Category: Austrian News

Austria saw a sharp rise in naturalizations in 2025, according to new figures released on Wednesday by Statistik Austria. Around 25,000 people were granted Austrian citizenship last year—an increase of 14.6 percent compared with 2024. Two developments stand out: Vienna recorded the strongest growth, and nearly 10,000 new citizens live abroad. Large Share Without Austrian Residence Of the 25,000 naturalizations, 38 percent—exactly 9,583 people—do not reside in Austria. Most of them are descendants of victims of National Socialist persecution, who have a legal right to Austrian citizenship. Among those living…

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Austria faces a week of unsettled and wintry weather, with temperatures remaining firmly below early‑spring expectations. While nights continue to bring severe frost in some regions, daytime highs will stay in the single digits. At least the eastern part of the country can look forward to more frequent sunny spells. Front System Moves In on Monday According to Geosphere Austria, another frontal system will sweep in from the west on Monday, gradually weakening as it crosses the country. Snow levels will rise from 600 to 1,300 meters, increasing the risk…

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In Austria, the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday—known as Fasching or Carnival season—are marked by color, costumes, and, above all, Krapfen. These golden, pillowy doughnuts have been part of Austrian pre‑Lenten customs for centuries, offering a final moment of indulgence before the fasting period begins. Krapfen have been associated with Carnival since at least the 17th century, when they became a symbolic treat for feasting before the austerity of Lent. Deep Roots in Austrian Food Culture The history of the Krapfen reaches even further back. Records show that a…

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Austria is bracing for a renewed blast of winter as a cold front sweeps across the country in the coming days. According to Geosphere Austria, snowfall down to low elevations and at times strong winds will make for increasingly unpleasant conditions, particularly on Sunday. Unsettled Start: First Snow Showers on Friday Friday begins with rain and snow showers, especially in the northern regions, with the snow line hovering around 1,000 meters. As the day progresses, clouds gradually break up and sunshine returns, though the north remains overcast the longest. Winds…

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Austria is seeing a sharp rise in infections with the West Nile virus (WNV), with 2024 marking a record year. According to new findings from the Institute of Tropical Medicine and a long-term study by the Medical University of Vienna, 37 human cases were confirmed—more than ever before. The virus was first detected in Austria in 2009. Researchers warn that the pathogen, transmitted by native mosquito species, is no longer appearing sporadically. Instead, it is spreading continuously across the country. As a result, experts now classify West Nile virus as…

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Austria’s population continued to grow in 2025, but at a noticeably slower pace than in previous years. According to preliminary figures released by Statistics Austria on Monday, 9,219,113 people were living in the country on 1 January 2026 — an increase of 21,900, or 0.2 percent, compared with the beginning of 2025. The growth rate marks a further decline from previous years: population increased by 0.4 percent in 2024, 0.6 percent in 2023, and 1.4 percent in 2022. “Austria’s population is still growing, but the pace has slowed again in…

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The Chamber of Labour of Upper Austria (AK OÖ) has issued a sharp warning about dubious locksmith services that exploit people in stressful situations. When someone is locked out of their home, the urgency and panic often make them vulnerable to dishonest providers who demand excessive fees and use questionable practices. According to the AK, many complaints involve so‑called “emergency services” found online. What appears to be a local company often turns out to be a mailbox firm registered abroad. Customers report long waiting times, only to be met by…

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Austria faces another week of unsettled weather, according to forecasts from Geosphere Austria. While sunshine will make occasional appearances, a warm front arriving Tuesday will bring milder air and rising temperatures of up to 12°C — but only for a short time. In short: the sun will return, but only briefly, before Austria slips back into a cycle of clouds, rain, and shifting snow lines.

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The debate over COVID-19 vaccines continues years after the pandemic began. A new long-term study now provides crucial scientific insights into how effective mRNA vaccines truly were and what impact they had. Researchers led by Laura Semenzato from France’s drug safety authority analyzed data from more than 28 million people. The study compared 22.7 million vaccinated individuals with 5.9 million unvaccinated people aged 18 to 59 over nearly four years (November 2021 to September 2025). By statistically balancing the two groups, the researchers ensured reliable conclusions about benefits and risks.…

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