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Beware of Online Fraud when Buying Vignettes
Beware when buying highway vignettes online: Fraudsters shamelessly exploit the search for cheap offers. Drivers are increasingly falling for fraudulent websites when purchasing vignettes, sometimes losing huge sums of money in the process. ASFINAG is now issuing another urgent warning about fake stores and giving important tips on how to protect yourself from such scams.
Yesterday
Austria Wants to Join the UN Security Council: Meinl-Reisinger Launches Campaign in New York
Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has launched the official campaign for Austria's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28 in New York. She used emphatic words to call for the preservation of the rules-based international order and campaigned for Austria's renewed entry into the most powerful body of the United Nations.
Yesterday
Russian Espionage Affair in Austria: A Targeted Disinformation Campaign in the Heart of Europe
Austria is once again at the center of an espionage scandal: The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has uncovered an extensive Russian disinformation campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion in favor of Russia and to the detriment of Ukraine.
March 24, 2025
Signa Insolvency: Trustee in Bankruptcy Demands the Return of Gifts From Nathalie Benko
Real estate and trading mogul René Benko has been in custody in the Vienna-Josefstadt prison since January 24, 2025. Meanwhile, bankruptcy trustee Andreas Grabenweger is trying to shed light on the complex asset structures surrounding the Signa Group and uncover possible asset shifts.
March 24, 2025
Steve Witkoff: From Real Estate Mogul to US Envoy to the Middle East
Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, has played a crucial role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on Ukraine, while also negotiating with Russia on Ukraine's future. Steve Witkoff, a lawyer and developer, has a strong bond with President Trump, dating back nearly four decades.
March 23, 2025
Expressionism in a New Light: Schiele Meets Nosferatu at the Heidi Horten Collection
With the exhibition “Experiment Expressionism - Schiele meets Nosferatu”, the Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna is opening an impressive show that brings painting and film art into a fascinating dialog.
March 23, 2025
Iran Demands Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations With the USA
The Iranian government is prepared to accept the negotiations on its nuclear program offered by US President Donald Trump but has set clear conditions regarding the sanctions against the Iranian economy, society, and the state itself.
March 23, 2025
Significant Increase in Terrorism and Youth Crime Cases in Vienna
Vienna is facing a noticeable increase in terrorism and youth crime cases. Recent figures from the Public Prosecutor's Office reveal a sharp rise over the past two years. What factors are driving this development, and how are authorities responding? Here’s what the authorities know so far.
March 20, 2025
Meet Andrew Williams: New Zealand's New Top Diplomat in Austria
Andrew Williams took up his post as New Zealand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Presentative to the International Organization in Vienna. His impressive career in the diplomatic service and his expertise in international law make him a prominent figure on the international stage.
March 20, 2025
Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Vienna: Austria Strengthens Partnership with North Macedonia
Political cooperation between Austria and North Macedonia is under a new star: Just a few days after her inauguration as Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger received her counterpart Timčo Mucunski in Vienna. The meeting was seen as an important diplomatic prelude, characterized by solidarity and determination, both in humanitarian and political terms. The tragic events in Kočani brought the relationship between the two countries into focus, while at the same time the European future of North Macedonia was discussed.
March 20, 2025
Swarovski Back on the Road to Success: Lux-Ignite Strategy Shows Results
After years of challenges, the Tyrolean crystal group Swarovski is back on the road to success. For the first time in five years, the company is in the black and recorded a significant increase in sales in the 2024 financial year. Thanks to the ambitious Lux-ignite strategy and a strong fourth quarter, CEO Alexis Nasard succeeded in returning the long-established company to profitability. But it was not an easy road.
March 20, 2025
Glamor and Diplomacy at the Diplomatic Ball 2025 in Vienna
On April 12, 2025, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna will once again open its magnificent doors for the annual Diplomatic Ball. For the 30th time, the historic building will be the setting for a glittering evening where diplomats, students, and personalities from business and politics celebrate together. The ball is not only a social highlight, but also a stage for international networking - and all for a good cause.
