A growing number of Austrians are entering the new year with mounting concerns about inflation and the rising cost of living, according to a new IMAS study. One in four citizens no longer believes the economy will recover within the next two years. The survey shows that around 60 percent of respondents are deeply worried about inflation, making it the country’s most pressing concern. This is followed by anxieties over immigration (45 percent) and the overall economic situation (44 percent). Confidence in an economic rebound remains low: a quarter of…
Read MoreSolar and Lunar Eclipses – What Austria Can Expect in 2026
Austria is set for a year full of spectacular celestial events in 2026, including eclipses, meteor showers, and striking planetary appearances. Stargazers and night owls in Austria have every reason to look up in 2026. The new year promises a rich lineup of astronomical highlights, from shooting‑star spectacles to rare eclipse events and eye‑catching planetary formations. Meteor Showers Kick Off the Year As tradition dictates, the Quadrantids opened the celestial calendar. The meteor shower reached its peak last weekend, though the low position of its radiant limited visibility and kept…
Read MoreBitter Cold Across Europe: Winter Weather Causes Widespread Chaos
A wave of Arctic air continues to grip large parts of Europe, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and severe disruptions to transport and daily life. Even Spain, known for its scorching summers, is shivering under sub-zero conditions. Netherlands: Rail Network Brought to a Standstill Train services across the Netherlands were almost completely halted on Tuesday due to a combination of harsh winter weather and a major technical failure. No trains ran anywhere in the country until 10 a.m. as frozen switches and a computer malfunction crippled the network. Services slowly…
Read MoreWhatsApp: “Everything is being copied” – expert warns of new scam
An npm package with over 56,000 downloads pretends to be a functioning WhatsApp API library – but in reality, it steals everything from messages and contacts to login details and secretly takes over entire user accounts. WhatsApp API: Popular npm package is a dangerous spy toolThe malicious package is called lotusbail and, according to Tuval Admoni from security company Koi Security, was freely available on npm for over six months. Even at the time of publication of the blog post on December 21, 2025, about the vulnerability, the WhatsApp API…
Read MoreWhatsApp traps and deepfakes: Investment fraudsters are becoming more creative with AI
Investment fraud is becoming more digital – and more dangerous. According to the FMA, AI-supported fraud schemes caused damages of almost 20 million euros in 2025. Particular focus: fake WhatsApp groups and deepfake videos. As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, financial fraud is also taking on increasingly creative forms. With AI-powered chatbots, deepfake videos, and fraudulent WhatsApp groups offering supposed investment tips, financial fraudsters are increasingly succeeding in fleecing investors. In 2025, 843 cases of fraud were reported to the Financial Market Authority (FMA), with damages amounting to €19.6 million, according…
Read MoreMinus 22 degrees! The polar cold is coming
Geosphere Austria forecast on Sunday that some snowfall is expected in the southeast in the middle of the week. On Monday, there will be patches of low fog in some areas at first. Otherwise, there will be diffuse sunshine at first, but cloud cover will increase rapidly from the southeast. Light snowfall is expected in the southeast in the afternoon. The wind will be light to moderate from variable directions. In the morning, temperatures will range from minus 15 to minus four degrees, with temperatures as low as minus 21…
Read MoreQuestions and Answers About the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6
The Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany on Tuesday Every year on January 6, Catholics around the world celebrate one of the oldest and most meaningful feasts of the Christian tradition: the Epiphany, also known as the “Manifestation of the Lord.” While many associate the day with the Three Kings, the feast carries a rich tapestry of biblical symbolism, cultural customs, and spiritual insights. Here are some of the most common questions—and thoughtful answers—about this beloved celebration. What exactly is the Feast of the Epiphany? The word Epiphany…
Read MoreA Guide for Filipinos in Vienna: The Most Important Requirements for Obtaining Austrian Citizenship
As the Filipino community in Austria continues to grow and thrive, more kababayans are considering the path toward Austrian citizenship. For many, this step represents not only a new passport but also long‑term security, expanded opportunities, and a deeper sense of belonging in a country that has become their second home. Here is a clear, friendly, and easy‑to‑understand guide to the key requirements for becoming an Austrian citizen — especially helpful for Filipinos living and working in Vienna. 1. Long-Term Residence: Usually 10 Years For most applicants, Austria requires ten…
Read More“Several centimeters” coming: Snow returns to Austria – where it will turn white
On Sunday, a surge of Arctic cold air will reach Austria, followed by several very cold days with widespread frost – and snow. The wintry cold weather will continue over the weekend. In the increasingly dry air, calm and sunny winter weather will prevail more and more often. On Sunday, a surge of Arctic cold air will reach us, followed by several very cold days with widespread frost. At the beginning of the new week, according to current forecasts, a low-pressure system will form over the Mediterranean, which, according to…
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