Austria's News in English
Read the latest headlines about other developments in Vienna and Austria
Potential Closure of MAN Plant in Austria
After the majority of the workforce in the MAN plant in Steyr voted against a takeover concept of a potential investor, Austria's federal and state governments are highly invested in supporting a solution that would save more than 1,000 jobs in Steyr, Upper Austria. No solution would mean a closure of the plant by 2023.
April 14, 2021
New York Architecture Firm to Design New Central European University Campus in Vienna
CEU has commissioned the U.S. architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) to renovate and develop those Otto Wagner-designed pavilions that will form the future CEU campus. KPF President James von Klemperer is an Austrian citizen. The final site of the Central European University at the Otto Wagner site is scheduled to open in 2025.
April 13, 2021
Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement
High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.
April 12, 2021
International Romani Day: Austria Raises Awareness
On the occasion of the 50-year anniversary of the first meeting of the Romani Union, Austria's Parliament under the lead of National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka held a virtual event, which commemorated antiziganist acts in the past and highlighted the importance of inclusion and safeguarding the Romani population.
April 12, 2021
"Fixing the Future": Austria's Foreign Ministry Searches For Innovative Ideas
Together with the cultural broadcaster Ö1, Austria's Foreign Ministry and its network of Austrian representations abroad is searching for innovative ideas that could solve global problems. The possible admissions can relate to various contexts, among them are problems in technology, environment, business, and social issues.
April 9, 2021
Vienna as Industrial Location: Proximity to Eastern Market Loses Importance
A recent survey shows that Vienna's infrastructure and quality of life are location advantages for Vienna as an industrial location, but the proximity to eastern European and other eastern markets declines in importance. Only 40 percent of the 172 surveyed Viennese industrial companies see the proximity to the eastern EU countries as an advantage,
April 8, 2021
Vienna Celebrates 25 Years of EU Funding
One year after Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, the first projects with the help of the European Union were established in Vienna. 25 years later, in 2021, Vienna looks back at the hundreds of projects, which improved various aspects of the city and were only possible due to the funding provided from the European Union.
April 8, 2021
Austrian Unemployment Decreases in March
The number of unemployed Austrians has decreased significantly in March compared to the previous month. About 56,000 fewer people have been reported unemployed, while the number of people in training at the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) has increased. This is likely due to the recent measure, which provides training priorities in areas where there is a particular demand for qualified workers.
April 7, 2021
Austria Celebrates 40-Year Anniversary of Membership with European Space Agency
Austria has been part of the European Space Agency (ESA) for 40 years. Since 1981, Austria's domestic businesses, which are specialized in the field of space industry, have benefited from the membership, while "with the help of space research, Austria can take better and more effective action against the climate crisis", according to Austria's Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler.
April 2, 2021
Ladder to Heaven Shines on Top of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna
An art installation by Billi Thanner will shine from the top of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna starting on Easter Sunday. The "Ladder to Heaven" stands for "the ascent and descent between heaven and earth" and will shine every night until May 31.
April 2, 2021
Driving a Car in Austria: How to Import a Vehicle for Personal Use
What is required to register your car in Austria that you have purchased abroad? What do you need to look out for when buying a car? What costs do you have to bear? You can find all tips for importing your own vehicles (Eigenimport) to Austria here.
August 4, 2019 · Updated: April 1, 2021; 13:13
Extension of Re-Employment Promise in Austria Gives Planning Security
In order to alleviate the hard-hit tourism industry, Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher and Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger have announced to further extend the re-employment promise until the end of official closures. This gives the respective businesses more planning security, since they will not have to worry about their well-trained employees.
March 31, 2021
European Year of Rail: Austria's Gewessler Attends Kick-Off Event
The Portuguese Council of the EU Presidency has a strong focus on railroads with the European Year of Rail. At the kick-off event, which was attended by the EU Transport Ministers, Austria's Leonore Gewessler looked forward to the investments into the railway system and hoped for promotion of the mobility revolution.
March 30, 2021
Austrian Airlines Continues Restructuring Process
Austrian Airlines has announced to further their restructuring process. The company will be cutting more than 650 jobs by 2023, while reducing the fleet once more. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech: "The pandemic is taking much longer than expected. For this reason, we are now taking additional measures to secure the future of our Austrian Airlines in the long term."
