This week in Austria
This week, Austrian politics saw Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler criticize the government's budget as an "injustice," while a retrial commenced in Linz over alleged job-rigging involving former official August Wöginger. Environmentally, Austria is experiencing record-low groundwater levels nationwide, but sports fans celebrated LASK's first ÖFB-Cup title in 61 years.
About Austria
Austria, a landlocked Central European nation, is renowned for its imperial history, vibrant classical music scene, and breathtaking Alpine landscapes, offering a high quality of life. Its news environment is characterized by a free press, featuring a blend of quality broadsheets and popular tabloids, with the public broadcaster ORF holding a significant and influential position.
Visiting Austria
Media landscape
Austria's media environment is free and diverse, though highly concentrated, featuring a mix of tabloid and quality broadsheet newspapers, alongside a dominant public service broadcaster. Digital platforms are increasingly influential, but traditional media still holds significant sway.
To gain a balanced perspective, consult a variety of sources, as many outlets have discernible political leanings despite a free press environment.
Sources we track 2
Romanian director Mungiu wins Palme d'Or at Cannes for "Fjord"
- Cristian Mungiu's film "Fjord" won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. - The film is a drama inspired by a real case involving a Romanian-Norwegian family and social services. - Other films …
Russell wins Canadian F1 sprint; Mercedes rivalry heats up
- George Russell won the Formula 1 sprint race in Canada, narrowly beating Lando Norris. - Teammate Kimi Antonelli finished third after a tense battle with Russell. - The intense rivalry between the M…
Marilyn Monroe: A Century of an Immortal Style Icon
- Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, is being celebrated on what would have been her 100th birthday on June 1st. - She rose from a difficult childhood to become one of the 20th century's most…
Ukraine hits Russian oil storage again with drones
- Ukraine launched a drone attack on an oil storage facility in Novorossiysk, Russia, causing fires and two injuries. - Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vowed further strikes on Russian targets using new…
Austrian Teenager Investigated for Extremist Content, Weapon Poses on Instagram
- Austrian authorities are investigating a 16-year-old for extremist and antisemitic content on Instagram. - The investigation followed the discovery of images and videos glorifying violence and showi…
Uber Confirms Takeover Offer for Delivery Hero
- German food delivery company Delivery Hero has confirmed receiving an acquisition offer from US rival Uber. - The offer values Delivery Hero at 33 euros per share, with the company's stock price ris…
Austria, the Racing Bike Republic?
- Cycling is experiencing a significant boom in Austria, with both professional success and a growing grassroots scene. - Professional cyclists like Felix Gall are gaining international attention, and…
Vienna's Dompfarrer Toni Faber to step down after 30 years
- Vienna's Archbishop Josef Grünwidl has decided to replace Dompfarrer Toni Faber after 30 years. - Faber, who has openly discussed his relationship and the celibacy vow, will serve until June 2027. -…
Will pay transparency be implemented on time? 'I don't have millions for penalty payments'
- Austria is facing delays in implementing an EU directive on pay transparency, with a deadline of June 7 for national law. - The delay is attributed to ongoing discussions with the business sector an…
Lignano Hotels at 80% Capacity Over Pentecost Weekend; Authorities Boost Security
- Hotels in the popular Italian resort town of Lignano are operating at approximately 80% capacity during the Pentecost long weekend. - The occupancy rate falls short of a complete sell-out, despite t…
Braco's Silent Gaze Opens Vienna Festival Weeks Amidst Diverse Performances
- The opening of the Vienna Festival Weeks featured a 75-second silence led by the Croatian performer Braco. - Braco, known for his "giving gaze," captivated the audience at Vienna's Heldenplatz. - Th…
Greens criticize social assistance reform: "Race to the bottom"
