Archbishop-Designate Josef Grünwidl Calls for Truthful, Critical Journalism

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2 December 2025, Vienna, Austria — At an Advent reception for the Österreichische Rundfunk (ORF) and media professionals held at the Priesterseminar Vienna on 2 December 2025, Archbishop-designate Josef Grünwidl emphasized the vital role of quality journalism in safeguarding democracy and strengthening society. Addressing more than 150 guests—among them journalists, media leaders and members of the ORF Foundation Council—Archbishop Grünwidl spoke candidly about the importance of balanced reporting and the Church’s responsibility to welcome well-researched criticism. “I have no patience for exaggerated ecclesiastical oversensitivity,” Archbishop Grünwidl remarked. “Even when criticism…

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Last supermoon of the year: Full moon promises spectacular sky show

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On Friday night, the last supermoon of the year will shine over Austria. The December full moon will once again come unusually close to Earth, offering a rare spectacle in the sky that will not return until December 2026. Astronomy fans should look up tomorrow night. At 12:14 a.m. on December 5, the full moon will reach its closest position to Earth and once again appear as a supermoon, the third in a row after October and November. It will be worth taking a look at the moonrise tonight, provided…

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Austrian Passport changes – what this means for citizens

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Apply for a passport digitally: Austria is simplifying the application process for citizens and Austrians living abroad with a new online platform starting in 2026. Austria is declaring war on bureaucracy – more comprehensively than ever before: with a 114-point package, the federal government wants to reduce costs for companies by billions, relieve the burden on citizens, and modernize public authorities. Among other things, the government wants to expand the “Digital Consulate” – a project that will primarily benefit the approximately 600,000 Austrians living abroad. The aim is to create…

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Hidden power guzzlers: These 3 devices consume power non-stop – take action now

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Many households already use LEDs and energy-saving modes, but there is still potential for savings. Depending on the living situation, a two-person household consumes between 1,900 and 3,500 kilowatt hours per year. With electricity costs averaging 39.6 cents per kilowatt hour, this results in monthly costs of around 63 to 116 euros; with low rates for new customers tending to be at the lower end. According to AG Energiebilanzen, information and communication technology accounts for around 17 percent of consumption, with lighting accounting for around eight percent. Electricity costs: What…

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ENFiD-Austria Strengthens Regional Solidarity at ENFiD Czech Republic’s D2D 16.0

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22 November 2025, Brno, Czech Republic, ENFiD-Austria reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting ENFiD initiatives across Europe at the 16th Diaspora 2 Dialogue (D2D 16.0) Conference and the “Grand & Glorious” Charity Gala hosted by ENFiD-Czech Republic. ENFiD-Austria participated actively at the D2D 16.0 discussions and Chairperson Marizel Rojas delivered the closing remarks, lauding the organizers, attendees and sponsors. She also delivered the opening remarks at the Gala Dinner. In her message, she again commended ENFiD-Czech Republic for its exceptional organization and warmly acknowledged the presence of fellow ENFiD representatives…

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Austria’s Christmas Bonus: A Welcome Boost Amid Inflation

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In Austria, employees traditionally receive their Christmas bonus in November, often referred to as the “13th month’s salary.” This special payment is transferred together with the regular wage, and in times of high inflation, it feels more like a “double salary” for many households. Higher Bonuses Thanks to Tax Changes This year, some workers will see larger bonuses due to adjustments in taxation and exemption thresholds. Net earnings have also risen in 2025, following the partial abolition of bracket creep earlier in the year. How the Bonus Is Calculated Christmas…

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“Worse than COVID-19” – warning of a new pandemic

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The bird flu virus, which is currently rampant among wild birds, poultry, and mammals worldwide, could trigger a pandemic that is more severe than that caused by COVID-19. This is the warning issued by Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, medical director of the Center for Respiratory Infections at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. The decisive factor is a possible mutation that would enable human-to-human transmission. Humans do not have antibodies against the H5 bird flu strain currently in circulation. Unlike COVID-19, the virus could also kill healthy people and children, according to fears.…

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Vienna to Raise Fees as Part of Budget Consolidation

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The City of Vienna is preparing a broad package of fee increases as part of its ongoing efforts to stabilize municipal finances. A collective amendment, soon to be voted on in the state parliament, will raise costs across several areas—including administrative charges, dog taxes, and public-space usage fees. Administrative Fees City officials note that many fees have remained unchanged for decades despite rising expenses. Under the new amendment, the maximum cap for administrative fees will jump from €1,500 to €4,000. While exact rates will be set later by decree, around…

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What Really Matters to Austrians at Christmas This Year

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A new Marketagent study takes a close look at how people in Austria plan to celebrate Christmas in 2025. The results show a clear picture. Even in a year shaped by rising prices and global tension, many hold tight to the core of what the holiday means to them. At the top of the list are simple ideas: family, the Christmas tree, and tradition. Cookies and Advent wreaths remain cherished staples. More than half of all respondents say that spending time with loved ones is the most important part of…

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