Category: Austrian News

Christmas Eve is exactly two weeks away, and as every year, many people are wondering whether we’ll see snow for the holidays. A reliable forecast won’t be possible until December 19, but the current weather trend is sending a clear message. No Snow in Sight Across large parts of Austria, temperatures are unusually mild for December. According to current forecasts, the weather is unlikely to change much before Christmas. Meteorologists say there is absolutely no sign of a winter cold spell. Instead, the next two weeks are expected to remain…

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High pressure will determine the weather in the eastern Alpine region on Tuesday. This means mostly sunny and dry weather. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, we can expect sunny and dry weather in Austria. “Thin high cloud cover will not interfere. However, there will be persistent fog or high fog in the inner Alpine basins and valleys, as well as generally in the lowlands in the north and east, on the eastern edge of the Alps, in southeastern Styria, and in the Rhine Valley,“ according to weather experts at GeoSphere…

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December 8 falls on a Monday in 2025. We have an overview of which supermarkets, shops, and shopping centers in Vienna will be open on the public holiday. Monday, December 8, 2025, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—and thus traditionally one of the most important shopping days of the Advent season. Although it is a public holiday, shops in Austria are allowed to open on this day. December 8 as an important additional date in the Christmas shopping season Every year, many retailers use December 8 to boost Christmas…

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Vienna, December 2025 – The City of Vienna continues to experience significant migration flows, with international immigration driving population growth and shaping the city’s cultural landscape. Recent figures show that Austria hosts more than 2.5 million people with a migrant background, underscoring the importance of integration policies and community support. Migration Trends Integration Efforts The Austrian government has reinforced its integration framework, focusing on three pillars: Vienna has expanded programs in schools, community centers, and local organizations to foster inclusion, particularly for children and families. Community Response Despite challenges in…

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Since 1995, Austrian retailers have been permitted to open their doors on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The arrangement, negotiated between social partners, remains contentious. Employees working on the holiday are entitled to extra pay and compensatory time off. Which Stores Are Open Retailers are generally allowed to trade between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.. A Chamber of Commerce survey shows that most shops in Vienna plan to open, with larger chains taking advantage of the opportunity while smaller businesses often stay shut. Importantly, employees cannot be…

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Austrians are feeling the pinch of inflation in the energy sector, not only in terms of electricity and gas, but also in terms of fuel, where we are among the most expensive countries in Europe. While the EU is discussing the end of combustion engines, countries in northern Europe are pulling ahead in terms of the share of electric cars. The sharp rise in inflation in Austria is also noticeable at gas stations. Prices have risen significantly recently, putting Austria above the European average, according to the mobility club ÖAMTC.…

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Inflation and the state of healthcare are currently the most pressing worries for people in Austria. This emerges from a representative Ipsos survey, published Wednesday as part of the global “What Worries the World” study. The findings reveal that eight out of ten respondents believe Austria is heading in the wrong economic direction. Immigration and crime also remain significant sources of concern. Rising Anxiety Over Inflation and Healthcare Compared with the previous survey in April, fears of inflation have risen to 40 per cent (up seven points), while worries about…

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The sun will have a hard time breaking through the clouds in some areas over the next few days. Fog and clouds will obscure the sunshine in some areas. Rain and some snow will also be mixed in. The new week will then be reminiscent of spring – maximum daily temperatures of up to 14 degrees are possible at the beginning of the week. Already on Friday, the sky will remain cloudy, apart from sunny spells in East Tyrol and Upper Carinthia, as well as in places in the far…

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In Austria, employees traditionally receive their Christmas bonus in November, often referred to as the “13th month’s salary.” This special payment is transferred together with the regular wage, and in times of high inflation, it feels more like a “double salary” for many households. Higher Bonuses Thanks to Tax Changes This year, some workers will see larger bonuses due to adjustments in taxation and exemption thresholds. Net earnings have also risen in 2025, following the partial abolition of bracket creep earlier in the year. How the Bonus Is Calculated Christmas…

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