- The Green Party criticizes Austria's planned social assistance reform, advocating for minimum standards over maximum limits. - They argue the current system encourages a "race to the bottom" and neg…
Austria cancels planned receipt lottery
- Austria's planned "receipt lottery" to encourage digital invoices will not proceed. - The lottery aimed to incentivize people to submit digital receipts for monthly prizes, including two €250,000 bo…
Tank explosion threat prompts mass evacuation in California
- A potential tank explosion in Southern California has prompted the evacuation of approximately 40,000 residents in the Garden Grove area. - The tank contains methyl methacrylate, a highly toxic and …
Germany claims first win at Ice Hockey World Championship; Switzerland, Finland advance
- Germany secured its first victory at the Ice Hockey World Championship, defeating Hungary 6-2 in Zurich. - A late surge in the second period, scoring four goals, sealed the win for the German team. …
St. Pölten's footballers keep title hopes alive with late win at Sturm Graz
- FC St. Pölten secured a late 3-2 away victory against Sturm Graz, keeping their hopes for an eleventh consecutive championship alive. - The win brings St. Pölten within one point of league leaders W…
Cannes: Sandra Wollner Wins Un Certain Regard with Grief Drama "Everytime"
- Austrian director Sandra Wollner won the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival for her film "Everytime." - The film, starring Birgit Minichmayr, explores a mother's …
Logistics Giants Sound Alarm Over New EU Customs Rules
- Major logistics companies DHL, FedEx, and UPS have warned the EU about potential chaos due to new customs regulations set to take effect on July 1. - The companies argue that the legal and technical…
Migration is Not a Natural Law
- The EU is implementing a new common asylum policy, "Geas," aiming to process asylum claims at external borders and streamline returns. - This policy shift is seen as a move from protecting refugees …
Janez Janša elected Slovenia's new prime minister
- Janez Janša, leader of the conservative Democratic Party (SDS), was elected as Slovenia's new prime minister by parliament. - Janša secured 51 votes, surpassing the required absolute majority, with …
Austria to Play Nations League Matches in Linz and Vienna
- Austria's men's national football team will play Nations League matches in Linz and Vienna. - The team's group stage opener against Israel is scheduled for September 24th in Linz. - Subsequent home …
Brunner: 28 percent return rate "unacceptable" [premium]
- EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner acknowledges challenges in implementing the new Asylum and Migration Pact. - The pact aims to curb illegal migration through border security, unified asylum …
Stocker demands 'defensible Austria'
- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer called for a reorientation of the country's security policy, advocating for a "defensible Austria." - Nehammer suggested a "contemporary interpretation" of the Euro…
Report Details Series of Failures in ICE Train Evacuation from Tunnel
- A report revealed a series of failures during the evacuation of over 400 passengers from an ICE train that broke down in the Hadersdorf tunnel in July 2025. - The evacuation took more than seven and…
Vienna Taxis to Receive Uniform Color
- Vienna is planning to introduce a uniform color for all taxis as part of a reform aimed at improving taxi service quality. - The specific color has not yet been decided, but a city official suggeste…
"Time-Critical" Health Reform: Audit Office Suggests Patient Co-payments and Performance Reviews
- Austria's Court of Audit (Rechnungshof) has recommended introducing patient co-payments and performance evaluations as part of a "time-critical" healthcare reform. - The audit body emphasizes the ne…
Vučić Plans Parliamentary Elections in Serbia for Autumn
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that parliamentary elections will be held between late September and mid-November. - Vučić stated he would accept an election defeat for his ruling Serbi…
Erdoğan orders closure of Istanbul's Bilgi University
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has ordered the closure of the private Bilgi University in Istanbul. - The university, with over 20,000 students, had its operating license revoked. - The deci…
