Österreichs SPÖ-Frauenministerin Eva-Maria Holzleitner sieht sich mit Kritik konfrontiert, nachdem ihr Ministerium 118.000 Euro für eine achtteilige Podcastserie mit 'Der Standard' zu den Themen Wissenschaft, Forschung und Frauen ausgegeben hat. Die FPÖ wirft der Ministerin 'Steuergeld-Verschwendung' vor.
Thousands of non-medical staff in Lower Austrian doctor's offices, group practices, and primary care units are set to receive a retroactive 3.55 percent increase in minimum wages and allowances, along with a one-time tax-free employee bonus of up to 1,000 Euros, following a recent agreement.
Austria has reaffirmed its commitment to international justice by making a voluntary contribution of EUR 146,000 to the International Criminal Court's Trust Fund for Victims in 2025. A significant portion of the funds is earmarked for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, highlighting Austria's ongoing support for those affected by international crimes.
ÖBB and Austrian Post are expanding their 24/7 parcel locker network, installing approximately 50 new units at train stations across Austria. Many of these will be off-grid, powered by solar panels, enhancing convenience for commuters and promoting sustainable infrastructure.
A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for grossly negligent manslaughter after a fatal drunk driving crash near St. Pölten, Austria. The accident, which occurred in September, resulted in the death of a 20-year-old motorcyclist. The driver had a blood alcohol content of over 2.2 per mille and a history of alcohol-related driving offenses.
EC Red Bull Salzburg is set to face EC-KAC in a highly anticipated win2day ICE Hockey League match today, December 5, 2025, at the Eisarena Salzburg. The defending champions, Salzburg, will challenge second-placed EC-KAC in a significant league encounter.
Austria convened its sixth Violence Protection Summit on December 2, 2025, bringing together key ministers to discuss and implement enhanced measures against violence, particularly gender-based violence, amidst the '16 Days Against Violence' campaign.
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has launched a new National Reference Center for Wastewater Monitoring. Operational since November 19, 2025, the center expands its surveillance to include SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, and RSV, providing a crucial early warning system for public health in Austria.
Portugal's U17 national football team defeated Austria 1-0 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final in Doha on November 27, 2025, securing their first-ever title. Austria earned the vice-world champion title after a historic run to their first World Cup final.
An Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation, led by Tahir Mirkishili, met with Austrian Parliament Speaker Walter Rosenkranz on November 26, 2025. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, parliamentary diplomacy, and Azerbaijan's pivotal role in Europe's energy security, alongside exploring green energy and regional connectivity.
Austria is projected to achieve a modest GDP growth of 0.9% in 2026, according to the latest EU autumn economic forecast. This places the nation's economic outlook among the lowest in the European Union, following several years of contraction and stagnation.
The Austrian national football team is brimming with confidence for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 18, 2025, at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna. A draw will secure direct qualification for Austria, while Bosnia needs a victory to top Group H.
Austria witnessed a rare and breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis on the night of November 11-12, 2025. The vibrant Northern Lights were triggered by severe G4-level geomagnetic storms, fueled by multiple powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun's active region AR4274.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has escalated his criticism of Austria's €12 aviation tax, labeling it 'harmful' and threatening to further reduce flights from Vienna Airport. He claims the tax, among Europe's highest, undermines competitiveness and has led to ignored investment proposals.
State Secretary Alexander Pröll led a commemoration for the 87th anniversary of the November Pogroms at Vienna's Shoah Wall of Names Memorial. The ceremony, attended by various officials, honored victims of the 1938 atrocities and addressed rising antisemitism, with IKG President Oskar Deutsch warning of a 'tsunami' of attacks. Pröll underscored Austria's commitment to remembrance.
The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has commenced freight operations on the new 130-kilometer Koralm Railway in early November 2025, significantly improving transport efficiency and capacity between Carinthia and Styria. This new route, featuring the 33-kilometer Koralm Tunnel, offers up to 30% more freight capacity and reduces travel times, marking a pivotal moment for Austrian rail logistics.
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has commenced freight operations on Austria's new 130-kilometer Koralm Railway in early November 2025, connecting Carinthia and Styria. This development significantly boosts freight capacity by up to 30% on the Southern Line, offering faster, more efficient, and climate-friendly transport, and strengthening Austria's position within the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor.
The Austrian Bishops' Conference commenced its autumn general assembly in Vienna on **November 3, 2025**, under the leadership of **Archbishop Franz Lackner**. The four-day conference features significant meetings with **Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen**, leaders of **Caritas**, and representatives of **Oriental Orthodox Churches**, concluding on **November 6**.
Austria has launched the Digital Vignette 2026, available for purchase from November 4, 2025. Prices have increased by 2.9%, with an annual vignette for cars now costing €106.80. It can be bought via ASFINAG's online shop, app, and various physical outlets, with immediate validity for short-term digital options.
Austria has secured an impressive third place in a prominent 2026 travel safety ranking, solidifying its reputation as a premier safe destination. This recognition, which considers factors like peace and political stability, highlights the nation's consistent high performance in global safety assessments, including the Global Peace Index.
