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Austria - Domestic Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian domestic politics with reference to the international interest
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Austrian National Bank: Exports Increase Again
Exports, excluding tourism, were above the comparable figures from 2019 for the first time in Austria since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis. The Austrian National Bank is confident that a second wave can be contained and that no further monetary or fiscal policy measures are needed.
October 21, 2020
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Foreign Disaster Fund Alleviates Covid-19 Consequences Abroad
In order to fight the impact of Covid-19 in developing countries and for people in fragile situations, the Austrian government has decided to release EUR 12 million of the Foreign Disaster Fund to NGOs that will be distributing the money as needed in the particular areas.
October 21, 2020
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First Microsoft Cloud Data Center in Austria
Microsoft has announced the establishment of Austria's first ever data center region. Chancellor Kurz says that this "represents a decisive competitive advantage" and thanks Microsoft for the commitment to Austrian companies and their employees.
October 20, 2020
Austrian Railways: EUR 17.5 Billion of Investment Until 2026
The railway system in Austria will see impactful investments in the near future. Due to a package of around EUR 17.5 billion until 2026, the Federal Government together with Austrian Railways (ÖBB) will try to make travelling and transporting by rail even more attractive to customers.
October 20, 2020
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Border Controls with Slovenia and Hungary Will be Extended
The border controls between the Slovenian-Austrian and Hungarian-Austrian border will be extended once again. Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer cited as reasons the "continuing migration pressure, maintenance of internal security and the tense situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic".
October 14, 2020
Winter in Vienna: New Year's Eve Trail Cancelled, Vienna Ice Dream Still On Track
The Covid-19 related cancellations of events were a common theme in the recent months. Now, Vienna's New Year's Eve Trail is the next victim of the pandemic. The popular event will not be held in 2020, while the organizers of the Vienna Ice Dream are still confident to see visitors gliding along the ice tracks.
October 14, 2020
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Blümel Presents Budget With EUR 21 Billion Deficit
Austria's Finance Minister Blümel presented the budget draft for 2021 to the National Council. Due to Covid-19, a deficit of over 20% is planned to provide enough aid for the struggling economy and job market in Austria. While the Federal Ministers show signs of relief with regard to the major budget increase, the opposition parties are furious.
October 14, 2020
Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements
At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.
October 13, 2020
100 Years Carinthian Referendum: Van der Bellen Apologizes to Carinthian Slovenes
During the 100 years anniversary of the Carinthian Referendum, Federal President Van der Bellen apologized to the Slovene minority in Carinthia for the bad treatment they had received in the past. He emphasized the importance of ethnic groups in Austria and hopes that these minorities will continue to exist.
October 12, 2020
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Vienna Election 2020: Social-Democrats Are Clear Winners
The current Mayor of Vienna and the leading candidate for this election, Michael Ludwig from the SPOE, has successfully defended the first place in Vienna. Compared to the last election, the Social-Democratic Party has increased its popularity in Vienna even further and will now start negotiations with the other parties to form the next government.
October 12, 2020
Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided
The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.
October 9, 2020
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Increase in Funding for Austria's Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups in Austria will be receiving more funding due to a recent decision made by the Austrian government. The last increase dates back 25 years ago, which is why high-ranking politicians were in favor of supporting the ethnic groups even more.
October 9, 2020
Dutch Opera Director Lotte de Beer Becomes New Head of Volksoper
The Dutch opera director Lotte de Beer, artistic director of the Dutch ensemble Operafront, will direct the Volksoper Wien from September 1, 2022 onwards. She was able to secure the position, for which more than 30 international and national applications were submitted.
October 6, 2020
Austrian Airlines to Reduce Flights and to Increase Short-Time Work
Due to new travel restrictions from Germany, Switzerland and other countries with regard to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Austria, Austrian Airlines will reduce the number of flights which were originally planned for the upcoming season to only 30% compared to last winter.
October 6, 2020
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Foreign Ministry Announces First Special Representative for Humanitarian Aid
Austria's first-ever Special Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid will be appointed by the Foreign Ministry in order to assure the proper coordination of humanitarian aid projects. Effective allocation of funds which amount to EUR 50 million will also be part of the duties of Mr. Christoph Schweifer.
