Austria Today

Austrian news in English

Friday, April 4, 2025

Drunk Fiaker Causes Chaos Twice

A 64-year-old Hungarian Fiaker driver caused a stir in Vienna on Thursday after veering off his permitted route and driving onto the Donauufer Autobahn (A22). Police stopped him near the Kaisermühlen junction and found he had a blood alcohol level of 1.

4 h

Local News

Austria Fights Foot-and-Mouth Threat

Austria has launched a major surveillance program to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) after outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia. The program includes strict controls in Burgenland, with 660 farms under monitoring and weekly tests in high-risk areas.

13 h

Health

Freed Hostage Reflects on Hamas Captivity

Tal Shoham, an Austro-Israeli, recently returned to Austria after enduring 16 months of captivity by Hamas. During his time in Gaza's tunnels, Shoham survived by focusing on the present and finding solace in small activities like card games.

13 h

World

Austria Tackles Budget Deficit Crisis

Austria is facing a significant budget deficit, with the national shortfall reaching 4. 7% of GDP last year.

Yesterday

Economy

Ancient Mass Grave Reveals Vienna's Origins

A mass grave discovered beneath a sports field in Vienna's Simmering district has unveiled a pivotal chapter in the city's history. Archaeologists unearthed the remains of 150 Roman soldiers, believed to date back to the 1st century AD.

Yesterday

History

Austria Tightens Measures Against Animal Virus

Austria is ramping up measures to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) after outbreaks in neighboring Hungary and Slovakia. The highly contagious virus affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, and goats but poses no risk to humans.

Yesterday

Health

Salzburg's Pool Saga Continues

The Paracelsus-Bad in Salzburg, often dubbed the "Pannenbad," faces yet another round of repairs. After being closed for over a year due to faulty ceiling screws, the pool reopened briefly but is now set for summer renovations to fix its ceiling lamellae.

1 April, 17:06

Local News

Tragic Crash on Austria's A2 Highway

A devastating accident occurred on Austria's A2 highway near Scheiblingkirchen on Tuesday morning, claiming four lives and leaving several others injured. A Ukrainian minibus collided with a Spanish-registered truck around 6:30 AM.

1 April, 08:20

Accidents

Barbara Frischmuth: A Literary Legacy

Renowned Austrian author Barbara Frischmuth has passed away at the age of 83 in her hometown of Altaussee. Known for her deep engagement with multicultural themes, Frischmuth's work often bridged the gap between different cultures and ideologies.

1 April, 03:41

Culture

Tragic Loss of Breitenstein Mayor

The small Austrian community of Breitenstein is mourning the tragic death of its mayor, Engelbert Rinnhofer, who passed away in a tractor accident on Thursday. The 52-year-old, who had just been re-elected days earlier, lost control of his vehicle while trying to avoid a silver car on a narrow road.

28 March, 09:59

Local News

Lobautunnel Debate Heats Up in Austria

The controversial Lobautunnel project in Vienna has reignited fierce political debate. The proposed 10-kilometer tunnel, intended to ease traffic in northeast Vienna, faces strong opposition from the Green Party due to environmental concerns.

27 March, 06:41

Politics

Austria Halts Family Reunification for Refugees

The Austrian government has decided to temporarily halt family reunification for asylum seekers starting in May 2025. This measure, set to last until September 2026, aims to ease pressure on the education and social systems, which are reportedly struggling with the current migration levels.

26 March, 17:39

Politics

Trial Begins in Kellermayr Case

The trial of a 61-year-old German man accused of issuing dangerous threats to Austrian doctor Lisa-Maria Kellermayr has begun in Wels. Kellermayr, who faced relentless online harassment and death threats from anti-vaccine activists, took her own life in July 2022.

26 March, 08:15

Crime

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Europe

The first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in 50 years has been confirmed in Slovakia and Hungary, sparking a major agricultural crisis. Thousands of cattle in southern Slovakia, near the Hungarian border, are being culled to contain the highly contagious virus.

26 March, 03:43

Health

Buwog Scandal: Sentences Confirmed

The Austrian Supreme Court has confirmed the sentences in the high-profile Buwog corruption case, involving former Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser and ex-FPÖ official Walter Meischberger. Grasser, initially sentenced to eight years, will now serve four years due to the "exorbitant duration" of the legal process.

25 March, 23:15

Politics

Austria Faces Economic Challenges Ahead

The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) has reported a significant loss of €4. 2 billion for 2024, primarily due to low returns on bond purchases and high interest payments aimed at combating inflation.

25 March, 23:15

Economy

Tragic Scooter Accident Claims Life

A tragic accident occurred in Neudau, Austria, where a 65-year-old woman from Burgenland lost her life after falling while riding a children's scooter. The incident happened on a slightly sloped path covered with strewn gravel.

25 March, 05:53

Safety

Austria Faces Budget Crisis

Austria is grappling with a growing budget crisis as its deficit is projected to reach up to 12 billion euros, double the initial estimate. The weak economy has led to lower tax revenues and higher expenditures, increasing the likelihood of an EU deficit procedure.

24 March, 21:15

Economy

Worker Killed in Vienna Accident

A tragic accident occurred in Vienna-Liesing on Monday morning, claiming the life of a 52-year-old construction worker. The incident happened during roadwork on Karl-Krestan-Gasse, where a 77-year-old driver collided with an open manhole cover.

24 March, 21:15

Accidents

Major Healthcare Reform in Lower Austria

Lower Austria is undergoing a significant healthcare reform aimed at modernizing its system to meet future challenges. The reform includes the consolidation of hospitals, with facilities in Hollabrunn, Korneuburg, and Stockerau merging into a single modern center.

24 March, 16:37

Health

Tragic Avalanche Claims Two Lives in Tirol

A devastating avalanche struck the Tiroler Alps near Sölden on Monday morning, claiming the lives of two skiers and injuring another. The victims, part of a six-member group led by a local mountain guide, were swept into a glacier crevasse in the Schalfkogel area.

24 March, 16:36

Disaster

Austria's Budget Debate Heats Up

Austria's Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler has voiced opposition to further budget cuts beyond the agreed €6. 4 billion package, warning that additional austerity could harm consumer confidence.

23 March, 18:51

Politics

ATV Show Sparks Political Outrage

Austrian Media Minister Andreas Babler has sharply criticized ATV's reality show "Das Geschäft mit der Liebe," accusing it of glorifying sexual exploitation. Babler announced plans to address the show's content with ATV's management, stating such depictions have no place in society.

23 March, 14:26

Politics

Tirol Bridge Demolished Overnight

A major overnight operation took place on the Inntalautobahn (A12) in Tirol, Austria, as a 51-meter-long bridge near Ampass was demolished. The bridge, originally built in 1968, was removed between Hall-West and Innsbruck-Ost from 8 PM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday.

23 March, 09:53

Infrastructure

Austria Halts Family Reunification

Austria's government has announced a temporary halt to family reunification for asylum seekers, citing strain on the country's social systems. A recent study by the Austrian Integration Fund highlights challenges in integrating family members who join asylum seekers.

23 March, 09:52

Politics