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Austria's News in English
Read the latest headlines about other developments in Vienna and Austria
European Vocational Skills Week: Focus on Green and Digital Transition
The European Vocational Skills Week focuses on vocational education and training for environmental and digital change. Numerous online events from 38 countries can be attended to further knowledge and careers. Especially in times of economic and social hardship, obtaining new skills might provide decent recovery.
November 10, 2020
Vienna Is the Sixth Largest City in the European Union
After London pulled out and Bucharest moved up, Vienna has consolidated itself in sixth place among the largest cities in the European Union. But who is the new European leader, and who are the other cities ahead of Vienna in the ranking? What are the reasons why living in Vienna is so popular with other Austrians, expats, migrants and refugees?
November 9, 2020
Vienna Islamist Terror Attack: Live Updates
The attack by an Islamist terrorist began on Monday evening in downtown Vienna directly in front of a synagogue. Five people died, including the suspect. The dead suspect, a 20-year-old man with Albanian roots and parents from North Macedonia, was a sympathizer of the terrorist militia Islamic State and possessed both, the Austrian and the Macedonian citizenship. Twenty-two people were injured, some in critical condition. Three days of state mourning was decided. The investigations are running at full speed. However, it is now assumed that there was only one suspect.
November 2, 2020 · Updated: November 6, 2020; 12:10
Raids on Islamists in Germany after the Vienna Terrorist Attack
The assassin was apparently not only well-connected to Switzerland, but also had connections to Germany. In the meantime, the German police have carried out raids on several residential and commercial premises of suspected Islamists.
November 6, 2020
Second Coronavirus Lockdown: Which Rules Apply for your Business in Austria?
The exponential increase of the Austrian COVID-19 infection numbers has made drastic measures necessary. On November 3, 2020, the new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance will come into force and remain in force until at least November 30, 2020. In order to cushion the economic impact, short-time working will be upgraded and loss of sales compensated. The new rules and economic measures for the gastronomy, tour operator, tourism and leisure industry can be found below.
November 2, 2020 · Updated: November 6, 2020; 10:13
Conference of Frugal Four and Finland Was Hosted by Austria
The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland came to Vienna to meet with Austria's Minister for European Affiars Edtstadler. On the agenda was the issuance of a joint statement in which they Ministers condemn the recent terror attack in Vienna and other topics regarding the cooperation of the five countries.
November 5, 2020
COVID-19 Hinders the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the implementation and achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the same time the pandemic serves as a strong wake-up call for the international community to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future as summarised under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
November 5, 2020
Danger of Terrorism: Slovakian Warned Austrian Authorities
According to an Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) report, the assassin from Vienna, Kurtin S., had tried to buy ammunition in Slovakia in the summer.
November 4, 2020
Opening of Vienna's Christmas Market is Postponed
Due to the new lockdown, the City of Vienna has postponed the opening of the Christmas market on the Rathausplatz in Vienna, the square in front of the Vienna City Hall. It is still unclear if the recent terror attacks on the Inner City will also affect the Christmas celebrations in Vienna.
November 3, 2020
Von der Leyen: "European Family Stands With Austria"
The EU Commission President Von der Leyen and many other European politicians have offered their condolences to the Austrian population following the horrible attacks in Vienna. The European family is united in their response by expressing their commitment to freedom, democracy and the fight against terrorism.
November 3, 2020
United Nations Join Host City Vienna in Mourning for the Victims of the Terror Attack
In a message from Ms. Ghada Waly to Vienna, the staff of the VIC - Vienna International Centre and the world, the Director-General, UN Office at Vienna, declares that she rejects violence and hatred, stands in solidarity with Vienna and that the flags at the Vienna International Centre will be lowered during Austria's mourning period.
November 3, 2020
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Terror Attack in Vienna
From the Ministry of the Interior it became known that the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) claimed the attack in Vienna with four dead and 22 partially severely injured.
November 3, 2020
Terror Attack in Vienna: No Indication of Second Assassin According to Interior Minister
Following the terrorist attack in Vienna, which left five dead and 22 injured, the analysis of almost 20,000 indications has so far revealed no evidence of further assassins. However, neither the Chancellor nor the Minister of the Interior wanted to definitively rule out that there might not be a second fugitive suspect after all.
November 3, 2020
United Arab Emirates Strongly Condemns Terror Attack in Vienna
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Vienna is deeply moved by the Islamic motivated attack in Vienna and condemns the terrorist attack in a statement.
November 3, 2020
Terror Attack in Austria: Three Days of State Mourning Decided - Laying of a Wreath in Remembrance
In its special session following the terrorist attack in Vienna, the government decided on a three-day national mourning. With the state mourning, flags on federal buildings will be set at half-mast and the provincial governors will be called upon to arrange for this in their areas as well.
