Category: Austria

VIENNA: The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred diplomatic debate in Austria, a Rome Statute signatory obligated to enforce ICC mandates. While Austria confirms its legal responsibility, enforcement is complicated by Netanyahu’s status and Israel’s non-recognition of the ICC. Austrian officials consider the scenario of Netanyahu’s visit unlikely […]

Vienna, November 27, 2024 – After months of steadfast opposition, Austria is poised to lift its veto on the expansion of the Schengen Area, opening the door for Romania and Bulgaria to join the European Union’s border-free travel zone. The shift marks a significant breakthrough in EU negotiations and is expected to be formalized within […]

The resounding FPÖ victory in Styria has amplified pressure on Austria’s ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS to swiftly form a coalition government, dubbed the “Candy Coalition.” Internal divisions in all three parties pose significant hurdles. In the ÖVP, industrialists favor a coalition with the FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, citing economic and immigration priorities. However, many […]

The Austrian legislative election of September 29, 2024, marked a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. The far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) emerged victorious with 28.8% of the vote, achieving its best-ever result. Despite its historic win, the FPÖ faced a political cordon sanitaire, with all other major parties refusing to enter a […]

Austria is poised to end its veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership under Hungary’s EU presidency. Following the introduction of “Schengen Air” in March 2024, which removes air and sea border controls, the two nations could officially join Schengen by January 1, 2025. The decision is subject to an EU vote on December […]

VIENNA: Werner Kogler, Austria’s outgoing Vice Chancellor, announced he will not seek re-election as leader of the Green Party following the party’s recent electoral losses, where they lost nearly 40% of their voter base. Reflecting on his tenure, Kogler highlighted significant achievements during the coalition government, but expressed concern over the future of environmental advocacy, […]

A surge in fraudulent shock calls has been sweeping across Austria, prompting urgent warnings from police in multiple regions, particularly in the western states. The alarming trend, which began in Vorarlberg on Monday, has now spread to Tyrol, with authorities reporting an increasing number of scam attempts targeting unsuspecting citizens. According to the Vorarlberg State […]

Vienna, November 20, 2024 – The third plenary session of Austria’s National Council was marked by heated exchanges as FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz launched a scathing attack on the government and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His remarks ignited fierce debates, with political opponents clashing over the election results and the legacy of […]

VIENNA — Austria’s airspace was left unprotected over the weekend due to staffing shortages at the country’s air force base in Zeltweg, leaving Eurofighter jets grounded and the nation vulnerable to potential airspace breaches. This unprecedented lapse in defense readiness has sparked a political uproar and raised concerns about the state of Austria’s military. The […]

Austria’s gas supply and pricing are expected to remain stable despite the suspension of deliveries from Russia to OMV. E-Control economist Johannes Mayer reassured consumers that the market had anticipated such disruptions, and suppliers had already secured prices for the winter. While those with variable or floating-rate contracts may see a slight increase of one […]