March 20, 2025
Economic Forum in Vienna: Poland and Austria in Dialogue on Security and Economy
As part of the Polish EU Council Presidency, the high-caliber forum “Ensuring Security and Freedom of Business - Polish and Austrian Perspectives” took place at the headquarters of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). The event, which was organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna in cooperation with the WKÖ, brought together over 130 representatives from public institutions, business organizations, and various industries from both countries. The event aimed to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the areas of energy security, digital transformation, and economic policy at the EU level.
March 19, 2025
Vienna Elections 2025: Citizenship and Voting Rights at the Center of the Debate
Vienna's municipal and district council elections are scheduled for April 27. Originally planned for the fall, the election was brought forward in order to send a signal against a possible FPÖ-ÖVP federal government. In addition to party political strategies, one debate dominates the political landscape: the question of voting rights and citizenship.
March 19, 2025
The Austrian Institute of Technology Aims to Become a Leading Institution in Applying Modern AI Methods
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is pursuing ambitious goals: It wants to establish itself as a leading institution for applying modern artificial intelligence (AI) methods. At the heart of this strategy is the “AI Factory Austria” (AI:AT), a flagship project to strengthen the Austrian AI sector and promote the country's technological sovereignty. With European co-financing and broad support from business and science, the initiative is seen as a milestone for Austria as a location for innovation.
March 19, 2025
Steyr Motors Flying High: Defense Business and Expansion Drive Growth
The Austrian specialty engine manufacturer Steyr Motors is experiencing a remarkable economic upswing. Thanks to the increased demand for military technology, in particular high-performance engines for armored vehicles and special boats, the company was able to significantly increase its sales and profits. In addition, consistent expansion in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa is ensuring further growth.
March 18, 2025
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.
March 18, 2025
Austrian Chancellor Stocker and Austrian EU Commissioner Brunner Discuss New EU Migration Policy
Chancellor Christian Stocker received EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for a meeting at the Federal Chancellery. The meeting focused on measures to combat irregular migration and the reform of the European asylum system. Brunner recently presented a new proposal for an EU Return Regulation, which provides for more efficient deportations and establishing return centers outside the EU. Austria and Stocker have signaled their support for this initiative to their party colleague and are pushing for its swift implementation.
March 18, 2025
Visit to Kyiv by Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a clear message of support. There, she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking government representatives to reaffirm Austria's solidarity and diplomatic long-term support in the fight against the Russian war of aggression.
March 17, 2025
Meet Vietnam's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang takes office as Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Austria. His diplomatic career demonstrates extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Meet Vietnam's top diplomat in Vienna.
March 14, 2025
Austrian Bishops' Conference Meets in Hungary for the First Time Without Cardinal Schönborn
For the first time in its history, the Austrian Bishops' Conference is holding its spring plenary meeting at the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma in Hungary. Following the resignation of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, he will no longer be attending the meeting. He will be replaced by the Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl.
March 14, 2025
UNODC Reports That Opium Prices in Afghanistan Reach Historic Highs
The price of opium in Afghanistan soared to $750 per kilogram in 2024, marking a tenfold increase compared to the $75 per kilogram price in 2022 before the country’s de facto authorities imposed a strict drug ban. This data comes from a new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
March 14, 2025
Austria Plans Decision on Long-Range Missile Defense by 2028
The Austrian government has set itself the goal of making a decision on the acquisition of a long-range air defense system by 2028.
March 14, 2025
Meet Japan's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria
Iwama Kiminori has been serving as Japan's Ambassador to Austria for some time. With an impressive diplomatic career and extensive international experience, he aims to further expand and deepen the traditionally good relations between Japan and Austria. Meet Ambassador Iwama Kiminori, the top diplomat of Japan in Vienna.
March 13, 2025
Vienna as a UN Location More Important Than Ever: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Austria's Commitment
Vienna is considered one of the most important UN locations in the world. Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited the Vienna International Centre (VIC) to emphasize the importance of the UN headquarters for Austria and the international community. In talks with high-ranking UN representatives, she reaffirmed Austria's support for multilateral cooperation and the rules-based world order. But what specific tasks does the UN perform in Vienna and why are they more urgent than ever today?