March 26, 2021
Austrian Airlines Resumes Operations with London and Tel Aviv
After the landing ban for passengers from the United Kingdom imposed by the Austrian government and the generally difficult air traffic situation with Israel in recent weeks, travel to London and Tel Aviv can now once again be offered by Austrian Airlines. Connections to China will, however, be suspended until April 9, 2021.
March 24, 2021
European Union Digital Day: Schramböck Demands Digital Growth
At the European Union Digital Day, Austria's Minister for Digitalization Margarete Schramböck signed two declarations that create better framework conditions for start-ups and promote green and digital transformation. Schramböck demanded the use of more digital technologies in order to "secure European jobs and value creation."
March 24, 2021
Vienna Mayor Ludwig: "There is no Way Around Common European Path"
At the 9th annual dialogue of EU capitals with the European Commission, Vienna Mayor Ludwig and many other mayors from European cities emphasized the need for a consistent and common European path with regard to fighting the ongoing pandemic. Ludwig stands behind the "solidarity-based EU vaccination strategy."
March 23, 2021
Vienna Will Host Pathologist and Muscle Researcher Congresses
The City of Vienna has successfully brought two high-ranking medical congresses to Vienna. The 28th International Congress of the World Muscle Society will be in Vienna from September 23 to 29, 2024, and the European Society of Pathology will be meeting in Vienna from September 6 to 10, 2025.
March 22, 2021
Two of Austrian Biggest Commercial Real Estate Companies Could Turn to One
The Austrian commercial real estate company Immofinanz AG has decided to make a voluntary public takeover offer for the s Immo AG. The two companies have considered a merger in the past, but the intentions never succeeded. Whether or not the public takeover offer will be going through this time depends on the General Meeting of s Immo and antitrust approvals.
March 18, 2021
All Eyes on Vienna for ViennaUP'21
Central Europe's largest startup event "ViennaUP'21" will once again take place in the spring of 2021 in Vienna. The event offers a variety of different programs and business-to-business networking opportunities. Many other events, such as the "Fintech Week" and the "Creative Days Vienna" will be part of ViennaUP'21.
March 18, 2021
Austria's Labor Minister Demands More Education and Training Opportunities
At an informal Employment and Social Affairs Council, Austria's Labor Minister Martin Kocher and his EU counterparts were discussing employment and social policies that address the recovery from the current crisis. Kocher emphasizes the need for education and training opportunities, which will proof to be useful for getting back to economic strength.
March 17, 2021
City of Vienna Offers "Summer City Camps" for Children and Teenagers
The City of Vienna will host childcare services during the summer vacation in the form of the "Summer City Camps". 20,000 children and teenagers can be accommodated at 31 locations. The offer includes excursions into nature, cultural experiences, workshops, sporting activities and learning support. Registration starts April 7, 2021.
March 16, 2021
Vienna Still Attractive for International Companies
In 2020, Vienna has welcomed more than 200 new companies despite the difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Mayor Michael Ludwig interprets "the high level of interest" from foreign companies in Vienna as a result of Vienna being regarded as "stable and safe economic ground".
March 12, 2021
Schallenberg on the International Women's Day: "Women Must Play a Key Role in Decision-making"
Austria will take over special responsibility for women's policy concerns in the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the end of March. On the occasion of this role and the International Women's Day, which was celebrated on March, 8, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg demands more women in decision-making roles.
March 11, 2021
Edtstadler: Eurobarometer Confirms Need to "Actively Engage" EU Population
The EU Conference on the Future of Europe will be starting on May 9. The EU Council, European Parliament and European Commission have now signed a joint declaration, which sets the path for a series of citizen-led debates. Austria's Minister for European Affairs Edtstadler welcomes the step and sees it as a necessity to listen to the European population.
March 11, 2021
City of Vienna Will Offer 40-Day Long Festival
The City of Vienna has announced that it will organize the so-called "Kultursommer Wien", a cultural event that will comprise 1,000 performances on 40 different stages through 40 days. Mayor Michael Ludwig wants to "provide perspectives that are good for the heart, brain and soul" during the Covid-19 pandemic.
