PHILIPPINES CLOSES LANDMARK DIPLOMATIC YEAR IN VIENNA WITH TRIBUTE TO UN 

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Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas was joined by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from various diplomatic missions, Filipino international civil servants, and members of the international community at the opening ceremony of the “Hope & Endeavor: A Tribute to the United Nations at 80” event on 12 December 2025. 12 December 2025,  Vienna – The Philippines marked the end of a defining year in its multilateral engagement by paying tribute to the United Nations 80th Anniversary and to the Filipinos who have contributed to its work across generations.  The…

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How the Zeitgeist Shapes Meaning: New Study Shows How Words Evolve Over Time

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Language is never still. Not only do new words emerge and old ones fade, but the meanings of familiar terms can shift dramatically within just a few decades. A new analysis of speeches from the U.S. Congress shows just how quickly—and how broadly—these changes take hold. It’s not only younger generations who adopt new meanings; older speakers adapt as well. Linguists have long known that language evolves on multiple levels: form, sound, and meaning. Words appear, disappear, or subtly transform until they refer to something entirely different from what they…

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Peace Light 2025: Where to Pick It Up in Vienna

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The long‑standing Christmas tradition continues: on 24 December 2025, the Peace Light can once again be collected at all main fire stations of the Vienna Professional Fire Brigade. The light will be available between 9:00 and 12:00. At the Central Fire Station in Vienna’s 1st district (Am Hof 7), the Fire Brigade Museum will also open its doors from 9:00 to 12:00, offering another opportunity to pick up the Peace Light. Families and visitors of all ages are invited to spend part of Christmas Eve morning exploring the museum while…

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CFAA and GSLF Bring Christmas Joy to Young Cancer Patients at Philippine General Hospital

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Vienna, Austria — December 2025 — The Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA), in cooperation with the Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF), once again demonstrated its steadfast compassion and commitment to supporting less fortunate Filipinos in the Philippines. Guided by the dedication and leadership of Mr. Elmer Blanco and his team, CFAA and GSLF continue to uphold their mission of solidarity, especially during times of hardship. “We don’t have much, but we share whatever we have,” has long been the guiding spirit behind the organizations’ humanitarian efforts. This heartfelt…

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Vienna’s Donauinsel Barbecue site to raise the fee from 10 euros to 45 euros

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Vienna will sharply increase the cost of reserving a public barbecue site on the Donauinsel, raising the fee from 10 euros to 45 euros. The decision was approved on Thursday afternoon by the city council, prompting both political defense and criticism. The governing Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) justified the hike by pointing to recommendations from the Austrian Court of Audit, while the Greens condemned the measure as excessive and socially insensitive. Greens Call Increase “Disproportionate” Green council member Kilian Stark expressed surprise at the scale of the change, noting that…

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Foggy Advent Weekend Expected in Eastern Austria

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Vienna – The fourth Advent weekend in Austria is set to remain calm but largely grey, especially in the country’s eastern lowlands. Persistent high‑pressure conditions continue to dominate the weather pattern, trapping stubborn fog and low stratus clouds in valleys and basins. Away from these fog zones, however, the days will be surprisingly bright and mild, with temperatures reaching up to 13°C in some regions. Vienna: Quiet Weather, Persistent Fog According to Geosphere Austria, the tranquil weather phase will continue through the weekend. In the lowlands, however, fog remains the…

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Overtime Allowance Tax Exemption to Rise to €170 in 2026

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Austria’s governing coalition has reached an internal agreement to raise the tax‑free allowance for overtime bonuses starting in 2026. The decision follows weeks of negotiation within the ÖVP–SPÖ–NEOS coalition and comes as part of a broader effort to ease the tax burden on employees. Higher Tax‑Free Limit for Overtime Beginning next year, up to 15 overtime bonuses per month—amounting to a maximum of €170—will be exempt from income tax. The previously planned limit for 2026 had been €120 for up to 10 overtime hours. The adjustment builds on earlier reforms…

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Greenpeace Report Identifies Biggest Climate Offenders in Air Travel

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A new analysis by Greenpeace is putting a spotlight on the disproportionate climate impact of luxury air travel. According to the report, First- and Business-Class flights generate several times more greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than seats in Economy — and the organization is urging policymakers to act. Luxury Seats, Outsized Emissions The study finds that First Class passengers are responsible for five times, and Business Class passengers for four times, the emissions of someone flying Economy on the same route. Although premium passengers make up only about 14 percent…

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What Austria’s 4% Inflation Really Means for Households

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A deeper look at the November inflation data reveals a mixed picture: the overall rate is stable, but the lived experience of Austrian households varies sharply depending on what they buy, how they commute, and how much of their income goes to essentials. Below is a structured breakdown of the real-world impact. 1. Food Inflation Is Easing — but Still Eating Into Budgets Even though food price growth slowed to 3.1%, food remains one of the most sensitive categories for households because it’s unavoidable and purchased frequently. What this means…

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