Austria - Domestic Political News - Vindobona.org

Vienna Opens First Covid-19 Vaccination Line

By Monday, January 18, 2021, about 11,000 physicians, paramedics and other people working in the medical sector, will be the first ones to receive the vaccines in the so-called vaccination lines set up by the City of Vienna. All Viennese residents can pre-register for a Covid-19 vaccination starting January 18, 2021.

January 15, 2021

Britons in Vienna: 10% Have Already Applied for Residence Permit

About 10 percent of the British citizens in Vienna have already applied for a residence permit. Due to Brexit, the British population residing in EU countries needs to take certain measures in order to stay eligible for residence in the future. In Austria, the deadline for applications is December 31, 2021.

January 13, 2021

WKO: Vaccination in Austrian Businesses Possible

Austria's companies could be used as part of the vaccination strategy. This is what many major companies and Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce suggest. The readily available infrastructure could provide testing and vaccination facilities for up to 500,000 employees in the various industries.

January 12, 2021

Mandatory Registration for Travel to Austria

Starting on Friday, January 15, 2021, travellers entering Austria will need to be registered in order to pass the border. The quarantine obligation after entry remains in effect. The required form is available on the page of the Foreign Ministry and needs to be presented in the event of an inspection.

January 12, 2021

Austria Has New Federal Minister for Labor

After the resignation of Susanne Aschbacher as Federal Minister for Labor, Chancellor Kurz has presented her successor. Martin Kocher, Professor of Behavioral Economics and Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) will take over the Federal Minister position as an independent expert.

January 11, 2021

Member of Expelled Ephrussi Family Receives Austrian Citizenship

Since September 1, 2020, about 950 persons from all over the world have obtained Austrian citizenship through a new regulative that allows descendants of victims of the Nazi regime to regain Austrian citizenship. Victor de Waal, a member of the famous and widespread Ephrussi family has now been informed by Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig about his successful application.

January 8, 2021

Austria Introduces Border Controls with Czech Republic and Slovakia

Due to high numbers of Covid-19 infection rates in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Austria's Ministry of Interior has introduced more strict border controls with both countries as of January 9, 2020. Small border crossings will be closed and at all others, every vehicle will be checked when entering Austria.

January 8, 2021

Vienna Prepares for Second Mass Testing

Vienna's residents can have themselves tested once again during the period from January 8 to January 17. The tests will be conducted at the same three locations like during the first mass testing. Although the city prepares capacities for up to 900,000 people, registration for an appointment is required.

January 7, 2021

WKO: Lockdown Extension a "Blow For Domestic Trade"

Once again the Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) does not entirely support the federal government in its decision to extend the lockdown and cancel the opportunity to escape the lockdown with a negative Covid-19 test. The WKO demands plans for the affected companies and aid for the suppliers indirectly affected by the crisis.

January 5, 2021

Austria's Unemployment Rate at 11 Percent

Crisis-related unemployment, especially due to the lack of a seasonal start in tourism, has a huge impact on the unemployment rate in Austria at the moment. More than 500,000 people are currently seeking for jobs, which is an increase of more than 63,000 compared to the previous. month.

January 5, 2021

Austrian Lockdown Continues Until January 24

The initially planned "free-testing" to escape the lockdown will not be possible. The opposition parties have resisted this intention by the government, which now means an extension of the current lockdown until January 24. Whether or not schools will return to their normal operations on January 18 has not been decided yet.

January 4, 2021

Covid-19 Vaccine: Good Tolerability So Far in Austria

The feedback from the nursing homes and other institutions who have already used the vaccine from BioNTech and Pfizer has shown very good tolerability so far. In addition, the Ministry of Health expects market approval for another Covid-19 vaccine in the next week.

January 4, 2021

Anschober: Covid-19 Measures Help Against Influenza

According to the Ministry of Health, Austria's Covid-19 measures also prevent the spread of influenza viruses. Compared to 2019, only a small fraction of influenza viruses were detected this year. Health Minister Anschober has repeatedly highlighted the importance of keeping both Covid-19 and influenza cases down in order to maintain availability of intensive care units.

December 30, 2020

Schramböck: "UK Will Remain Important Partner in Europe"

Although the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union's customs union and single market at the end of 2020, Austria's Economics Minister Schramböck assures that "Austria's companies will continue to play a significant role in the UK markets" in the future. The newly negotiated agreement between the UK and the EU will provide a proper framework for these business relations.

December 30, 2020

Vienna's Air As Good As Never Before

Even without the lockdown, Vienna would have had a decent year with regard to air quality. Due to the city's investment into climate protective measures in the recent years, the pollution level has decreased and has lead to the best air quality since measurements began 50 years ago.

December 29, 2020

Austria Supports Montenegro By Providing Care for Covid-19 Patient

After an offer by Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Montenegro has made use of Austria's proposal to take over the care Covid-19 patients in need of intensive medical treatment. A 46-year old male patient has been transferred to a hospital in Klagenfurt and will be treated in the intensive care unit.