October 6, 2020
Schramböck: "Every New Infection Is a Potential Danger for the Business Location"
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck empasizes the importance of low infection rates for the business location. She demands more rigid measures for Vienna, which is currently the Covid-19 hotspot in Austria.
October 5, 2020
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UNESCO Honors Vienna with "Smart City" Award
The city of Vienna was recognized by UNESCO fo its "innovative, intelligent, networked and explicitly sustainable" housing policy. Besides Vienna, other cities, such as Shenzhen (China), Dakar (Senegal) and Singarpore, have received other awards.
September 30, 2020
Public Deficit Amounts to 9.4%, Public Debt to 82.6% of GDP in First Half Year of 2020
Austria's government has lost its successful path to a lower public deficit due to Covid-19. In the first half year of 2020, the public deficit amounted to 9.4% while public debt rose to 82.6%. The outlook for the second half of 2020 is not much better and an increase of public debt is expected.
September 30, 2020
Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites
Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.
September 29, 2020
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Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days
US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.
September 24, 2020
Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion
The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.
September 23, 2020
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Environmental Support Act: 1 Billion for Climate Protection Support until 2022
The National Council is in favor of a budget increase dedicated to climate protection. In detail, the Environment Committee wants to raise the amount of funding to EUR 1 billion by 2022 which will be invested in biogenic heating networks, renovation of buildings and other measures.
September 17, 2020
International Day of Democracy: Collection of Initiatives for Promoting Democracy
The IPU in cooperation with the Austrian parliament has issued a report that comprises best-practice examples of how countries promote democracy among the population, especially among the youth and young adults.
September 15, 2020
Sacher Hotels Lay Off 140 Employees
The dramatic situation in Austria's tourism industry does not even spare one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. The Sacher Hotels, located in Vienna and Salzburg, have announced the dismissal of 140 employees.
September 15, 2020
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Warning of Economic Consequences Due to Rising Infection Rates
Austria's Minister for Tourism Köstinger and Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck emphasize the importance of low Covid-19 infection numbers for the tourism and trade sector. They fear that a rise in numbers endangers Austria's important autumn and Christmas business.
September 15, 2020
Climate Protection Minister Presents Measures Against Plastic Flood
Climate Protection Minister Gewessler announces a three-point plan to tackle Austria's plastic waste. These measures include a deposit system, a producer's levy and a reusable quota.
September 7, 2020
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WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge
The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.
September 7, 2020
"Massive New Debt" in 2021
Federal Minister Blümel announces massive new government borrowing for next year in order to tackle the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. He hopes to return to meeting the Maastricht criteria again in the next years.
September 7, 2020
Nehammer: Do Everything To Protect Jewish Life
Minister of the Interior Nehammer visited the synagogue on David-Herzog-Platz in Graz together and highlighted the importance of the protection and promotion of Jewish life in Austria.
September 4, 2020
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Linz Mayor Luger Will Not Introduce Any Further COVID-19 Regulations
The Mayor of Linz announced that the city will not introduce any further regulations concerning the Coronavirus even though the city is now marked with the color yellow at the traffic light system. Present regulations will stay.
September 4, 2020
Austrian "Hate in the Net" Draft Law Takes Online Platform in Responsibility
The draft law against "Hate in the Net" obliges online platforms to introduce an effective reporting procedure and to delete unlawful content immediately. The third major point is the issue of a contact person including an address.
September 3, 2020
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Pop-Up Cycle Paths in Vienna Stay Until November
The pop-up cycle paths in the Praterstraße, Lassallestraße and Wagramer Straße are staying until November due to their popularity. The party ÖVP is accusing the city council that the continuation is a "pure election campaign populism".
September 2, 2020
Free COVID-19 Tests for Employees of the Gastronomy Sector
Tourism Minister Köstinger announced that employees from gastronomy businesses, youth hotels and camping sites can be freely tested for the Coronavirus since 1 September.
September 2, 2020
Mobile Sick Notification Is Only Possible With COVID-19 Symptoms
The Austrian Health Insurance announced that the notification of sick leave via mobile is from now on only possible when the patient shows symptoms of COVID-19. All other patients need to visit the doctor in person again.