March 13, 2025
Increasing Risk of Espionage for Austrian IT Companies
Austrian companies are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence services. According to a recent study by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Ministry of the Interior, which was carried out in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries, almost one in ten companies stated that they had already been the victim of espionage. The IT sector is particularly affected. Experts also assume that the number of unreported cases is high.
March 13, 2025
Westbahn Expands: New high-speed Connection on the Southern Line From 2026
Westbahn is taking the next big step: From March 1, 2026, the private railroad company will offer five daily train connections between Vienna and Villach via the newly constructed Koralm Railway. With modern high-speed trains and a fast direct connection, Westbahn represents a serious alternative to ÖBB - especially for commuters and business travelers.
March 13, 2025
Japan Business Talk: Lower Austria Prepares for Expo 2025 in Osaka
Lower Austria is intensifying its economic relations with Japan: At the “Japan Business Talk” event, high-ranking representatives from politics, science, and business discussed the opportunities and challenges of cooperation. The background to this is the upcoming business delegation trip to Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai.
March 12, 2025
Future of Benko Villa Igls Uncertain After All: City of Innsbruck Rejects Hotel Plans
The planned rededication of Villa Igls, once a renowned castle hotel and later the residence of the now-imprisoned real estate entrepreneur René Benko, has met with resistance from the city of Innsbruck. The Laura Private Foundation, whose sole benefactor is Benko's mother, was planning to use the building for tourism, but the city council has now clearly rejected these plans. At the same time, Benko remains in custody as the judiciary has made serious allegations against him.
March 12, 2025
Austria Threatened by Recession: Finance Minister Marterbauer Warns of Difficult Year Ahead
Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) made a grim forecast for the Austrian economy at a meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. According to Marterbauer, the country must expect a recession in 2025. This could have far-reaching consequences for the budget and the government's ability to act financially. Despite this negative development, the federal government is sticking to its goal of avoiding an EU deficit procedure.
March 12, 2025
Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy
The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.
March 12, 2025
Meet Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
The new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 11, 2025
ICMPD Director General Meets Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister
Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), met with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov to discuss enhanced cooperation. Key topics included support for Ukrainian refugees, the work of the newly established Ministry of National Unity, and ICMPD’s role in migration policy.
March 11, 2025
Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Sharply Criticizes Austria
The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, delivered a speech before the members of the "Society for Friendship with Austria" (ROO). The event, originally intended to promote cultural and civil society exchange, turned into a sharp political reckoning with the Austrian government.
March 11, 2025
Vienna Stock Exchange Reviews 2024 with Record-Breaking Developments and Strategic Initiatives
The year 2024 will go down in the history of the Vienna Stock Exchange as a year of upswing and trend-setting developments. After a rather subdued previous year, the Austrian capital market recorded impressive growth figures in several areas. Particularly noteworthy are the significant increase in share turnover, a new record for bond listings, and the implementation of strategic measures to further strengthen the Vienna Stock Exchange as an important financial center in Europe.
March 11, 2025
New Exhibition at the Wien Museum: “Reality as an Attitude. Viennese Realism after 1950”
At a time when the art world was increasingly moving in abstract and avant-garde directions, an artistic movement emerged in Vienna that consciously opposed this development: Viennese Realism after 1950. The Wien Museum is now dedicating a comprehensive exhibition to this often overlooked but important art movement entitled “Reality as an attitude: Viennese Realism after 1950,” seen at Musa from March 20 to August 17, 2025.
March 10, 2025
Innovative Solutions for Inclusive Employment and ICT: The Zero Project Conference 2025 in Vienna
The future of inclusion and accessibility is being shaped by innovation and collaboration. In an increasingly digitalized world, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities has become a crucial global priority. The Zero Project Conference 2025, held at the United Nations Office in Vienna with over 120 sessions and 360 speakers, served as a platform for exchanging ideas, presenting pioneering technologies, and fostering global partnerships to drive change.