March 10, 2021
International Women's Day 2021: Gender Pay Gap in Austria Still Significant
Since the International Women's Day is on March 8, Statistics Austria has revealed some data that show the still significant differences between women and men in Austria's workforce. On average, women earn around 14 percent less than men and only 3.8 percent of employed women hold managerial positions, compared to 8.1 percent of employed men.
March 5, 2021
Austria Enters for the First Time as U.S. Exits Top Ten in Bloomberg's Innovation Index
Austria moves up one place to 10th place in the latest Bloomberg Innovation Index, while the U.S. dropped out of a top 10 that features a cluster of European countries. The Bloomberg index analyzes dozens of criteria using seven equally weighted metrics, including research and development spending, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public companies.
March 2, 2021
Schramböck and Baldwin at International Research Conference
At the research conference hosted by the Research Center International Economics (FIW), Austria's Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck had the opportunity to take part in discussions with the star economist Richard Baldwin and a number of other important representatives of international economics research.
March 1, 2021
Distribution of Free Corona Self-Test in Austrian Pharmacies Starts: How It Works and Who Will Receive It
As of March 1, the free test offer will be gradually expanded with free self-tests in pharmacies. Up to five free tests are available per person per month. But not every person living in Austria is eligible to receive them. Following are the details.
March 1, 2021
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "Herzls Töchter - 100 years WIZO. Viennese Women for Israel"
In a new exhibition, the Jewish Museum Vienna highlights the past 100 years of the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO) with particular spotlight on the movement in Vienna. Ambassador of Israel to Austria H.E. Mr. Mordechai D. Rodgold together with WIZO president Karin Maier-Winter, and Director of the Museum Danielle Spera.
February 24, 2021 · Updated: February 26, 2021; 20:45
Austrian Airlines: "Clear Focus on Tourist Destinations in Summer 2021"
Resumption of more than 20 destinations, up to 150 flights per week to vacation destinations in midsummer and the inclusion of the Vienna-Hanover connection in the 2021 summer flight schedule are in preparation.
February 25, 2021
Vienna's Mayor Unveils Memorial Stone for Vienna Terror Attack
Vienna's city government has unveiled a memorial stone for the victims of the Vienna Terror Attack on November 2, 2020. Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized that the memorial stone also represents a sign of togetherness of the Viennese people. He showed himself very pleased with the amount of solidarity the terror night brought about.
February 24, 2021
Schallenberg Reallocates Foreign Positions
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has entrusted several envoys and current ambassadors with new positions abroad. More than 20 Austrian embassies or Consulate Generals will have new leadership and three cultural forums will see a change in management.
February 24, 2021
Theresian Academy: Vienna's Elite School for the Next Generation of Diplomats Celebrates 275th Anniversary
In 1746, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria founded the Theresian Academy, which has been closely linked to Austria's history ever since. In 2021, the Theresian Academy celebrates its 275th anniversary, and with it the connection between scholastic tradition and innovation in education.
February 23, 2021
Robin Dunnigan Interim Head of the U.S. Embassy in Vienna
Following the election defeat and handover of office from Donald Trump to Joe Biden, and the directly related recall of U.S. Ambassador Traina from the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, the latter's Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Robin Lisa Dunnigan, has assumed interim leadership of the U.S. Embassy in Austria as "Chargé d'Affaires ad interim".
February 17, 2021
Down Under Hotel Flair for Vienna
Adina Apartment Hotels, a hospitality brand and a market leader in high-quality apartment-style hotels originating from Australia, has announced its flagship Adina brand will debut in Vienna. One of only seven hotels to offer a swimming pool in Vienna, the "Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere", developed by Signa Real Estate Management GmbH, will literally make a splash in Vienna’s ultra-modern Quartier Belvedere when it opens in April of 2021, completed with a heated indoor pool and sauna.
February 15, 2021 · Sponsored Content
Deadline for Austrian "Reemployment Promise" Gets Extended
To further support the hard hit Austrian economy, the Minister of Labor and Minister of Tourism have decided to extend the deadline for the so-called "reemployment promise". This allows employers to lay off their employees and agreeing to re-hire them, once the sector is allowed to open up again. The affected employees receives unemployment benefits without any placement activities by the Austrian Arbeitsmarktservice.
