Category: Austrian News

The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) advises customers who still have vouchers from the insolvent furniture store Kika/Leiner to act quickly. Kika/Leiner: 500 jobs have been cut“We would advise consumers to try to redeem vouchers now,” says VKI lawyer Maximilian Eder. Because as soon as insolvency proceedings are opened, Kika/Leiner will no longer accept vouchers. The insolvency application is expected tomorrow.VKI lawyer: Redeem Kika/Leiner vouchers for products that can be taken away immediatelyWhether the company will still accept the vouchers before the proceedings are opened is not certain—”but it would…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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The city’s first ice rinks open this weekend. However, due to climate changes, the start of the ice rink season has been postponed until November. Energy costs are also becoming increasingly expensive. Some indoor rinks have been open since the end of October, with outdoor rinks following suit this weekend. The Engelmann artificial ice rink in Hernals opened on Friday. There you can skate above the rooftops of Vienna until 9 March. In addition to regular operations, courses and ice hockey are also offered. There is an ice disco on…

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Austria has been declared a high-risk area for bird flu. According to the Ministry of Health, stricter safety measures will be applied in poultry farming starting at midnight. The risk has been classified as highly increased in 25 districts. Farms with more than 50 animals are required to keep poultry there. Lower and Upper Austria, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Burgenland are high-risk areas for avian influenza. Farms with fewer than 50 animals are also exempt from the obligation to keep poultry in these areas, provided that ducks and geese are…

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From November, the weather-dependent obligation to use winter tires on all roads will apply again in Austria This regulation stipulates that in winter road conditions – i.e. snow, slush or ice – all vehicles must be equipped with suitable tires. Anyone who disregards the rules risks a fine of 50 euros. However, if other road users are endangered by incorrect tires, the fine can rise to up to 10,000 euros. The regulation applies to cars, small trucks and so-called “moped cars”. Check winter tiresEven if the weather is still mild,…

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