Allergy sufferers: grass pollen will be more intense this year

The early summer days have given the grasses’ readiness to bloom a further boost: These days, the first grasses will begin to bloom in the lowlands. “This heralds the start of the main season,” says Maximilian Bastl, head of the Medical University of Vienna’s pollen service. For by far the largest group of allergy sufferers—those who react to grass pollen—one of the most stressful phases of the year begins: from June until August, they may be afflicted by symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and respiratory problems. And according to…

Read More

Only 13 degrees! That’s how drastically the weather situation is now collapsing

This is accompanied by rain, thunderstorms, and even snow, which is returning in wintry fashion. From the first hot day to snow and rainToday in Vienna, there is bright sunshine and temperatures around 27°C. In other parts of the country, particularly in the east and south, summery temperatures of between 28 and 30°C are also being reached. However, these unusually warm conditions for the beginning of May will be short-lived. Plummeting temperatures from SaturdayFrom Saturday, a cold front will move across Austria from the north. This will bring a significant…

Read More

Pension system in Austria – First changes under review

The pension system will undergo some changes starting next year. On Friday, the first changes will be reviewed—namely, the corridor pension and the allocation of the first pension adjustment. A partial retirement and a sustainability mechanism are also being worked on. The ÖVP and NEOS party leaders presented the roadmap without the Social Democrats. However, all three parties emphasized that this does not indicate a rift in the government. NEOS party leader Yannick Shetty spoke to journalists about the “biggest pension reform in 20 years.” This was necessary to keep…

Read More

All information about the Austrian passport

A travel document is required every time you cross a border, even when traveling within the European Union and the Schengen area. This also applies to short trips abroad, for example, to Austria’s neighboring countries. Travel document required for every trip abroadEven in a borderless Europe, you must be able to prove your identity at all times. A travel document is required every time you cross a border, even when traveling within the EU and the Schengen area. This also applies to short trips abroad. Crossing the border without a…

Read More

Conclave: Cardinals who have a good chance

On Wednesday, the cardinals will enter the conclave in the Sistine Chapel. On that day, a mass is celebrated first, then the procession into the Sistine begins. The first ballot takes place in the afternoon. As things stand, 133 cardinals will elect the new pope; two prelates have canceled due to illness. The so-called pre-conclave, the informal consultations of the cardinals in the synod hall, is currently underway. Pietro Parolin is highly regardedThe former Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin (70), is considered an up-and-coming candidate to succeed Pope Francis.…

Read More

Why May 1st Matters: The Real Meaning of Labor Day

Every year on May 1st, millions of workers worldwide observe International Workers’ Day, better known as Labor Day in many countries. It’s not just a day off—it’s a powerful reminder of how far labor rights have come and how much further they need to go. The celebration on May 1st isn’t random. It’s rooted in protest, sacrifice, and a fight for dignity in the workplace. The Origins: Born from Struggle Labor Day on May 1st traces back to the labor movement in the late 19th century, particularly the 1886 Haymarket…

Read More

30 degrees on Saturday, cold front on Sunday

According to the Geosphere weather forecast, the next three days will be sunny and warm in early summer, with maximum temperatures of 29 and 30 degrees expected on Friday and Saturday. However, local rain showers or isolated thunderstorms are possible, even on Thursday, the public holiday. From Sunday, a cold front will move in from the northwest, and the weather will become much cooler and unsettled across the country. The new week will also start cool, according to a statement on Wednesday. On May 1st, the sun will shine throughout…

Read More

How much money do you need to live? – a comparative overview between Austria and the Philippines

Global Overview World Bank Poverty Line: Extreme poverty is living on less than $2.15/day (2023). Many developing nations use thresholds like $3.65/day or $6.85/day, depending on the country’s income level. The cost of living varies significantly between Austria and the Philippines, influenced by housing, food, transportation, and lifestyle choices. Here’s a comparative overview for a single adult in both countries: (Austria – Cost of Living – Expat Focus) Austria (as of early 2025) Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Adult: Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €1,709 to €1,900 (Your guide to…

Read More

Why Asian Catholics are becoming increasingly important

Demographic growth and dynamics The number of Catholics in Asia is growing steadily, even if they remain a minority of the overall population. While around one in nine Catholics worldwide live in Asia, their proportion steadily increases, particularly in the Philippines, India, and South Korea. In absolute figures, there are around 150 million Catholics in Asia, corresponding to around ten percent of all Catholics worldwide. The growth rates are higher than in Europe or America, where the Church is stagnating or shrinking. Growth is particularly dynamic in countries such as…

Read More