security policy challenges.
December 13, 2023
Greece and Austria: Shared Values and Visions for the Future
Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic, paid an official visit to Austria, invited by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. This visit symbolizes not only the deep cultural and political ties between the two countries but also their joint efforts in areas such as climate protection, security, and European integration.
December 12, 2023
Austria's Air Defense in Transition: The Importance of 'Sky Shield'
At a time of growing global uncertainties and threats, Austria's air defense capability is coming into focus. With the implementation of the "Sky Shield" program, Austria is facing up to the challenges of the 21st century, emphasizes Brigadier Gerfried Promberger, Commander of the Austrian Armed Forces Air Forces.
December 11, 2023
Controversy and Approval: Ümit Vural's Re-election as IGGÖ President
The re-election of Ümit Vural as President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) shows both strong approval and significant controversy.
December 11, 2023
Pilnacek Affair: Entanglements, Revelations and Political Upheavals in Austria
The Austrian political landscape is currently being rocked by the Pilnacek affair, a complex entanglement of power, secrets and political calculation. At the center is the late head of the justice section Christian Pilnacek, whose secretly recorded audio raises new accusations against the ÖVP.
December 7, 2023
The Future of a Crumbling Empire: René Benko's Signa Group in Insolvency
The insolvency of the Signa Group, an Austrian company active in various sectors, including the real estate market, has far-reaching implications. Read more about the future of the Austrian flagship company!
December 6, 2023
Austria-Arab Business Dialogue: Increased Cooperation and Innovation
The 13th edition of the Arab-Austrian Business Forum, which took place in Vienna, impressively demonstrated the growing importance of cooperation between Austria and the Arab countries. The forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), brought together over 200 participants from various countries, including high-ranking ministers and business people.
December 4, 2023
Focus on Strengthening External Border Protection: Meeting of Interior Ministers in Szeged
At a meeting in Szeged, Hungary, interior ministers from the Visegrád 4 states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic), Austria and Germany emphasized the need for robust protection of the EU's external borders and a reform of EU migration policy. The Austrian police are heavily involved in the Balkans to control migration and combat organized smuggling.
December 3, 2023
Feminist Foreign Policy in Focus: Experts Discuss New Perspectives in Austria's Parliament
The Austrian Parliament hosted an important panel discussion on "Feminist Foreign Policy", where experts emphasized the need for a change of perspective in international politics.
November 29, 2023
Austria and Slovakia Emphasize the Importance of Cooperation and Regional Stability
At a time of global uncertainties and regional conflicts, Austria and Slovakia have reaffirmed their common vision for a more stable European Union and enhanced regional cooperation. This was clearly expressed during the inaugural visit of Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to Vienna, where he met with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. However, the recent parliamentary elections in Slovakia marked a significant turning point in European politics with the election victory of left-wing populist Robert Fico and his Smer-SSD party.
November 28, 2023
Austria in the Fight Against Violence Against Women
In Austria and around the world, the fight against violence against women and girls is being pursued with vigor. This is reflected in various initiatives and events that raise awareness of this important issue and promote concrete measures to combat such violence.
November 28, 2023
Discussion in the Austrian Parliament on Dual Citizenship for South Tyroleans
A motion for a resolution recently tabled in the Austrian Parliament by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) on the introduction of dual citizenship for South Tyroleans was rejected by the other parliamentary groups. This proposal aimed to allow members of the German and Ladin-speaking ethnic groups in South Tyrol to acquire Austrian citizenship in addition to Italian citizenship.
November 26, 2023
Solidarity with Israel in the Austrian National Council
In a remarkable session of the Austrian National Council, strong solidarity with Israel and a clear condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist attacks were demonstrated. The unanimous decision of the MPs reflects Austria's stance on the Middle East conflict and the violence in the region.
November 26, 2023
Austria Plans Increase in Foreign Policy Budget for 2024
The increased budget for foreign policy matters was discussed as part of the current deliberations in the Budget Committee on the Federal Finance Act 2024. Accordingly, the budget is to rise to 677.2 million euros in the coming year, which corresponds to an increase of 41.7 million euros or 6.6 percent compared to 2023.
November 20, 2023
Austria and Slovenia Support Moldova's EU Aspirations
In a remarkable gesture of solidarity and commitment to European integration, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar recently visited Moldova and met with President Maia Sandu.
November 17, 2023
Uncovering of Money Laundering and Real Estate Fraud in Austria and Cyprus
New leaks have uncovered a complex network of opaque asset transfers centered around Russian oligarchs and Austrian real estate. According to the investigative project "Cyprus Confidential", Austrian real estate is particularly popular with wealthy Russians. Around 40 Cypriot companies own real estate in Vienna, often penthouses in expensive locations.
November 16, 2023
Herbert Kickl and the FPÖ: Propagating "Fortress Austria"
Herbert Kickl, the chairman of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), is already in an election campaign mood and reiterated his critical stance on migration and asylum policy in Austria and Europe at a press conference. In clear terms, he called for an "asylum stop" and the implementation of a "Fortress Austria". His rhetoric was aimed at a strict demarcation policy and an election victory.
November 15, 2023