VIENNA — Austria’s government is maintaining its hard-line stance on migration by sharply limiting family reunification arrivals, allowing only 314 people to enter the country under the scheme in both 2026 and 2027, according to new Interior Ministry regulations sent for consultation on Friday. The move marks a dramatic reduction from recent years. In 2024, around 6,000 people arrived in Austria through family reunification, while two years earlier the figure stood at 9,254. The new quota does not include 60 cases classified as “absolute humanitarian hardships” that were already approved…

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More than two million pensioners in Austria are set to receive a double pension payment on October 30, 2026. However, not everyone will receive the full additional amount, and some may notice a difference in their net payment due to taxes and social insurance deductions. Vienna, Austria – Pensioners across Austria can look forward to a higher bank deposit this Friday, October 30, when the regular October pension and the second special pension payment of the year are paid together. Often referred to as the 14th pension or Christmas bonus,…

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VIENNA – Rail passengers in Vienna and eastern Austria will face a series of timetable changes when the new railway schedule takes effect on December 13, 2026. The update brings more frequent services to Vienna Airport, improved connections to Bratislava, a new early-morning train to Wiener Neustadt, and temporary adjustments to S-Bahn services due to ongoing construction works. According to the Eastern Region Transport Association (VOR) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), the new timetable data is already available online for passengers planning journeys from mid-December onward. REX7 Extended With…

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VIENNA – Weather forecasts are pointing to a potentially significant cold spell across Central Europe in mid-November, as leading meteorological models indicate that icy polar air could sweep in from the northeast. Austria may be among the countries affected, although forecasters caution that considerable uncertainty remains over the severity of the cold and the likelihood of snowfall. Recent projections from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the American Global Forecast System (GFS) suggest the development of a weather pattern capable of transporting frigid continental air into Central…

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Halloween has become a major business event in Vienna, with consumers expected to spend around €20 million on the celebration this year, according to a new survey commissioned by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. The findings highlight the growing popularity of the festival, particularly among younger residents, and point to strong demand for sweets, costumes, and decorations. The survey, conducted by KMU Forschung Austria on behalf of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and published on October 22, found that those planning Halloween purchases expect to spend an average of €50…

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Austria’s unusually mild autumn looks set to continue into November, with long-range forecasts indicating temperatures may remain above average. At the same time, weather models suggest a greater likelihood of increased rainfall, potentially offering relief after weeks of dry conditions. According to long-term calculations from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), November could be warmer than the climate average. However, meteorologists caution that seasonal outlooks indicate possible trends rather than reliable forecasts for individual days. More Rain Expected in November The most notable change could come in the…

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