Austria has deported a 31-year-old Afghan national convicted of rape and grievous bodily harm, marking the first such expulsion to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The move, confirmed by Austrian officials, signals a significant shift in the country's deportation policy, with more such returns planned despite criticism from human rights organizations.
Fr Josef Grünwidl has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Vienna by Pope Leo XIV, concluding months of speculation. He succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who retired in January 2025. Grünwidl, 62, previously served as Apostolic Administrator and is known for his pastoral experience and progressive views.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has deferred a vote on Israel's involvement in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna until its December General Assembly. Citing recent Middle East developments, the decision moves the discussion from a planned November meeting, amidst calls for boycott from several nations.
Vienna police have alerted the public to a surge in burglaries where corrosive acid, often nitric acid, is used to damage cylinder locks on apartment doors. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activity and avoid contact with any unknown liquids found on locks, as the acid poses significant health risks.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has repeatedly called on Russia to engage in serious peace negotiations, emphasizing that talks cannot occur under ongoing attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure. She has also sought international support to pressure Moscow.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a comprehensive travel advisory for Austria, urging citizens to exercise caution due to a 'high' terrorism threat level and reinforced border controls across Europe, including the recent implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System.
Austria's data protection authority has found that Microsoft 365 Education illegally tracked students using cookies without consent and failed to provide data access, violating EU privacy laws. The ruling, stemming from a NOYB complaint, orders Microsoft to clarify data use and grant access.
A 43-year-old man in Lower Austria received a two-year prison sentence, with 16 months suspended, for stalking a former employee. His methods included GPS tracking, AI-generated threats and explicit images, and arson to feign victimhood. The verdict was delivered at the St. Pölten Regional Court.
Austria's Koralm Tunnel, a key component of the Koralm Railway, has successfully concluded its final large-scale emergency exercise. The drill, involving over 200 participants, simulated a train incident to test safety protocols and emergency response, marking a crucial step before the tunnel's official opening for passenger services on December 14, 2025.
Austria has officially commenced its 2025-26 ski season, with the Pitztal Glacier and Hintertux Glacier leading the openings on September 27th. They have since been joined by Stubai Glacier, Sölden, and Kaunertal Glacier, marking an early start for the country's high-altitude ski destinations.
Austrian lender Raiffeisen Bank International has again failed to sell its Russian business. Russian authorities reportedly blocked the sale, fearing it could trigger Western sanctions against RBI, which serves as a vital financial link for Russia with the West, particularly for energy trade. The bank has accumulated billions in trapped profits in Russia.
The Austrian federal government plans to amend the Railway Act to resolve legal uncertainties surrounding Vienna's Verbindungsbahn project. The amendment aims to clarify the definition of 'high-performance lines' to facilitate the stalled ÖBB infrastructure development.
The Austrian federal government has introduced the 'Klimarelevanztool für kommunale Beschlüsse,' an online tool designed to help municipalities assess the climate impact of their projects. Launched on September 26, 2025, the tool provides a two-step evaluation process and a traffic light system to guide climate-friendly decision-making.
Austria's government has given the green light to the S1 Vienna Outer Ring Expressway, including the highly debated Lobau Tunnel, reversing a previous halt. The 2.7 billion Euro project aims to alleviate Vienna's traffic congestion but faces strong opposition from environmental groups concerned about the Danube-Auen National Park.
The European Court of Human Rights has permitted Austria to deport a 19-year-old Syrian man, lifting a previous injunction. The decision, announced on September 24, 2025, follows the man's convictions for crimes including shoplifting and unarmed robbery. Human rights organizations have criticized the ruling, citing the unstable security situation in Syria and the potential for human rights violations.
Austria's crucial autumn wage negotiations have begun, with unions prioritizing the preservation of purchasing power against a backdrop of high inflation. Employers, however, are cautioning about national competitiveness due to a weak economy and rising unit labor costs, setting the stage for challenging discussions across key sectors.
Austrian energy giant OMV has terminated an executive's contract over alleged spying for Russia. The executive reportedly shared sensitive information regarding a $60 billion merger. Austria's Foreign Ministry summoned a Russian diplomat, demanding a waiver of immunity, or face expulsion.
Three elderly Augustinian nuns, Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (81/82), have returned to their former convent, Schloss Goldenstein near Salzburg, Austria, after leaving a nursing home. They claim they were moved against their will, while church authorities cite health concerns and Vatican regulations for the relocation.
