U4 passengers in Vienna face a month‑long disruption starting July 3, with a full closure between Schwedenplatz and Landstraße due to major track works. The shutdown affects one of the city’s busiest inner‑city corridors and will require commuters to reroute and plan for longer travel times. From Friday, 3 July, 4:00 a.m., until Monday, 3 August, 4:00 a.m., the U4 will not operate between Schwedenplatz and Landstraße (Wien Mitte). The closure is part of extensive summer maintenance works across Vienna’s public transport network. Affected Sections During the works, the U4…

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Austria’s long‑planned reduction of value-added tax (VAT) on selected staple foods takes effect today, 1 July. The rate drops from 10 percent to 4.9 percent, a move the government says will ease pressure on household budgets amid persistently high living costs. The measure, however, has sparked political disagreement and confusion among consumers and producers due to complex product classifications. The VAT cut applies only to specific basic foods—milk, eggs, vegetables, fruit, rice, flour, pasta, and certain breads—while many similar products remain at the higher 10 percent rate because of added…

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Austria’s population is living longer than ever before. Fresh demographic data from Statistik Austria shows a milestone that researchers have long anticipated: boys born in Austria today can expect to live more than 80 years. For girls, life expectancy remains even higher. A Record-Breaking Number For the first time in the country’s history, male life expectancy at birth has crossed the 80‑year threshold. According to Statistik Austria, men born in 2025 can expect to live 80.15 years, while women reach an average of 84.60 years. This marks a new peak…

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