December 28, 2020

Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Starts on December 27

The vaccination process against Covid-19 in Austria will start on December 27. As already announced by the President of the European Commission Von der Leyen, the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer is distributed in the upcoming days, making a vaccination start before 2021 possible.

December 23, 2020

New Lockdown: No Public Church Services After December 27

Also during the upcoming lockdown, Austria's Minister of Cultural Affairs together with representatives of churches and religious communities have agreed to suspend all public church services until January 17. Places of worship will, however, stay open for personal prayers.

December 22, 2020

Legal Certainty for British in Austria

Austria gives Britons in Austria legal certainty with regard to residence. Although the United Kingdom left the European Union at the beginning of this year, the European Union and many member countries for themselves have ensured a smooth transitions for British citizens currently residing in EU countries.

December 22, 2020

Sobotka Supports North Macedonia's Path to EU

Talat Xhaferi, President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, met virtually with his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss the accession negotiation of North Macedonia with the EU, the terrorist attack in Vienna and the developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in both countries.

December 2, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55

WKO Heads Demand Clear Plan for Path to Normality

The heads of Austria's Federal Economic Chamber demand a clear plan that shows a step-by-step path to normality. They demand regular mass testing, where negative test results are connected to more freedoms. According to them, the lockdown immediately after Christmas will hit many companies particularly hard.

December 18, 2020

Third Lockdown Starts on December 26

The Austrian government has announced a third lockdown, starting on December 26 and lasting until at least January 18. Similar to the shutdowns before, all-day curfew will apply, stores and gastronomy will be closed, body-related services will not be open and distance learning will be implemented in the schools.

December 18, 2020

ECJ Bans Exhaust Software: Anschober and Gewessler Demand Changes

The European Court of Justice has decided to ban software used to embellish exhaust emission values in diesel cars. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler and Consumer Protection Minister Anschober hope for a move by the car manufacturers in order to provide retrofits and compensate injured consumers.

December 17, 2020

EUR 2.4 Million for Covid-19 Vaccine in Developing Countries

In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Austria will be supporting the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in a total of 92 developing countries. Foreign Minister Schallenberg warns that the crisis has underlined the "inequalities and fragilities within the community of states" and therefore demands an international approach regarding Covid-19 vaccination.

December 17, 2020

Von der Leyen Hopes for Joint Start of Covid-19 Vaccinations

EU Commission President Von der Leyen wants a joint and rapid start of Covid-19 vaccinations for all EU member countries. After the likely approval of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), vaccines will be distributed among the member states and vaccination will start immediately.

December 16, 2020

Re-Invent the EU: Austria Discusses the European Union

The future of the European Union is at stake. Austrian politicians and EU experts discuss the future of the Union in Austria in order to "make Europe a little bit better every day". A series of debates, conferences and other events are initiated to make sure that Austria stays in the right track when it comes to its contribution to the European Union.

December 15, 2020

Austria Helps: Covid-19 Accelerates Global Crises

The Austrian government has decided to increase its funding for the Foreign Disaster Fund and the Austrian Development Agency, which are both responding to ongoing crises in the world. In total, the two programs will be able to help people in need with over EUR 175 million in 2021, an increase of almost EUR 40 million compared to 2020.

December 15, 2020

2 Million Participants at First Covid Mass Testing

The first mass testing in Austria is in the books. Over the last two weeks, about two million people have been to one of the many testing facilities in Austria in order to find out about their Covid-19 infection status. Only 4,200 have been tested positive which is only about 0.2 percent of the participants.

December 14, 2020

Share of E-Cars in New Registrations Exceeds 10 Percent

For the first time ever, electronic cars made up more than 10 percent of the new registrations of motor vehicles. Although the numbers of new registered vehicles is far lower compared to last year, the e-mobility sector has seen an obvious increase in numbers over the recent months.

December 11, 2020

WKO and IV: Need for "Climate Protection with Common Sense"

The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) demand appropriate framework conditions for climate-friendly behavior instead of the race for ever higher climate targets. Both Secretary Generals want "climate protection with common sense".

December 10, 2020

International Visitor Leadership Program Celebrates 80th Anniversary

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, celebrates its 80th anniversary. The program has opened doors for more than 225,000 participants from all over the globe and has connected current and emerging leaders to US culture and society.

December 9, 2020

Selmayr Visits Van der Bellen

Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Austria, Martin Selmayr, visited Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen prior to the upcoming European Council. The two politicians discussed current issues in Europea including the Covid-19 pandemic, the relations with the United States and the Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom.

December 9, 2020

EU Ministers Issue Declaration on "Digital Government"

The EU Ministers responsible for Digitalization have agreed on a joint declaration that focuses on digital society and value-based digital government. Austria's Minister Schramböck sees Austria already on the right track with its various e-government tools and is delighted about the European plans.

December 9, 2020

Chancellor Kurz and Mayor Ludwig Promote Mass Testing

Participation in the Covid-19 mass tests is still possible and is further promoted by Chancellor Kurz and Mayor Ludwig. The two politicians had themselves tested at one of the three locations in Vienna and asked the Viennese population to take advantage of the opportunity the government provides.

