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The 84th Anniversary of the November Pogroms in Austria
On the 84th anniversary of the November pogroms, representatives of the Republic commemorated the victims with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shoah Name Wall Memorial in Ostarrichipark. In addition to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the head of government, almost all members of the government took part.
November 9, 2022
Austria's Government Under New Challenge: Are New Elections Coming?
With his statements, Thomas Schmid, ex-Secretary General at the Ministry of Finance, has incriminated many former and current top politicians of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), some of them heavily. Although much was already relatively well known in the investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKSta) triggered by the Ibiza affair, Schmid has provided a great deal of new material in the cases surrounding appointments to posts, tax and advertising deals in the Austrian government. In Austrian politics, a new crisis is now brewing for the ÖVP-Green coalition government.
October 20, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Former Austrian Chancellor Kurz Incriminated
The Find out more about this week's developments. Former ÖBAG head Thomas Schmid incriminates former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz before public prosecutors for corruption. Austria forges new partnerships with other states against illegal migration. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
October 20, 2022
Corruption in Austria: Thomas Schmid Wants to Become a State Witness and Incriminates Kurz Government Heavily
The former head of ÖBAG and Secretary General in the Ministry of Finance, Thomas Schmid, has heavily incriminated ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), his former close companion, in the Casag proceedings triggered by the Ibiza video and wants to become a state witness in the proceedings against Kurz. This was announced by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA). Schmid had approached the investigators with the request, but a formal application had not yet been made.
October 19, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Presidential Elections in Austria
The Find out more about this week's developments. In Austria, the presidential elections will be held on Sunday. There are new diplomatic and economic developments in Vienna. And there is new art in town! Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
October 6, 2022
What is the Role of the Office of the Federal President in the Austrian Political System?
This Sunday, eligible voters in Austria will elect the head of state of their country, the Federal President. But how exactly is the political role of the Federal President expressed in the Austrian political system? What is the story behind the office? Where exactly can the Republic of Austria be placed on the axis between Parliamentarism and Presidentialism? Read on to find out the answers!
October 6, 2022
Working in Austria: Further Facilitation of the Red-White-Red Card
Applying for a Red-White-Red Card is made easier again! Skilled workers who intend to work in Austria will find it easier to obtain a work permit in the future. Read this article to find out which simplifications have been decided.
September 26, 2022
Opening of the European Forum Alpbach 2022
The 77th Forum was officially opened by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also gave a speech in the course of the opening. After more than two Corona years, the Forum is held again in full capacity and is marked by the war in Ukraine.
August 22, 2022
Vienna Increases Fees for Public Services
The City of Vienna increases the fees for water, sewage, waste disposal as well as the prices of parking tickets. The adjustment of tariffs for municipal services is made in Vienna based on the applicable valorization law.
August 18, 2022
Reform of the Red-White-Red Card Passed by Parliament
In order to eliminate the shortage of suitable workers, the Austrian parliament recently decided to change the criteria for the Red-White-Red Card. In future, it should be easier to obtain this card. Austria's economy is relieved. If you want to know the exact changes, read on!
July 11, 2022
No More Compulsory Vaccination and New Regulations in Vienna: What You Need to Know
Austria's National Council announced at the end of this week that compulsory vaccination would be abolished. Contrary to this announcement, Vienna is tightening its mandatory masking in the health sector. In recent weeks, the number of cases has been increasing, which is why this step was necessary.
July 8, 2022
Dilemma of the Austrian Presidential Election
October 9 will be the date for the election of the Federal President. Although the election is relatively close, no real campaign has yet begun. Most parties have not even nominated candidates. The incumbent president Alexander Van der Bellen announced to run again.
June 29, 2022
Politicians in Vienna Demand Easier Access to Austrian Citizenship
Heated debates recently took place in Vienna's provincial parliament when the parties jointly discussed making it easier to obtain Austrian citizenship. Besides fears that such a facilitation would "devalue" Austrian citizenship, there was also a lot of support and calls for a more open Austria. The debate was fuelled by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who had recently spoken out in favour of a simpler process in an interview.
June 21, 2022
Austrian Parliament for EU-Wide Data Exchange on Displaced Persons from Ukraine
Within the framework of the Temporary Protection Platform, the Austrian Parliament's Interior Committee today created the legal framework for EU-wide data exchanges on persons displaced from Ukraine. The extension concerning the Corona special regulations in alien law provides the basis for this framework.
