On Tuesday, Austria extended border controls with the Schengen countries Hungary and Slovenia for six more months, up to and including 11 May next year. “Border controls are and will remain a decisive factor in the fight against illegal migration,” said ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. As a result of the measures, “apprehensions have decreased massively,” and Karner said the “smuggling mafia” is now avoiding Austria. Austria also extended border controls with the Czech Republic and Slovakia until 2025 The Ministry of the Interior also announced that in addition to…
Read MoreAuthor: admin
The Digital Vignette 2025 is now available: What drivers need to know now
The new annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024. ASFINAG Managing Director Claudia Eder explains: “It is and remains important to obtain a valid vignette in good time, regardless of whether you click or pick.” If you want to ensure that the digital vignette is valid from 1 December 2024, you must purchase it online by 13 November at the latest. This is due to the statutory withdrawal period of 18 days for online purchases, which means that the vignette will only be valid after this period has expired.…
Read MoreAustria: Rhinovirus overtakes Corona—this is how dangerous an infection is
In Austria, it is no longer the coronavirus that is causing most infections but the rhinovirus, according to figures from MedUni Vienna and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. The former has caused the positive rate to rise to 23 percent, while SARS-CoV-2 was “only” detected in 13 percent of tests in the last week of October. This means the rhinovirus has caused almost twice as many infections as the coronavirus.The rising number of colds is also reflected in the number of sick days. After a significant drop in coronavirus infections…
Read MoreChanges to Wiener Linien annual tickets
Wiener Linien is adjusting the rules for cancelling the annual pass from next year.From January 1, 2025, the cancellation policy for Wiener Linien’s annual pass will closely align with the existing cancellation policy for the Austrian Climate Ticket (KTÖ).Cancellation of the Wiener Linien annual travelcard: what’s changingAnnual travel cards whose validity period starts from 01.01.2025 can only be terminated regularly (i.e., “properly”) after seven months without giving reasons. An additional monthly fee (“fare replacement service” by fare regulations) will be charged in the event of termination. This monthly fee is…
Read MoreAustria: People on low incomes save massively
A study by the Institute for Sales, Trade, and Marketing at Johannes Kepler University found that low-income people still need to save a lot. They must cut back on everyday purchases and new purchases. According to the study, more than half of people in households with a net income of less than EUR 2,000 saved on electrical appliances or furniture this year. Over one in three people could not afford a summer vacation this year. Those affected also have to hold back in the supermarket. Six out of ten of…
Read MoreMandatory deposit for disposable drinks packaging starts in 50 days: what you need to know
The aim is to recycle around 2.2 billion bottles and cans every year and achieve a return rate of 90% by 2027. “Consumers are the linchpin for the project’s success,” emphasize Monika Fiala and Simon Parth from Recycling Pfand Österreich. The deposit system promotes the circular economy by enabling the reuse of materials such as plastic and metal. The system is also intended to reduce littering, i.e. the careless throwing away of waste. By the end of 2025, the return rate should be 80 percent to meet the EU target…
Read MorePhilippines hit by hurricane for the 4th time in 4 weeks
For the fourth time in a month, the Philippines has been hit by a tropical cyclone. According to the weather service, thousands had to flee from Typhoon Toraji on Monday, which hit the island nation near Dilasag, about 220 kilometers northeast of the capital Manila.The weather service warned of strong winds, heavy rain, and an impending storm surge in the country’s north. “Trees are falling, and the power has been out since yesterday,” reported the head of civil defence in the town of Dinalungan, not far from Dilasag.According to rescue…
Read MoreWhat is everyday racism and what can you do about it?
A disparaging look at the office, the question about your “real origin,” the supposed compliment for your perfect German: racism has many faces. It can manifest itself in any situation in our everyday lives. What can we all do about it? Everyday racism and structural racism: what’s the difference? There is no universal definition of everyday racism. However, it must be distinguished from institutional or structural racism. Structural racism means that people do not have equal access to social goods such as rights or education for racist reasons, as was…
Read MoreBananas for breakfast: healthy or better left out?
Bananas are one of the most popular breakfast options, but experts disagree on whether they are healthy for starting the day. British nutritionist Daryl Gioffre, known for his recommendations on a low-acid diet, advises against eating bananas in the morning, according to Frankfurter Rundschau.Their high fructose content can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, followed by a drop in energy. He recommends eating bananas only with healthy fats, such as raw almond butter, to stabilise blood sugar levels. German nutritionist Peggy Schöne disagrees: bananas are a valuable energy source…
Read More