February 15, 2021
From Which Countries Do Most of the Foreigners in Vienna and Austria Come?
Vienna currently has 1.92 million inhabitants of whom 31.5% percent are foreign nationals. Austria-wide, there are 8,933,346 people of whom 17.1% are foreign nationals. Below you can see, among other data, the largest foreign nationalities.
February 14, 2021
Austria's Youth Minister Speaks at UN's Social Development Council
At the 59th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, representatives of the various member countries discuss the topic of "Digitalization for Social Development". Austria's Youth Minister Susanne Raab highlighted the importance of children and young people during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in her speech.
February 12, 2021
Vienna Terror Attack: Commission Report Shows Intelligence Agency Mishaps
On the evening of November 2, 2020, an Islamist terrorist stormed through Vienna's city center and killed four people. Despite rapid police intervention, massive criticism of the security authorities was voiced after the attack because outrageous investigative errors had occurred in the run-up to the event. Now the final report of the investigation commission has been completed, and it is sharply critical and identifies considerable shortcomings.
February 11, 2021
Tyrol: The Scare of the South African COVID-19 Mutation
Actually there is a strong occurrence of the threatening South African COVID-19 mutation in Tyrol. Strict controls on tests when leaving Tyrol and administrative fines of up to 1,450 euros are intended to limit the spread of this corona mutation after the new "COVID-19 virus variant regulation" comes into force on February 12, 2021.
February 10, 2021
Olga Neuwirth Receives Wolf Prize 2021
The Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth has received the Wolf Prize 2021 in Music. The composer can now compare herself with other laureates of the prize such as Paul McCartney, Placido Domingo, and Stevie Wonder. Andrea Mayer, Austria's State Secretary for the Arts and Culture, congratulates Neuwirth on the prize and on "being able to successfully assert herself in the male-dominated world of music."
February 10, 2021
"Austria Endangers Germany's Successes with its Irresponsible Policy of Opening Up". Closed Borders Soon?
The opening policy and the pandemic in Austria, and especially in Tyrol makes Bavarian politicians nervous. The increased risk of infection from the British and South African mutation of the coronavirus has reignited the border security debate in the German state of Bavaria. Bavaria is therefore tightening its tone toward Austria, reinforcing border controls and threatening to close the border altogether.
February 9, 2021
Vienna Stock Exchange: New Calculation Technology Increases Quality
The Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse AG) has implemented a new index calculation technology, called "Vienna Index Engine" (VIE). The new software will allow even higher processing speed and stability for indices available on the exchange, which will also benefit more than 140 global financial institutions that rely on the indices of the stock exchange.
February 9, 2021
Coronavirus in Austria: What Are the New Rules?
As of February 8, the Austrian COVID-19 measures have been relaxed again. The exit restrictions apply again only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, there are still contact restrictions. Retailers, schools and museums are allowed to open again, although only under stricter conditions. Body-related service providers such as hairdressers are also allowed to offer their services again, but only on presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test result.
February 9, 2021
Free Coronavirus Antigen Tests in Austria's Pharmacies: How Does It Work and Where Are You Getting Them?
Approximately 450 Austrian pharmacies are now offering free coronavirus antigen tests. Following is how it works and a list of all participating pharmacies.
February 8, 2021
United Nations in Vienna Offer Virtual Tour
The United Nations in Vienna offer an insight into the work at the Vienna International City (VIC). Due to Covid-19, regular tours have been suspended since March 2020, which is why the Visitor Service of the UN headquarters in Vienna is now offering an adequate substitution for the regular tours.
February 5, 2021
Technology Oscar for Austrian Software
This year's "Oscar" awards have already an Austrian winner. Christoph Sprenger, a software developer who works in New Zealand, has written code which simulates realistic hair, fire and collapsing buildings. Together with two colleagues, the Salzburg native will receive the "Technical Achievement Award".
February 4, 2021
Vienna Hopes for Revival as Congress Metropolis
The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced numerous different industries. Conventions, congresses and large-scale corporate events have not been possible, although they were important drivers for Vienna's tourism and international standing as congress metropolis. For 2021 and the upcoming years, the city hopes to experience a revival of this particular industry.
February 3, 2021
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