Uber co-founder Garrett Camp has made a significant donation of €5 million to the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). This funding is earmarked to advance human-centered artificial intelligence research, emphasizing the development of trustworthy and socially beneficial AI technologies. The gift marks Camp's first contribution to a European research institution.
Austria's Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence Service has maintained a nationwide terror alert level 4, following reports of an unknown number of detained IS fighters escaping in northern Syria. Estimates of escapees range from 100 to 1,500, with concerns about potential European involvement.
Austria's government has announced new national measures to implement the EU's Common European Asylum System. These include extending airport detention for asylum seekers to 18 weeks, centralizing procedures in Vienna, and requiring a 'Charter of Values' with sanctions for non-compliance. The reforms aim to streamline migration management and deter illegal entry.
The trial against climate activists from the 'Last Generation' group at the Vienna Regional Court has expanded, now involving nearly 50 defendants. Initially 42, five additional individuals have joined the proceedings, primarily facing charges of serious property damage. The accusation of forming a criminal organization has been dropped, but logistical challenges persist for the extensive case.
A new global study led by the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) has found that Europe is experiencing the strongest increase in the frequency of very large hail events. Changes in atmospheric moisture near the surface are identified as the primary meteorological driver, though increased exposure also contributes to rising economic losses.
The Ukrainian Red Cross, in collaboration with the Austrian Red Cross, has launched applications for the second cohort of the REDpreneur Women Programme. This initiative supports Ukrainian women entrepreneurs in developing innovative and socially oriented businesses, offering training, mentorship, and funding to contribute to Ukraine's economic recovery. The application deadline is February 12, 2026.
Austria has confirmed that applicants for most residence permits must demonstrate an income at least equal to the supplementary allowance rate. New thresholds, effective January 1, 2025, and updated for 2026, require specific net monthly incomes for single individuals, married couples, and an additional amount per child, ensuring self-sufficiency without reliance on public benefits.
The Catholic Church in Austria has introduced a new formation program, 'Zweiten Weg für Spätberufene' (Second Pathway for Late Vocations), for men aged 45 to 60. Announced on January 5, 2026, by the Conference of Rectors of Austrian Seminaries, the initiative allows candidates to pursue priestly training, including theological studies and seminary formation, while continuing their secular employment, addressing the ongoing shortage of priests.
Hundreds of passengers have been stranded across Austria and Germany due to extensive flight delays and cancellations at major airports, including Vienna and Frankfurt. Winter weather, increased holiday traffic, and operational issues are cited as primary causes, affecting thousands of travelers and multiple airlines.
Austria's public debt ratio climbed to 83.7 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2025, reaching €423.9 billion. This represents a notable increase from 81.5 percent a year earlier, influenced by central government borrowing and ongoing deficits across various government sectors.
A forensic investigation into Signa Development has revealed that millions of euros were transferred to business partners, shareholders, and managers, including entities linked to founder René Benko, shortly before the Austrian real estate giant's insolvency in late 2023. The transfers are now under scrutiny by insolvency administrators and authorities.
Austria's 2026 election schedule will primarily feature municipal council elections in St. Pölten on January 25 and in Graz in September. No federal or state-level elections are currently slated for the year, marking a comparatively calm period after recent intensive election cycles.
Recently declassified US Department of Justice files confirm that Jeffrey Epstein possessed a forged Austrian passport under the alias 'Marius Fortelni'. Discovered in his New York townhouse in 2019, the document, issued in 1982, listed Saudi Arabia as his residence and contained international travel stamps, contradicting initial claims of non-use.
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.