September 2, 2020
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A COVID-19 Vaccine Is Possibly Available in January According to Anschober
Minister Anschober announced that with the start of schools and the colder weather the fourth phase of the Corona pandemic is starting, which will last until a vaccine is found. Therefore, the next months will be very challenging also because of increase in influenza cases.
September 1, 2020
New Investment Subsidy Should Encourage Businesses to Invest
In order to encourage more investments, the Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs implemented a subsidy for new investments with focus on digitalization, life science, health and sustainability. The subsidy does not have to be paid back and businesses can apply for it from now on.
September 1, 2020
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Descendants of Nazi Victims Have the Right to Austrian Citizenship
From September on, it is easier for descendants of Nazi victims to apply for the Austrian citizenship. This was announced by Interior Minister Nehammer in order to "take historical responsibility for the crimes of the Nazi regime".
September 1, 2020
Metro Line U2 Is Now Going More Often to Seestadt
The Wiener Linien (Viennese Public Transport Lines) are starting to provide more U2 metros to the end station Seestadt just in time with the start of schools on September 7. From next week on, not only in the morning but also in the afternoon and evening every metro will go to the final station.
August 31, 2020
"Equal Pension Day" Shows Significant Gap for Women
Women in Vienna receive 32.6% less pension compared to men. Therefore, the risk of old-age poverty is dramatically higher for women than for men. The information is issued with reference to the Viennese "Equal Pension Day" on September 2.
August 31, 2020
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Tax Reform Will Be Valid from September 1 on
According to Finance Minister Blümel, the tax reform will be valid on from September 1 and there will be a corresponding refund for salaries already taxed with retroactive effect from 1 January 2020.
August 31, 2020
Secretary of State Mayer: Salzburg Festival Has Been Successful Despite the Challenges
This year's Salzburg Festival will serve as a role model for other cultural events in the future. The organizers have successfully coped with the challenging situation Covid-19 brought upon the world and implemented a festival that was highly praised by Austrian politicians.
August 31, 2020
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Kurz: "There is light at the end of the tunnel"
Today, Chancellor Kurz was holding a State of the Union Address and talked about the Coronavirus, special vacation for parents and a "pact against isolation". According to him, the next summer will be normal again. However, the time until then will be challenging.
August 28, 2020
Austrian Foreign Ministry Endows Special Prize for International Art
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announces a new prize for international artistic projects that deal with the impact of technology and digitalization on society.
August 27, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler Promises Action Plan Against Anti-Semitism
Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister of Austria for the EU and Constitution, introduced an action plan that will be implemented in the fall. This plan will comprise about 30 measures to fight ongoing anti-Semitism.
August 26, 2020
After Discussions in Austria: IHS and WIFO Against Statutory Reduction of Working Hours
Austrian economic research institutes IHS and WIFO are both against a reduction of working hours. According to the experts, training and retraining for the unemployed would be better approaches.
August 26, 2020
EU Standards for COVID-19 Are Demanded
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (both ÖVP) and EU Member of Parliament Manfred Weber (CSU) are demanding EU standardised regulations in order to prevent further confusion as the regulations within the EU states are varying.
August 26, 2020
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Kurz is Giving a Speech with 3 Major Topics
On Friday, Chancellor Kurz is giving a speech concerning the current situation in Austria and the planned political content of the following months. The three major topics are economy and labour, digitization and education as well as social cohesion and civil society involvement.
August 26, 2020
Islamic Motivated Offender Attacked Synagogue
Yesterday a press conference was held concerning the attack of a synagogue and the president of the Jewish community in Graz. The attacker was identified as a Syrian citizen with an Islamic motive. In the upcoming weeks, synagogues in Austria will be protected by police officers.
August 25, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler: "We Must Protect and Promote Jewish Life Throughout Europe!"
After the recent attacks on the President of the Jewish Communities in Graz, Federal Minister Edtstadler made clear that Jewish life in Austria needs to be protected and promoted by any means.
August 24, 2020
Kaiser Apologizes for the Chaos at the Border
Governor Peter Kaiser apologized today to all people who got stuck at the borders to Austria on Saturday evening. He says that this situation should never happen again and claims that communication problems between the federal and the state government led to the chaos.
August 24, 2020
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