December 7, 2020

Edtstadler Welcomes European Democracy Action Plan

The European Commission has presented the European Democracy Action Plan with which the EU wants to promote basic human rights values and democracy worldwide. Austria's EU Minister Edtstadler welcomes this initiative and demands a clear focus on the digital area of the plan.

December 4, 2020

Austria Launches CoV Mass Testing: Vienna Tests at 3 Locations until December 13 - How does it work?

From today, December 4 to December 13, comprehensive corona mass tests will take place in Vienna. The free quick test can be taken at 3 locations. Anyway, the mass tests are generating great interest.

December 4, 2020

Europe-Wide Innovation Award Goes to Wiener Linien

The Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Award 2020 goes to the research project RemiHub, coordinated, among others, by Wiener Linien and the Vienna University of Technology. RemiHub focuses on the urban parcel delivery and was already tested for different delivery services in Vienna.

December 3, 2020

Vienna Ice Dream Will Start Ahead of Schedule

Although the famous Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz has to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, the City of Vienna is able to antedate the Vienna Ice Dream, which will now start just in time for the Christmas festivities on December 24. Since ice skating counts as an outdoor sports, it is allowed under certain circumstances.

December 3, 2020

Update: Lockdown in Austria - What applies from Monday 7 December?

Starting next Monday, the all-day exit restriction will be relaxed and rescheduled back to 8pm to 6am. Shops, all services providers and museums are allowed to open again. Kindergartens and compulsory schools will resume regular classes. Restaurants will remain closed. Delivery services, with the exception of the delivery or "pick-up" of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited. Cross-border arrivals from an area categorized as a risk area must be quarantined for ten days, after five days a PCR test may be performed. Outdoor sports, including skiing, will be allowed from 24 December. Restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions will not be allowed to reopen until 7 January.

December 2, 2020

Red Ribbon at Austrian Parliament Draws Attention to World AIDS Day

In order to draw attention to World AIDS Day on December 1, the Austrian Parliament has installed a Red Ribbon on Vienna's Hofburg. National Council President Sobotka points out the recent research, treatment and therapy successes and demands tolerance for and the inclusion of people infected with HIV.

December 1, 2020

Further Increase of Investment Subsidy

The Austrian government has decided to increase its budget for investment subsidies. The high demand for this subsidy by companies located in Austria has exceeded the expectations of the government and is therefore adjusted upwards by another EUR 1 billion in order to further promote investments into digitalization, sustainability and other sectors.

November 30, 2020

Vienna Prepares for Mass Testing

The City of Vienna prepares to test its population for Covid-19. The responsible city departments, emergency organizations, and the Austrain Armed Forces have taken measures to provide test capacities for the period from December 4 to December 13. Within this period, every Viennese resident above the age of 10 is eligible for testing.

November 30, 2020

Von der Leyen and Kurz: Light At the End of the Tunnel

After a virtual meeting between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Austria's Chancellor Kurz both assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel of the Covid-19 pandemic. The two politicians have discussed EU's vaccine strategy and other topics regarding the ongoing pandemic.

November 27, 2020

European Commission Approves Austrian Aid for Railroad Companies

The European Commission has granted Austria its planned subsidies for railroad companies to promote the shift from road transportation to rail road usage. Austria will increase its public aid to, on the one hand, relieve railroad companies of some financial burdens of the last months and to, on the other hand, continue the promotion of railroad rather than road transportation.

November 26, 2020

UN Campaign Orange the World: Parliament Shines in Orange

The UN campaign Orange the World is the reason for the Austrian Parliament shining in orange from November 25 to November 29. The Parliament is one of 130 buildings in Austria that want to draw attention to the fight against violence against women - the topic of the UN campaign.

November 25, 2020

WKO: Thoughts About Opening Stores on Sundays

The President of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) has expressed his thoughts about a possible opening of stores on Sundays before Christmas. This would create the opportunity for companies to equalize customer flows which they have missed out on during the ongoing lockdown.

November 24, 2020

Ludwig Is Sworn In as New, Old Mayor of Vienna

Michael Ludwig was sworn in as mayor of Vienna by Federal President Van der Bellen. The President sees the coalition between Ludwig's Social Democratic Party (SPOE) and the New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) as an interesting opportunity, since this constellation had not existed on a federal or state level before.

November 24, 2020

European Commission Approves Second Fixed Cost Subsidy

The European Commission has approved Austria's request to grant further subsidies to companies particularly impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The so-called Fixed Cost Subsidy II could cover up to 70 percent of the uncovered fixed costs and up to EUR 3 million.

November 23, 2020

Violence Protection Summit Welcomes International Guests

The Violence Protection Summit organized by Austria's Federal Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of the Interior will be supported by international participation. UN Special Rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic and EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli will be participating in the summit.

November 23, 2020

Increase in Funding for Carinthian Slovenes

In the year of the 100th anniversary of the Carinthian referendum, the National Council has decided to contribute another EUR 4 million to the support of the Slovenian ethnic group in Carinthia. Chancellery Minister Raab sees this "a clear signal of appreciation" for ethnic groups in Austria.

November 20, 2020