The Illusion of a Ceasefire in Ukraine
- A German commentary argues that a negotiated ceasefire in Ukraine is less realistic than a decisive victory or defeat for either Russia or Ukraine. - The author contends that Western hopes for a fro…
Republicans Revolt Against Trump's Plan to Compensate Capitol Rioters
- Republican senators are reportedly revolting against Donald Trump's plan to financially compensate supporters convicted for the January 6th Capitol attack. - Several Republican senators have stated …
The Brain in Focus: The Paradoxical Effect of Stimulants
- The article discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. - It notes that a diagnosis can be made even without hy…
Au revoir: Netflix Hit "Emily in Paris" Ends After Sixth Season
- The popular Netflix series "Emily in Paris" will conclude after its sixth season. - Netflix announced the upcoming season will be the show's final installment. - The final season is promised to be a…
Austrian Packaging Giant Alpla to Cut Up to 155 Jobs
- Austrian packaging specialist Alpla plans to cut up to 155 jobs at its headquarters in Hard by the end of the year. - The company cites challenging market conditions and high costs as reasons for th…
“Fault Lines”: Ruptures, Reconciliations, and a Death in the Pandemic
- Gernot Rainer, a Vienna-based lung specialist, has published his debut novel, "Bruchlinien" (Fault Lines). - The novel follows several interconnected protagonists through the COVID-19 pandemic, expl…
Psychotherapy Effectiveness Under Scrutiny
- An Austrian study examined the effectiveness of psychotherapy in everyday practice. - The research focused on psychotherapists in private practice, differentiating it from studies conducted in clini…
Trump-Phone: A Disastrous Mix of Misrepresentation, Overpricing, and Data Risks
- The Trump-Phone T1, marketed as an "All American Phone," faces criticism for numerous issues including a misrepresented US flag and potential data security risks. - Pre-orders for the gold-colored s…
Disgusting Partisanship: Krone Newspaper's Coverage of Femicide Criticized
- A 27-year-old woman was found dead in Kottingbrunn, Lower Austria, with the suspect confessing to shooting her three times in the head. - The article criticizes the Krone newspaper for its "disgusti…
University of Vienna Rector Fears Discontinuation of Study Programs Amid Budget Cuts
- Austrian universities face potential budget cuts of one billion euros from 2028 to 2030. - University of Vienna Rector Sebastian Schütze fears that smaller study programs may need to be discontinued…
Does Art Have the Right to Offend – Even Religion?
- The Vienna Festival is hosting a "Tribunal of Faith" to discuss conflicts between freedom of expression and religion. - The event features artists, philosophers, activists, and legal experts debatin…
Maritime Chokepoints: Ancient Battlegrounds for Imperial Power, Modern Arenas for Conflict
- The article discusses the historical and contemporary significance of strategic waterways as flashpoints for political conflict. - It highlights the Dardanelles Strait and the current tensions surro…
Trump Delays AI Executive Order, Citing Need to Maintain US Lead Over China
- US President Trump has postponed signing an executive order on Artificial Intelligence (AI). - Trump cited dissatisfaction with parts of the draft, stating he does not want to jeopardize the US lead…
Austria's Forests Become More Diverse – and More Vulnerable
- Austrian forests are becoming more diverse in tree species, with a decrease in spruce and an increase in species like robinia. - This shift is influenced by climate change and the introduction of ne…
Vienna Festival Weeks Opening Features 'Healer' Braco Alongside Patti Smith
- The opening of the Vienna Festival Weeks will feature a diverse lineup including the Croatian healer Braco. - Braco, known for his silent gaze, will appear alongside artists like Patti Smith and Wit…
Murder Charge Against 14-Year-Old After Woman Killed in Vienna Cemetery
- Austrian prosecutors have filed a murder charge against a 14-year-old girl in connection with the stabbing death of a 67-year-old woman in a Vienna cemetery. - The accused has been deemed mentally c…
Does Anyone Have a Strategy Against Right-Wing Populists?