November 3, 2020
Terror Attack in Vienna - Perpetrator Was Sympathizer of the Islamic State
One of the assassins was an Islamic State (IS) sympathizer, further investigations are underway in the suspect's environment. Around 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed. At least one perpetrator is still fugitive and is classified as very dangerous. Minister Nehammer added in a press conference, that caution was still required and that one should stay at home if possible.
November 3, 2020
Terrorist Attack in Vienna: Several Dead and Injured according to Vienna Rescue Service
According to the Vienna Rescue Service (Berufsrettung Wien), several people were killed and injured in the shootout near the Vienna Main Synagogue.
November 2, 2020
Austrian Corona Measures Explained in 17 Languages
Integration Minister: "We must ensure that all people living in Austria are aware of the new regulations".
November 2, 2020
What Is the Role of Aerosols in the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
According to current knowledge, the Coronavirus is transmitted by direct contact, e.g. by speaking, coughing or sneezing. Both droplets and aerosols (very fine airborne liquid particles and droplet nuclei), which can float in the air for a long time, play a role in transmission, although the transition between the two forms is fluid. Which measures can reduce exposure to aerosols?
November 2, 2020
Getting COVID-19 Infection in Austria: What Should Expats Do If Symptoms Occur?
Foreigners in Austria who feel flu-like symptoms or who have had or may have had contact with someone infected with the coronavirus may themselves have been infected with the novel virus SARS-CoV-2. What should expatriates, tourists and other foreigners in Austria do if they suspect that they have been infected with the virus themselves?
November 2, 2020
Second Coronavirus Lockdown in Austria: Which Rules Apply?
The Austrian government has announced the Second Coronavirus Lowdown and presented stricter measures against the virus, which will apply from Tuesday, November 3 starting at 0:00 am. From then on, night-time exit restrictions will apply in Austria between 20.00 and 6.00 hours. Most events will be cancelled, restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve guests, and most leisure facilities will have to close for a month for the time being.
October 31, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 09:29
Prostitution in Austria Prohibited Again: Here Are the New COVID-19 Rules
Prostitution in Austria is basically legal and regulated by law. Due to the coronary crisis, it was temporarily forbidden for clients to enter prostitution facilities until the end of June. Since July 1, 2020, however, the government has again permitted entry to prostitution bars, brothels and running houses in Austria. Following the updated COVID-19 rules for sex workers and their clients. However, due to November's new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance, which came into force on November 3, 2020 and will remain in force until at least November 30, 2020, all facilities for the practice of prostitution will again be closed as of November 3.
July 11, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 07:55
How Long Will the Second Lockdown Last?
If the tightened corona measures take effect and the population participates, the Austrian federal government expects that "first opening steps" can be taken in December "to return to a halfway normal life". Is further tightening of the measures an option?
October 31, 2020
What Does the Second Lockdown Mean for Sports Activities in Austria?
While professional sport is allowed to continue, albeit without spectators, amateur sport will stand still. While it will continue to be possible to run or play tennis outdoors, any form of indoor training will be prohibited. The only exceptions are for top athletes. Outdoor sports facilities may still be used by amateur athletes, but only if there is no physical contact with others.
October 31, 2020
Second Lockdown: Warning of Medical Bottlenecks
The reason for the second Austrian lockdown is the explosive growth in coronavirus numbers and the danger of overloading intensive care. What is the situation in hospitals and nursing homes?
October 31, 2020
Times Higher Education Ranking: 10 Austrian Universities Among Top 300
Ten Austrian universities have made it into the Top 300 of the Times Higher Education Subject Ranking 2021. Federal Minister of Education and Science, Heinz Faßmann, is particularly impressed by the 34th place of the Arts & Humanities Department of the University of Vienna.
October 29, 2020
Van der Bellen at Viennale 2020: "We Need the Film"
The 58th Viennale is currently taking place despite Covid-19 and all the regulations that are in place. Federal President Van der Bellen and director of the festival, Eva Sangiorgi, both emphasize the importance of film even though the pandemic has impacted the industry dramatically.
October 23, 2020
75 Years of United Nations: UN Flags Illumination on Schwarzenbergplatz
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Hochstrahlbrunnen on the Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna will be illuminated with the flags of the UN's member countries. Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly, and Mayor Michael Ludwig will start the illumination.
October 22, 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
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
Art Enjoyment at the "Fair for Art Vienna"
Austria's largest art and antiques fair sets an example for the Vienna art market even in times of Corona. During these times, the fair's focus on the Austrian art trade certainly proves to be an organizational advantage. Nevertheless, one or the other international new discovery of recent years stands out, such as the Chongqing-Chinese Li Hua, who, coming from classical Chinese calligraphy, is increasingly moving towards more expressive and colorful compositions.
