A new IMAS report sheds light on how Austria hydrates — and where perception and reality diverge. According to the study, Austrians drink an average of 2.1 liters per day, slightly below the 2.4 liters they themselves consider ideal. While 72 percent believe they consume enough fluids, one in four admits they likely fall short. What Austria Drinks Most Leitungswasser remains the undisputed everyday favorite. A majority of respondents said no to: Only non‑alcoholic beverages were surveyed. Why Austrians Choose Their Drinks The strongest motives are refreshingly simple: Factors like…

Austria’s drivers will face significantly higher traffic fines from 1 January 2027, as the government rolls out a nationwide overhaul of penalties for speeding, parking violations and other road offences. The Ministry of Transport has published the full catalogue of new fines, marking one of the most substantial adjustments in years. Uniform Penalties Across All Federal States A key change is the nationwide standardisation of “Anonymverfügungen” — the anonymous fines issued for minor traffic offences. Until now, penalties varied depending on the federal state. Mobility Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) told…

Austria’s rules on family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) after a student completes the Matura remain a crucial topic for parents navigating the transition from school to work, university, or national service. According to Lisa Wassner, expert on women, work and family at the Chamber of Labour Styria (AK Steiermark), several deadlines and income limits determine how long the benefit continues. Automatic Extension After the Matura Parents of adult children who have not yet turned 24 continue to receive the family allowance for four months after the Matura, regardless of what the young…

Austria generates 67.2 million tonnes of waste per year, according to the latest figures from the Environment Agency Austria. Broken down, that’s around 1.5 kilograms of household waste per person every single day. But the real number is far higher. When construction debris, excavated soil, industrial waste and other secondary materials are included, the daily tally climbs to 20–22 kilograms per person. “Those household figures only cover municipal waste,” says Prof. Marion Huber-Humer, head of the Institute of Waste Management and Circular Economy at BOKU University. “Once you add the…