Stories from Austria

A new wildfire ordinance has taken effect in Wels, Austria, due to drought conditions.

The move follows Austria's decision last year to restrict reunification measures in an effort to combat immigration. NGOs filed an appeal with the European Commission on Monday regarding the freeze on family reunification.

Three girls aged 13, 14, and 16 died in Innsbruck following drug consumption, according to a drug report. The victims were reportedly part of the same circle of friends.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karna stated that a mobility agreement with Uzbekistan aims to facilitate the deportation of refugees from third countries. This cooperation is intended to assist with deportations to Afghanistan.

The Animalia exhibition, featuring works from Maria Lassnig to Margarita Pilottini, is currently on display in Vienna. The Heidehorten Collection showcase includes over 100 works. The exhibition remains open until August 30.

A former executive is appearing in court regarding allegations of severe care deficiencies at a senior residence in Vienna.

Andritz AG is manufacturing components for hydroelectric power plant generators at its facility in Austria. The production process involves installing large copper conductors into the units.

The health committee in the Austrian Parliament has introduced a new organ transplantation law.

Experts and the municipal association in Styria are calling on the population to conserve water due to falling groundwater levels. The drought is affecting several regions, specifically Enns Valley and Murthal. Residents are being asked not to fill private swimming pools without consulting their local municipality. There are approximately 66,000 pools in the Styria region. A message said the importance of saving water, likening a single drop to the sea. The importance of saving water in daily life and addressing leaky faucets was said as a simple act that can help arid lands. It urges immediate action on leaky faucets to help dry land breathe again, said that small efforts can make a difference. The broadcast said the importance of water conservation, stating that if even a drop of water is wasted, the ocean will feel lonely.

Li Song, representing the Chinese mission to the United Nations in Vienna, presided over the launch ceremony of the Global Governance Working Group. The group aims to promote exchange and cooperation among member states to revitalize the United Nations. The initiative seeks to contribute to the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system. Li Song noted that the United Nations is currently at a new crossroads facing endless global challenges. A Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket is scheduled to launch the Starlink Group 17-36 satellite constellation. The launch is currently in 'Go for Launch' status with a net time of April 30, 2026, at 02:00:00Z. The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission is scheduled to launch aboard a Vega-C rocket on May 19, 2026. The Vega-C rocket is set for a launch on May 19, 2026, at 03:52 UTC.