Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen Calls for “European Patriotism” in 2026 New Year’s Address

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Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen used his 2026 New Year’s address to urge citizens to embrace what he called a “European patriotism,” warning against the growing tendency to disparage the European Union and stressing the need for Austria to remain capable of reform. Speaking against the backdrop of an increasingly unstable global environment, Van der Bellen emphasized that Europe remains “a place many people envy,” and cautioned that it must not be talked down. Belief in the European project, he said, is essential for the continent’s future. “Europe Is…

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Frosty start to the year: Temperatures could drop to minus 20 degrees

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The new week will bring freezing temperatures, but it will be sunny in many places. With the turn of the year comes winter: In the coming days, a cold snap will bring frost down to minus 20 degrees. Snowfall will remain local for the time being, but the sun will still shine often. Vienna weather in detail The first Geosphere forecast of the year promises a prolonged period of wintry weather. The coming days will see a steady cooling: maximum temperatures will initially drop from plus seven degrees to a…

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2025: A Year of Upheaval, Acceleration, and Fragile Hope

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As 2025 closed, the world found itself navigating a landscape marked by political upheaval, technological leaps, climate extremes, and shifting geopolitical alliances. Far from offering a respite from the turbulence of previous years, 2025 intensified many of the world’s most pressing challenges while opening new chapters in global transformation. Political Shockwaves: Trump Returns to the White House One of the most consequential developments of the year was the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, reshaping domestic and international politics alike. His administration launched sweeping policy reversals, from mass…

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The Filipino Community in Austria: A Year of Creativity, Connection, and Compassion

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If 2025 taught us anything, it is that the Filipino spirit—wherever it finds itself—knows how to gather, create, and uplift. Across Austria, from Vienna’s historic districts to community halls filled with laughter and song, Filipinos spent the year weaving a tapestry of culture, solidarity, and shared purpose. What follows is not just a list of events, but the story of a community that continues to grow in confidence and unity. A Year That Opened With Purpose As the year unfolded, Filipino organizations across Austria stepped forward with renewed energy. The…

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Pension system: These changes will come into effect in 2026

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The key change is the introduction of partial retirement, which will largely replace partial retirement for older workers. The statutory retirement age for women will continue to rise. The path to corridor pensions will become longer. Pension adjustments will only fully compensate for inflation for incomes up to €2,500; above that, there will be a fixed amount. Specifically, an increase of 2.7 percent is planned for pensions up to €2,500, while all higher pensions will be increased by a fixed amount of €67.50. It should be noted that different pension…

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A New Year’s Message to Our Readers

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As we welcome the dawn of a new year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you—our readers, supporters, and community partners—who continue to make austrian.press.com a vibrant and trusted space for news, stories, and shared understanding. In a world that moves quickly and often unpredictably, your engagement inspires us to uphold our mission with even greater dedication: to deliver accurate, timely, and meaningful journalism through multimedia, to illuminate the issues shaping Austria today, and to connect local experiences with global perspectives. This past year has reminded us how essential responsible…

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Why January 1 Became the World’s New Beginning: The Story of New Year and the Gregorian Calendar

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Every year, as fireworks bloom across night skies and church bells ring out at midnight, billions of people mark the arrival of a new year on January 1. The moment feels timeless—almost natural. Yet the choice of this date is neither universal nor ancient. It is the product of political reforms, astronomical corrections, and centuries of cultural negotiation. Understanding how January 1 became New Year’s Day reveals not only the evolution of the Gregorian calendar but also humanity’s enduring desire to anchor time, meaning, and hope. Ancient Beginnings: Long Before…

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Vienna to Introduce Significantly Higher Parking Fees Starting in 2026

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Vienna will raise its parking fees substantially beginning 1 January 2026, marking one of the most notable adjustments to the city’s parking system in recent years. According to information released on Tuesday by the Austrian automobile association ÖAMTC, previously issued parking vouchers with tariffs valid until 31 December 2025 may still be used for a six‑month grace period, ending 30 June 2026. However, the ÖAMTC has once again criticised the city for refusing to allow any exchange or refund of “old” parking vouchers after the grace period — even if…

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