March 10, 2025
Progress and Deadlocks: 63rd Round of the Geneva International Discussions
The 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Under the leadership of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union (EU), representatives of various conflict parties gathered to discuss security issues and humanitarian concerns in the region. While some progress was made, key topics remained unresolved due to diplomatic tensions.
March 10, 2025
Austrian Leading Index Exceeds 10,000 Points for the First Time
The ATX Total Return, Austria’s leading index, reached a historic high, surpassing the 10,000-point mark for the first time and closing at 10,100.07 points.
March 10, 2025
German Warning Strikes also Affect Air Traffic in Austria
A day-long warning strike at the most important German airports will not only bring air traffic in Germany to a standstill but will also have a significant impact on Austria. The German trade union ver.di has called for work stoppages at a total of 13 airports, including Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg and Leipzig-Halle. Public service and ground handling employees are affected.
March 9, 2025
Austrian FM Meinl-Reisinger Signals European Cooperation with her First Trip Abroad
With her first foreign trip to Brussels, Austria’s new Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, has sent an unequivocal signal for European cooperation. In discussions with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, the focus was on the close cooperation between Austria and the EU.
March 9, 2025
Dorothy Khadem-Missagh: A Milestone for Women in the Conducting World
The Vienna Musikverein experienced a special event: the Lower Austrian pianist and conductor Dorothy Khadem-Missagh made her debut as a conductor in this renowned concert hall on the occasion of International Women's Day. Conducting the Beethoven Spring Festival Orchestra, which she founded, she presented a program that paid tribute to strong women in music history.
March 9, 2025
Luxury Villa Becomes Wellness Hotel: Benko Family Leaves Estate in Igls
Following the insolvency of Signa and the imprisonment of company founder René Benko, his family is leaving the luxury villa in Igls. The property is to be converted into a wellness hotel. Meanwhile, a court ruling makes new headlines in the Benko case.
March 9, 2025
Vienna Plan 2035: Urban Development Without New Building Areas
The new Urban Development Plan 2035, known as the “Vienna Plan”, has been officially presented. It sets out the framework for the city's spatial development in the coming years and takes particular account of the forecast population growth. One decision in particular is surprising: No new large urban development areas are planned for the time being and the focus will be on sustainability and climate protection.
March 6, 2025
Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Austria
With the appointment of Dr. Gürsel Dönmez as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Austria, an experienced political associate of Erdogan takes up his post in Vienna. He presented his credentials to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and officially began his mission in Austria.
March 6, 2025
Austrian Airlines Reports Weaker Result Despite Passenger Growth
Austrian Airlines (AUA) was able to increase its passenger numbers, the number of flights, and revenue by five percent in 2024. Nevertheless, the airline recorded a significant decline in its adjusted operating result (Adjusted EBIT), which fell by 40 percent to EUR 76 million. The Lufthansa subsidiary explained this with special one-off effects such as strikes in the first quarter and high costs as a result of geopolitical developments.
March 6, 2025
WIKAM 2025: A Celebration of Art in the Heart of Vienna
The Vienna International Art and Antiques Fair (WIKAM) will again open its doors at the historic Palais Ferstel from March 8 to 16, 2025. As one of Austria's most renowned art fairs, it offers art lovers and collectors an exquisite selection of works ranging from classical to modern art.
March 6, 2025 · Sponsored Content
Austrian Government Program Promoting Researchers: Universities Between Approval and Criticism
The new government program presented by the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS has caused mixed reactions in the science and higher education community. While the research community is positive about the plans to strengthen research funding and innovation promotion, universities are warning of problematic changes to the higher education sector.
March 5, 2025
Austria's Real Estate Market Continues to Weaken: Hope for Recovery in 2025
Economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and strict lending guidelines also left their mark on the Austrian real estate market in 2024. While prices and transaction volumes fell in some federal states, Vienna recorded growth. Experts see opportunities for a recovery in the coming year.
March 5, 2025
Austria Suspends Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers: Interior Minister Karner Informs the EU
The Austrian federal government is temporarily suspending family reunification for asylum seekers. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) presented the plan at a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels and submitted a corresponding letter to the European Commission. The measure, which was laid down in the government agreement between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, is causing heated debate.
March 5, 2025
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