June 13, 2022
Austria to Support Prosecution of Alleged War Crimes in Ukraine
All parliamentary groups in the Human Rights Committee adopted a resolution calling for an investigation and prosecution of alleged war crimes committed by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.
June 8, 2022
Foreign Policy Committees of the Austrian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament Discuss Situation in Ukraine
Members of the Austrian Parliament exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.
May 23, 2022
Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression
Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.
April 6, 2022
Access to Austrian Citizenship for Descendants of Nazi Victims Expanded
A new amendment to the law will now make it easier to obtain Austrian citizenship as a descendant of a victim of National Socialism. This has now been passed in parliament and is an important step towards the recognition of history.
March 29, 2022
Neutrality: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy May Now Be Able to Address the Austrian National Council After All
The ongoing debate on Austrian neutrality will maybe allow Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to speak to Austrian parliamentarians.
March 23, 2022
Austrian Parliamentary Delegation Visits India, which Maintains a Special Strategic Partnership with Russia
India received an Austrian delegation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Among other things, the delegation discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the hesitant attitude of the Indian government, which has so far not openly opposed the Kremlin.
March 17, 2022
Dr. Erhard Busek Deceased: Austria Loses Staunch European and Great Expert on Eastern Europe
The former chairman of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and Eastern Europe expert Eduard Busek has died at the age of 80. He left his mark on Austrian politics and was considered a great advocate of a common Europe.
March 14, 2022
How Gazprom Helps the Kremlin to Manipulate Austria
The Russian government uses the majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom to exploit Europe's dependency on Russian natural gas, and Austria is no exception. Read how the Kremlin uses Gazprom to influence Austria.
March 8, 2022
Putin's People in Austria and Beyond
Following Putin's invasion of eastern Ukraine with the aim of regaining former Soviet territory, two former European prime ministers from Italy and Finland have already resigned from the supervisory boards of two Russian companies. However, some Austrian and German politicians see no reason to resign their mandates. In the following some explanations why.
February 25, 2022 · Updated: February 25, 2022; 11:23
Gernot Blümel Now Working for Superfund Co-Founder Christian Baha
Former Austrian finance minister to become CEO of Superfund from March 2022 and is expected to push the asset manager's expansion.
January 12, 2022
Austria's List of Pro-Kremlin Lobbyists Has One Cooperation Partner Less
The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has announced that it will not extend a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Russia (Единая Россия) party, a nationalist-conservative rallying party. It is the party with the largest membership in the Russian Federation under party leader Dmitry Medvedev, who supports Vladimir Putin's course. However, Russia can still rely on other former Austrian politicians. Read on to see who the most prominent supporters are.
December 16, 2021 · Updated: January 4, 2022; 14:50
Austrians Abroad Want Dual Citizenship at Last
There are growing calls among Austrians abroad for a change to Austria's strict laws regarding dual citizenship. Read about the citizens' initiative "Dual Citizenship for Austria" and the increasing support it is receiving from Austrians abroad, expats in Austria, and Austrian politicians.
December 8, 2021
Who Is the New Austrian Minister of Finance Dr. Magnus Brunner?
The new Austrian Minister of Finance, Dr. Magnus Brunner, has assumed his new position after being sworn in by President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Dr. Brunner and his career prior to becoming finance minister.
December 8, 2021
New Austrian Federal Chancellor Sworn In
The former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer was today sworn in as the new Austrian Federal Chancellor by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). The offices of Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Education Minister and State Secretary in the Federal Chancellery were also filled. Read on to find out who occupies these offices.
December 6, 2021
Austrian Government Reshuffle: Who Are the Newcomers?
Following the resignations of Sebastian Kurz and Gernot Blümel over serious corruption allegations, and of Alexander Schallenberg, the new Chancellor Karl Nehammer has presented his provisional government team. Who are the new faces in Austrian domestic and foreign policy?
December 3, 2021
New Austrian Chancellor is former Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer
Karl Nehammer has been unanimously appointed new party leader and federal chancellor by the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) federal party board.
December 3, 2021
Austrian Government Crisis: Finance Minister Blümel Also Resigns from Office
The resignation of Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) leader Sebastian Kurz triggers a major government reshuffle. Following Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg's resignation, Finance Minister Gernot Blümel, a longtime companion of Kurz, also announced his resignation via Facebook video this evening. Karl Nehammer is expected to take over the roles of party leader and chancellor.
