Partial retirement in Austria approved

Partial retirement approved: The government plans to extend working hours—new regulations are set to take effect in 2026, including restrictions on partial pension. Before the 75-day parliamentary recess, the government is rushing a marathon of legislation through the National Council. In addition to the controversial surveillance of messengers, this also includes a minor pension reform. The latter was decided on Thursday afternoon. The aim is to keep Austrians in the workforce for even longer. The key point is the introduction of partial pensions, which are to be paid in parallel…

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More and more warnings: How dangerous is the Asian hornet really?

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is spreading at an alarming rate in Europe, as several local institutions have recently reported. The insect was first sighted in France in 2015, and its spread is increasingly threatening biodiversity and agriculture in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary. In Austria, the first case was documented on April 9, 2024, in the city of Salzburg. The threat posed by the Asian hornet to native honeybees is particularly worrying. The invasive species specifically hunts honey bees—and does so in a ruthless manner, lurking in…

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Water is better than diet soda

People with type 2 diabetes who are also obese should drink water instead of diet sodas. According to a Canadian study, water leads to greater and longer-lasting weight loss. It can even cause diabetes to disappear. For type 2 diabetics with obesity, water is a much better drink than zero-calorie soft drinks. This was the finding of a Canadian study recently presented at the annual congress of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Water led to greater and longer-lasting weight loss and, in many cases, to the disappearance of diabetes. For…

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June breaks heat records for the third year in a row

Heat alert: June 2025 breaks records again, becoming the hottest month in Western Europe since records began. According to the EU Earth observation program Copernicus, last month was the hottest June in Western Europe since measurements began. Worldwide, June 2025 was the third warmest June, trailing only June 2024 and coming close to the heat of June 2023. This means that record average temperatures have been measured for the third consecutive year. In Europe, which is warming twice as fast as the global average, particularly “extreme” temperatures were measured. Hottest…

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Virus causes massive carp deaths in Vienna’s Old Danube

According to ORF, the cause of the carp die-off is the koi herpes virus. The University of Veterinary Medicine identified this virus after examining the dead fish. The virus entered the Old Danube through illegally released koi fish The Austrian Fisheries Society has determined that the virus entered the waters through the illegal release of koi fish. Unfortunately, the affected carp apparently have no defense against this pathogen. Although 200 carp have died so far, Stefan La Garde from the Fisheries Society emphasizes that the general fish population in the…

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Measles and hepatitis on the rise in Vienna

Fever, accompanied by a skin rash covered with red pustules: the measles virus is highly contagious. The Vienna Health Authority recently sent a warning to hospitals, emergency services, and doctors’ offices. In it, MA 15 reports an increase in measles and hepatitis cases in the city. Here are the reasons why and how you can protect yourself. Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that is easily recognizable by the red pustules that cover the skin and cause fever. The insidious virus (transmitted by tiny droplets) often affects children, but…

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Piat’s Patroness Honored in Vienna with Solemn Feast Day Celebration

Vienna, Austria – The Feast of Our Lady of the Visitation of Piat was celebrated with reverence and joy on July 2nd at the Pfarrkirche Floridsdorf. The Our Lady of the Visitation Piat spearheaded the event. The Through Mary to Jesus (TMTJ) Devotional Group supported the celebration. A large gathering of devotees participated in a day filled with prayer and celebration. The program included the recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and the Holy Rosary, followed by a solemn procession and a floral offering to the newly enthroned…

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Vocalismo in Vienna: Free Concert Series Brings Choral Harmony to Austria

Vienna, Austria – July 8, 2025 — Music lovers are in for a treat this July as the celebrated choral ensemble Vocalismo brings its uplifting performances to Austria in a series of free-entry concerts titled “Vocalismo in Vienna!” under the baton of renowned conductor Maestro Prof. Dr. Lester Delgado. The concert series begins on Tuesday, July 15, with a Mass and mini-concert at 6:30 p.m. in Salvator am Wienerfeld Church. The journey continues on Friday, July 18, with a full concert at 17:00 in the scenic town of Podersdorf am…

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For one year, Wien Energie guarantees low prices

New “OPTIMA Entspannt plus” tariff from Wien Energie: Low electricity and gas prices for one year. Savings of up to 150 euros for households. During periods of inflation, many households struggle with rising energy costs. Wien Energie now guarantees affordable natural gas and cheap electricity for a whole year. The new “OPTIMA Entspannt plus” tariff is being offered to private customers. It promises savings of 150 euros for average households. The new electricity and natural gas tariff is intended to offer households planning security at a price level below that…

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