October 11, 2020 · Sponsored Content
Slovenian President will join Van der Bellen for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum"
For the first time ever, a Slovenian President will take part in the ceremony for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum". Slovenian Head of State Pahor will be joining his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen for the celebrations.
October 7, 2020
Digital Days 2020 Reached Over 1,100 Registered Users
The Digital Days 2020 hosted by the City of Vienna as a hybrid event have welcomed over 1,100 users with more than 4,000 views in total. Digitalization in every business sector was discussed among politicians and experts from the business world.
October 5, 2020
Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020
A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.
October 2, 2020
UNIDO Partners Up With Women Leadership Forum to Hold Special Event
UNIDO and the European Brand Institute have organized the 8th Women Leadership Forum, which was held as a hybrid event in Vienna. International successful women as well as other supportive public figures have gathered together to empower women.
October 1, 2020
Vienna International Centre - Coronavirus Situation: Historical Developments Between March 12 and September 30, 2020
The Vienna International Centre (VIC, UNO City) is reporting new positive COVID-19 cases. Following you have the historical developments between March 12, 2020 and September 30, 2020, as reported by the four main Vienna-based United Nations organizations (United Nations Office at Vienna/UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Industrial Development Organization and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization), as announced by UNIS.
March 12, 2020 · Updated: September 30, 2020; 00:00
Game-changing Transformations, Following the Response to COVID-19
A side event sponsored by IIASA and ISC as part of the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), attended among others by H.E. Ban Ki-moon and former President of Ireland H.E. Mary Robinson, addressed the game-changing measures that will help build a more resilient world and summarized key policy insights on how to move forward sustainably.
September 29, 2020
Global Nuclear Regulatory Agency Appoints 11 New Members to Board of Governors
The IAEA reports, that eleven countries have been newly elected to serve on the 35-member Board of Governors for the period 2020-2022.
September 26, 2020
European Capital of Innovation Award: Vienna Recognized as Runner-up
The Belgium city of Leuven was awarded the European Capital of Innovation Award 2020. Vienna, which was still in the race up until the final round, was recognized as runner-up city together with Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Espoo (Finland), Helsingborg (Sweden), and Valencia (Spain).
September 25, 2020
EXPO 2020 Dubai: Austria Pavilion Past First Construction Stage
The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will now be taking place in 2021, will also be starring about 100 companies from Austria. With the completion of the Austria Pavilion's first construction stage, these companies are now one step closer to a successful exhibition.
September 25, 2020
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
UNWG Not to Hold the International Bazaar 2020
The UNWG Bazaar 2020, the most important charity event for the United Nations Women's Guild, which was scheduled for Saturday, November 28, has been cancelled due to Corona. It's an amazing festival, to share cultures in the form of a market place where everyone can experience the sensation to help the children of the entire world.
September 24, 2020
Austrian Armed Forces Will Control Embassies
The Austrian Armed Forces will once again assist the Vienna State Police with the protection and surveillance of embassies. This will allow the executive forces to intensify their operations against Covid-19, while the Armed Forces will take over embassy protection.
September 23, 2020
Cancellation of Vienna Opera Ball 2021
Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Austria, it was decided that the Vienna Opera Ball 2021 planned for February 11, 2021 will be cancelled. Although the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of the participants could not have been guaranteed.
September 23, 2020
Video Message by Kurz on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations
Federal Chancellor Kurz has submitted a video message to the United Nations in which he emphasized Austria's commitment to international cooperation. He also praised UN's achievements, such as the human rights system and the Agenda 2030.
September 22, 2020
Vienna Aims for Champions League of International Start-Up Scene
The start-up event ViennaUP'21 will be at the center of the international start-up scene in the spring of 2021. Many well-known formats have already assured their participation and will move the spotlight to Vienna from April 27 to May 12 2021.
September 21, 2020
First Digital Long Night of Research
Like many other events in 2020, the Long Night of Research will be held virtually this year. Although the live experiences will be missed, the digital format offers a variety of other advantages to the interested public.
September 18, 2020
Austrian World Summit 2020 Was a Success
The Austrian World Summit 2020 was held in a mixture of analog and digital setting due to Covid-19, yet starred international personalities that all highlighted the importance of sustainability and the fight against climate change.
September 17, 2020
Blow Against Austrian Tourism: Germany Declares Vienna a Corona Risk Area
Because of too high corona infection figures, the German government now warns against "unnecessary, touristic" trips to Vienna. Vienna is classified as a risk area in view of the high number of new corona infections.
September 16, 2020
Anniversary Exhibition "Vienna International Center"
The City of Vienna dedicates an entire exhibition in the Vienna City Hall to the over 40th anniversary of the Vienna International Center. The exhibition can be seen until October 30.
September 16, 2020