December 2, 2021
Austria's Chancellor Schallenberg to Resign as well
Alexander Schallenberg "makes his office as Chancellor available".
December 2, 2021
Following Kurz's Resignation: Austrian Government Reshuffle Imminent
Following the resignation of former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from all political activities, major personnel changes are imminent within the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Austrian government. Who will become or remain chancellor, who will become party leader, who will become Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) club chairman, who will become or remain foreign minister? There are rumors that Interior Minister Karl Nehammer could become chancellor and Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg could return to the post of foreign minister.
December 2, 2021
Sebastian Kurz Resigns from All Political Offices
Austria's former federal chancellor Sebastian Kurz (35) has resigned from all political posts. He is under investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption. It is rumored that Interior Minister Karl Nehammer or Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler may take over his role as leader of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). Chancellor and former foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg could also be replaced.
December 2, 2021
Smart Borders: Austrian Green Light for Implementation of EU-wide Entry/Exit System
Austria has passed a law to help implement the EU-wide entry/exit system (EES) as stipulated in the EU's "Smart Borders Package." Read more about the new law and what it means for border controls and law enforcement cooperation in the EU.
October 25, 2021
Austria Opposes Further Expansion of Hungarian Nuclear Power Plant Paks II
All five Austrian parliamentary parties are opposed to the expansion of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary due to serious safety concerns. The Environment Committee in parliament has unanimously called on the government to take all possible actions to oppose its construction. Read why Austria considers the power plant's expansion dangerous.
October 25, 2021
Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting
Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.
October 22, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: 3-G Rule at Work as of Nov. 1 - In-Company Tests Remain Free of Charge
Both employers and employees in Austria will only be allowed to enter their workplace after Nov. 1, 2021, if they have been vaccinated, have recovered in the past six months or have recently been tested.
October 20, 2021 · Updated: October 21, 2021; 07:10
Heidi Horten: Austria's Richest Woman Sells Luxury Yacht for 160 Million Euros
Heidi Goëss-Horten, the richest Austrian woman, is selling her luxury yacht, the Carinthia VII, for an astonishing 160 million euros. Read about Ms. Goëss-Horten's "dream ship" and why she has finally decided to sell it.
October 12, 2021
Schallenberg and Linhart Inaugurated, Schallenberg to "Work Very Closely With Kurz"
The new Chancellor of Austria Alexander Schallenberg and new Foreign Minister Michael Linhart were sworn in by President Van der Bellen. In his first statement as Chancellor, Schallenberg said that he believes the allegations against his predecessor are false and that he would continue working closely with him. Read about the inauguration, what former Chancellor Kurz and Vice-Chancellor Kogler said about Schallenberg's appointment, and the entirety of Schallenberg's first statement as chancellor.
October 11, 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
Austrian Government Plans Deficit of EUR 22.6 Billion
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, the Austrian government has agreed on a budget that plans with a deficit of EUR 22.6 billion for next year. Estimated lower revenues due to the weak economy on the one side face higher expenditures because of the subsidies for various businesses on the other.
November 20, 2020
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
Berlin Will Welcome Delegation of the Austrian National Council
The German capital will be host to a meeting between several German politicians and a delegation from the Austrian National Council. The main topics comprise measures to cope with the Covid-19 crisis and EU issues.
September 4, 2020
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
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
Austrian People's Party Vienna: Gernot Blümel Re-elected with 96.8 Percent
State party leader (and current Finance Minister) Gernot Blümel was confirmed and re-elected by the state party conference of the New People's Party (ÖVP) of Vienna with 96.8 percent as Vienna's state party leader. "Historical chance for Vienna to be re-governed." Criticism of Mercer's study.
February 29, 2020
Austria's Blockade of the Libya Mission "Sophia"
The EU foreign ministers have reached a basic consensus for a military mission to monitor the UN arms embargo on Libya. The EU naval operation "Sophia" in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya, however, will be terminated, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in a statement after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
February 18, 2020
Transfer of Office: Bierlein Passes to Kurz
Previous Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein handed over the affairs of state to Sebastian Kurz after the new federal government was sworn in.
January 7, 2020
Alexander Schallenberg Remains Foreign Minister
Alexander Schallenberg will remain Foreign Minister, but with considerably less power.
January 2, 2020
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