- The article discusses the challenge of countering right-wing populism, suggesting that fighting populist fearmongering with elitist arguments is ineffective. - It highlights a meeting in Budapest fe…
A fatal retreat into the apolitical? An author against the mindfulness boom
- Author Kathrin Fischer argues in her book "Achtsam geht die Welt zugrunde" that the current trend of focusing solely on self-improvement distracts from addressing societal and political issues. - Fi…
DER STANDARD Word Search from May 22
- Der Standard's "Wortsuche" (Word Search) is a new daily feature appearing Monday to Friday. - The game involves finding terms from a current STANDARD article hidden horizontally, vertically, or diag…
Austria to End Contribution Exemptions for Low-Income, Part-Time Workers
- Austria plans to raise unemployment insurance contributions, affecting approximately 1.3 million people. - The reform will eliminate existing exemptions for low-income earners and part-time workers.…
Riddle Solved: Why the Cheops Pyramid Still Stands
- Researchers have investigated the seismic resilience of the Great Pyramid of Giza using frequency analysis. - The pyramid has survived for 4,500 years, enduring sandstorms, climate change, and numer…
How It Happened That Rapid Must Again Go Into the Europa Cup Playoff
- SK Rapid finished fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga for the second consecutive season. - A win against Sturm Graz would have secured a Europa League qualification spot, but Rapid lost 0-2 after a pla…
PCOS Renamed PMOS in Important Adjustment
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting one in eight women, has been renamed PMOS. - The condition impacts fertility and can cause irregular menstruation, excess hair …
Salzburg Festival's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' Relocated to Mars
- The opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" by Hofmannsthal and Richard Strauss is a complex work blending baroque figures with ancient mythology. - Director Ersan Mondtag's new production sets the opera on Mars,…
No decisive result in relegation playoff: Wolfsburg and Paderborn draw blank
- VfL Wolfsburg and Paderborn played to a goalless draw in the first leg of the German Bundesliga relegation playoff. - Wolfsburg had opportunities to take a lead at home but failed to convert. - The …
At Least Nine Dead in Morocco House Collapse
- A residential building collapsed in Fes, Morocco, resulting in at least nine deaths and several injuries. - Authorities reported the incident on Thursday, with initial reports indicating fewer casua…
After Battery Fire in Ottakring: Two-Year-Old Boy Also Dies
- Two young children, a two-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl, have died from injuries sustained in a Vienna apartment fire. - The fire is believed to have been caused by a faulty battery in a ha…
Stone Age surprise: Father and son separated by hundreds of kilometers
- A DNA study of 5,000-year-old megalithic graves in Germany revealed the most distant first-degree Neolithic relatives found to date. - The study found that the son of a man buried in Hesse was laid …
Germany favors 'associated membership' for Ukraine
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes an 'associated membership' for Ukraine in the EU, diverging from Ukraine's full accession goal. - This concept suggests closer ties without full membership,…
Austria's Proposed Streaming Levy Sparks Industry Debate
- Austria's Culture Minister Babler plans to introduce a streaming levy on major platforms like Spotify to support the domestic music industry. - The proposed levy, targeting platforms with over €2 mi…
The Schmusechor makes communal singing popular again
- The Schmusechor, a choir led by Verena Giesinger, is popularizing communal singing. - The choir is known for its unconventional performances, including bold fashion choices. - Their unique approach …
The State Gets No Children
- Austria's birth rate has fallen to 1.29 children per woman, a significant drop from nearly three in the 1960s. - Political parties are debating government intervention, with proposals ranging from e…
Graz Woman Sentenced for Donation Fraud After School Shooting
- A 33-year-old woman in Graz, Austria, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for fraud. - She posed as a relative of victims of a school shooting to collect donations for herself. - The sentence …
Record Day on Everest: Nearly 270 Climbers Reach Summit in One Day
- A new daily record was set on Mount Everest, with 269 climbers reaching the summit from the Nepalese side. - This surpasses the previous record of 223 ascents set on May 22, 2019. - The high number …
Court Orders Release of Deutsche Welle Reporter Uludag in Turkey
- A German court ordered the release of Deutsche Welle reporter Alican Uludag, who was detained in Turkey. - Uludag was arrested three months ago and reports on human rights abuses and corruption. - H…
Austria's Performance at the Biennale and ESC: One Wow, One Whimper
- Austria has recently been in the international spotlight twice, first for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and then for Florentina Holzingers's "Seaworld Venice" at the Venice Biennale. - Holzing…
Johannes Maria Staud's "Missing in cantu": Capitalist Land Has Burned Down
- Johannes Maria Staud's opera "Missing in cantu" premiered in Austria at the Tiroler Landestheater. - The opera, with a libretto by Thomas Köck, depicts the collapse of the Western world. - Staud is …
ÖFB-Teamchef Söndergaard gives Billa a new chance, few other changes
- Austria's women's national football team coach Lars Söndergaard has announced his squad for upcoming matches against Slovenia and Norway. - Notable inclusions are Nicole Billa, who recently helped V…
AT&S Stock Soars 600 Percent – What's Driving the Surge?
