Category: Austrian News

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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President Alexander Van der Bellen calls on Austrians to defend democracy, resist division and remember that “together, things work better.” VIENNA, October 26, 2026 — Every year on October 26, Austria celebrates its National Day, a day dedicated to the country’s independence, freedom and permanent neutrality. Across the nation, Austrians commemorate the restoration of their sovereignty after the Second World War and reflect on the values that have shaped the Second Republic: democracy, peace, solidarity and the ability to overcome differences through dialogue. Beyond the public ceremonies, military displays and…

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VIENNA – Austria’s nationwide Climate Ticket and motorway vignette will become more expensive in 2027, although the increase will be smaller than originally planned after the government opted to limit price rises below the current inflation rate. Transport Minister Peter Hanke announced on Thursday that the price of the annual Climate Ticket will rise by two percent rather than the previously envisaged 3.6 percent inflation-linked adjustment. The decision means holders of the ticket, which allows unlimited travel on public transport across Austria, will pay an additional €28 per year. The…

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Austria’s federal fees for passports, identity cards, driver’s licenses and several other official documents will remain unchanged in 2027, providing some relief for households facing continued cost-of-living pressures. However, prices for the Climate Ticket and motorway vignette are set to rise slightly next year. According to Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer, the government plans to suspend the annual inflation adjustment of federal administrative fees for 2027. The measure is expected to save Austrian citizens around €25 million compared with a full inflation-linked increase. The fee freeze applies to a range of…

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