NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS of the Austrian President: “We must not be indifferent to everything”

admin

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen’s New Year’s address was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences for society. He said it was difficult not to give up hope. “And yet: we must not lose heart,” and according to Van der Bellen, that is the duty of citizenship. At the beginning of his speech, Van der Bellen recalled the “Ibiza” affair two years ago. At that time, he had “spoken at this point about how important it is for our society to maintain courage and confidence.” For a brief…

Read More

Omicron causes infections in Vienna to rise rapidly

admin

Driven by the new coronavirus variant Omicron, infection figures in Vienna are increasing rapidly. Across the federal capital, 5,028 new infections were counted last week – a 23 percent increase from the previous week. Only in Tyrol is the seven-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants even higher than in Vienna. Styria is in the best position. Although the situation in this country is by no means as bad as in Great Britain, Denmark or France, the Omicron curve is nevertheless pointing steeply upwards here as well. In the past seven days…

Read More

Austria: What awaits us in 2022?

admin

After a difficult year in 2021, people are looking eagerly to the future. What will happen in the Austrian politics? When will the pandemic be under control? What will be new, what will be more expensive, what will the eco-social reform bring? The Austrian daily newspaper “Kronen Zeitung” provides insights into important areas. ▶Political highlightsAustrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. In autumn, the Federal President will be elected. The office holder enjoys great trust, in contrast to his parliamentary colleagues. ÖVP grandees are in favor of another VdB term.…

Read More

Warmest New Year’s Eve Day: 18.3 degrees recorded

admin

December 31, 2021 goes down in history as the warmest New Year’s Eve day since records began. The highest value reached Berndorf (district Baden) with 18.3 degrees, according to the ORF weather department. Just behind Berndorf, 18 degrees were measured in Reichenau an der Rax (district of Neunkirchen). In Wiener Neustadt, it was 17.8. But further west, it was similarly warm: in Krems, the maximum value on Friday afternoon was 17.3 degrees. Such values have never been measured on a New Year’s Eve day in Austria, according to the ORF…

Read More

Travelers guide for 2022

admin

Since the start of the corona pandemic, travel regulations have been constantly changing. Below are some changes that are already foreseeable in 2022 that will affect travelers. “For example, there are speed limits for e-trekkers in Italy, a permanent winter tire requirement in some regions of France, and changes to tolls and vignettes in Slovenia and Poland, as well as stricter environmental zones in Spain and Belgium. And in Germany, it is planned to make masks compulsory to carry,” says ÖAMTC tourism expert Maria Renner. The most important changes in…

Read More

Family bonus will increase in 2022

admin

For families, 2022 brings an increase in the Family Bonus Plus. Starting in July, it will rise from 1,500 euros to 2,000 euros. All employed persons with children will be eligible. This will result in a total relief of 600 million euros more per year, from which 1.75 million children in the country will benefit, the office of Family Minister Susanne Raab told the APA. Also, a new 15a agreement with the federal states is due in 2022 in the matter of childcare. The current one runs only until August…

Read More

Second year in a row with Corona restrictions – Hundreds of millions of people in Europe welcomed 2022

admin

Hundreds of millions of people in Europe have welcomed 2022 – hoping for an early end to the Corona pandemic. In many places, including Austria, the old year bid farewell with unusually mild temperatures. In many countries around the world, New Year’s Eve celebrations were more subdued than usual because of Corona. Many large parties and fireworks displays were canceled, including festivities in Paris and London. In many countries around the world, the new year began much earlier: the South Sea islands of Samoa and Kiribati were the first in…

Read More

Virtual Meet & Greet with Ivan Frank M. Olea: Chargé d’ affaires a.i./ Deputy Chief of Mission

admin

by Sarah Jozelle Magistrado Rojas Embassy of the Philippines in Austria, Vienna, 27 December 2021 Nine days after taking office as Chargé d’ affaires a.i. (CdA)/ Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Embassy of the Philippines in Austria, Consul General Ivan Frank M. Olea was welcomed by the members of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) in an online Christmas Celebration on 27 December 2021 via zoom. At this virtual event, ENFiD-Austria Chairwoman, Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas, delivered a presentation on ENFiD-Austria, describing its raison d’etre, accomplishments…

Read More

Before New Year’s Eve fireworks: Sydney reports Corona record

admin

Shortly before the planned impressive fireworks at the turn of the year in Sydney Harbour, the Australian state of New South Wales has recorded more new corona infections than ever before. Authorities in the east coast region reported about 21,100 new cases on Friday – nearly 9,000 more than on Thursday and 15,000 more than on Wednesday. Higher numbers of new infections have never been recorded in any Australian region, broadcaster ABC reported. Australia had long pursued a zero-covid strategy and closed its national borders to visitors. Despite this, infection…

Read More