- AT&S, a printed circuit board manufacturer, has seen its stock price surge by approximately 600% in the past year. - The company's turnaround is attributed to new leadership, restructuring, and the …
Klagenfurt Festival Features Top Stars Like Grigorian and Kruder & Dorfmeister
- The Klagenfurt Festival is entering its sixth year, offering a two-and-a-half-week cultural program in the Austrian capital. - This year's lineup includes stars like soprano Asmik Grigorian, singer …
King Football
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is drawing inspiration from Arsenal's Premier League title win amid internal party challenges. - Starmer, a lifelong Arsenal fan, hopes to leverage the club's suc…
Ukraine Bolsters Border Security Amid Belarus Nuclear Drills
- Ukraine has intensified border security measures in its northern regions due to fears of a new attack from Belarus. - The enhanced measures, including personal checks, aim to deter aggressive action…
What's Behind the US Indictment of Cuba's Raúl Castro? The Next Venezuela?
- The U.S. Justice Department has indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes, resulting in four deaths. - The indictment, announced in Miami, accuses Castr…
Austria's Pentecost Weekend Promises Early Summer Heat
- Austria is set to experience early summer weather over the Pentecost weekend with plenty of sunshine and temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. - Temperatures are expected to climb further,…
Record year for Vorwerk: 1.4 million Thermomixes sold
- German household appliance manufacturer Vorwerk achieved a record year in 2025, selling over 1.4 million Thermomix kitchen machines. - The newly introduced TM7 model was particularly successful, acc…
Triumph for a Stand-in at "Ariodante"
- Mezzo-soprano Adèle Charvet delivered a triumphant performance in the title role of Handel's "Ariodante" at the Theater an der Wien, stepping in at short notice for Magdalena Kožená. - Charvet's ren…
What Annoys You About Journalism?
- The STANDARD's forum invites readers to discuss their frustrations and suggestions regarding journalism. - Key questions revolve around objectivity, negativity, and the completeness of reported news…
King Charles III 'Death' Announcement Blamed on Computer Glitch
- A British radio station accidentally broadcast a "Death of a Monarch" protocol, mistakenly announcing the death of King Charles III. - The incident was attributed to a computer error, and an apology…
USA Indicts Raúl Castro – Is Trump Now Targeting Cuba Too?
- The US has indicted former Cuban Defense Minister Raúl Castro for murder and conspiracy related to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft. - This legal action could escalate tensions and potentia…
Japan's Noto Airport to Become World's First Pokémon-Themed Airport
- Japan's Noto Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture will be renamed the "Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport" starting this summer. - The airport will feature Pokémon-themed decorations, merchandise shop…
Europe Sees Record Highs in Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Reported cases of gonorrhea and syphilis in Europe reached their highest levels in over a decade in 2024, according to the EU's European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). - Chlamydia…
Xi May Visit North Korea for Kim-Trump Mediation
- Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea soon to mediate between leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. - A Chinese advance team for security and protocol has reportedly visit…
ORF Correspondents Back Totzauer for Broadcaster Chief
- ORF correspondents have recommended Lisa Totzauer to the ORF Foundation Board as the next head of the public broadcaster. - The correspondents stated in an email that Totzauer possesses a clear visi…
Southampton Disqualified from Premier League Playoff Final After Spying Scandal
- Southampton has been expelled from the English Premier League promotion playoff final and had four points deducted for the next season after spying on Middlesbrough's training sessions. - The club's…
Russia Simulates Nuclear Weapons Use in Belarus Military Drills
- Russia has conducted drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus as part of a three-day military exercise. - The exercise involved delivering nuclear warheads to a mobile tactic…
Greenpeace Detects "Alarming Amounts" of Microplastics in Baby Food Pouches
- Greenpeace International has detected alarming levels of microplastics in baby food pouches from Nestlé and Danone. - The environmental group found thousands of plastic particles and over 80 chemica…
Péter Magyar initiates a reversal in Hungary's foreign policy
- Péter Magyar, Hungary's new Prime Minister, is making his second bilateral visit to Vienna to meet with Chancellor Christian Stocker. - This visit signifies a potential shift in Hungary's foreign po…
After the setback: Is gold still a promising investment?
