Stories from Vienna · Austria

The Austrian Ministry of Justice has decided to update espionage laws to protect the interests of international organizations, such as the European Union and the United Nations. Currently, espionage in Austria is only punishable if it directly harms the country's own interests, according to reports from ORF, Kronen Zeitung, and Kurier. The move aims to counter Russian espionage activities targeting these international bodies. The decision was reported by the Austrian public broadcaster ORF. Austria has expanded its espionage laws, following a terrorist attack that occurred on December 14, 2025, during a Jewish traditional festival. The new measures aim to counter growing intelligence operations.

The court imposed a conditional sentence and a 10,000 euro fine for his role in lobbying behind the scenes to secure a key position for a party colleague. Weukinger is resigning from his position as ÖVP parliamentary group leader.

Austrian politician Ernst Gödl has been nominated by the ÖVP federal party presidium to succeed August Wöginger as parliamentary group leader. The nomination was reportedly favored by ÖVP federal party chairman Christian Stocker. Gödl is associated with the Chamber of Labour (Arbeitnehmerbund). The announcement was made by three parties and numerous top politicians from their ranks. Gödl is affiliated with the Austrian Trade Union Federation. Wöginger remains a member of the National Council and intends to appeal the verdict. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has selected Styrian representative Ernst Gödl to succeed Wöginger as club chairman. The party is finalizing the succession process this morning. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) deputies met in Parliament on Tuesday morning to elect a new club chairman.

Several West European public service broadcasters have joined together to establish the European Broadcasting Union.

The Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna will include an interreligious pavilion designed as a meeting space for people of different origins and faiths. The pavilion will operate under the motto "United in Humanity." The source compared its politicization to major sporting events.

A medical expert reported that the virus can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or lung failure necessitating artificial ventilation. In Austria, approximately 10 percent of infections result in patients requiring intensive care.

Austria has dismissed three employees from its intelligence services following a espionage affair. The Austrian Foreign Ministry announced the dismissal of three employees from the intelligence service.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that Islamist extremism remains one of the largest threats to the country. The 2025 constitutional protection report recorded 306 acts attributed to Islamist extremism in Austria last year.

The court imposed a prison sentence and an unconditional fine. Prosecutors argued the case of office corruption was exceptionally well-documented. The case involved testimony from a star witness, a former general secretary. Wöginger resigned from his position as club chairman immediately following the verdict. The ÖVP party executive announced a new club chairman later that same evening.

A verdict is expected this afternoon in the trial of ÖVP club chairman August Wöger. The 39-year-old was arrested following an attempted extortion against the company HIP. Police conducted an initial interrogation of the suspect yesterday.