- Gold prices experienced a significant rally and subsequent pullback, with experts seeing it as a temporary pause in a long-term upward trend. - Despite short-term disappointment, gold has shown a 5%…
Protein gimmick: Products that surprised the editorial team
- The article humorously reviews various food products that have recently added protein, questioning the necessity and marketing of these additions. - It highlights a trend where even traditional item…
Women's shelters in Salzburg to be re-tendered again
- All women's shelters in Salzburg, Austria, are being re-tendered, including the Pinzgau facility which has operated for nearly 30 years. - The re-tendering follows controversial previous award proce…
Do Women Today Know If They Want Children?
- Many women today face the significant life question of whether they want to have children, a decision that can feel pressured by age and societal expectations. - Neurobiologist and psychological cou…
The Social Consequences of Bank Levies
- Studies suggest that increased bank levies disproportionately affect financially weaker customers by raising credit costs and lowering savings interest rates. - Banks pass on a significant portion o…
"Vivaldi and I": Film Explores Female Empowerment Through Music at Venetian Orphanage
- The film "Vivaldi and I" explores the lives of young women in Venice's Ospedale della Pietà in 1716, a music conservatory and orphanage. - It focuses on Cecilia, a fictional violinist, and her exper…
Budget: Brenner Base Tunnel's Northern Approach Delayed
- Germany's budget plans have halted the construction of the northern approach to the Brenner Base Tunnel. - The German government will not meet its 2042 deadline for completing its section of the nor…
Do Wind Turbines Harm the Health of People in the Neighborhood?
- A large-scale U.S. study analyzing data from 120,000 households near wind farms found little evidence of increased health risks for residents. - The study's findings offer reassurance regarding pote…
Vice-Chair of European Greens Resigns Unexpectedly
- Bas Eickhout, Vice-Chair of the European Greens, has unexpectedly resigned from his position. - Eickhout cited personal relationships incompatible with his role as the reason for his departure. - He…
Austrian Spy Trial: Suspended Official Ott Denies All Charges
- Suspended Austrian state security official Egisto Ott is on trial for alleged espionage for Russia's FSB and abuse of office. - Ott denies all charges, claiming the prosecution is unfair and that he…
Gold Price Expected to Surge to $8,900 by 2030, Experts Predict
- Gold experts Ronald Stöferle and Mark Valek predict the price of gold could reach $8,900 per ounce by 2030, citing an inflationary scenario. - Their 'In Gold We Trust' report suggests that gold mini…
Once upon a time: "Es war einmal…" in Japanese
- An exhibition in Vienna showcases Japanese fairy tales and their journey to Europe. - The exhibition features traditional Japanese woodblock prints and explores how these stories shaped European per…
Trump's new weapon? Concerns over the 'Take It Down Act'
- A new US bill, the "Take It Down Act," aims to combat the spread of non-consensual sexual imagery, particularly deepfakes. - Critics, including former President Donald Trump, express concern that th…
Alcaraz Out Longer: Chance for Zverev and Djokovic?
- Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz will miss both the French Open and Wimbledon due to injury. - His absence opens up opportunities for rivals like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. - The focus s…
Italian Opposition Demands Sanctions on Israel Over Humiliating Activist Video
- Italian opposition parties are demanding sanctions against Israel following a video showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir humiliating activists from the Global Flotilla Sumud. -…
