Austrian News

In Austria, employees traditionally receive their Christmas bonus in November, often referred to as the “13th month’s salary.” This special payment is transferred together with the regular wage, and in times of high inflation, it feels more like a “double salary” for many households. Higher Bonuses Thanks to Tax Changes This year, some workers will see larger bonuses due to adjustments in taxation and exemption thresholds. Net earnings have also risen in 2025, following the partial abolition of bracket creep earlier in the year. How the Bonus Is Calculated Christmas…

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The bird flu virus, which is currently rampant among wild birds, poultry, and mammals worldwide, could trigger a pandemic that is more severe than that caused by COVID-19. This is the warning issued by Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, medical director of the Center for Respiratory Infections at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. The decisive factor is a possible mutation that would enable human-to-human transmission. Humans do not have antibodies against the H5 bird flu strain currently in circulation. Unlike COVID-19, the virus could also kill healthy people and children, according to fears.…

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The City of Vienna is preparing a broad package of fee increases as part of its ongoing efforts to stabilize municipal finances. A collective amendment, soon to be voted on in the state parliament, will raise costs across several areas—including administrative charges, dog taxes, and public-space usage fees. Administrative Fees City officials note that many fees have remained unchanged for decades despite rising expenses. Under the new amendment, the maximum cap for administrative fees will jump from €1,500 to €4,000. While exact rates will be set later by decree, around…

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A new Marketagent study takes a close look at how people in Austria plan to celebrate Christmas in 2025. The results show a clear picture. Even in a year shaped by rising prices and global tension, many hold tight to the core of what the holiday means to them. At the top of the list are simple ideas: family, the Christmas tree, and tradition. Cookies and Advent wreaths remain cherished staples. More than half of all respondents say that spending time with loved ones is the most important part of…

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For many people in Vienna, St. Nicholas Day is still an emotionally important custom in the run-up to Christmas. A survey conducted by KMU Forschung Austria for the Vienna Chamber of Commerce shows that 61 percent want to celebrate December 6 with family or friends. For 46 percent, filling bags and eating together are an integral part of the St. Nicholas tradition. Baking cookies also remains popular, at 20 percent. 17 percent say that someone dresses up as St. Nicholas and visits children. St. Nicholas is an essential source of…

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The new month brings further price increases. Currently, hardly a month goes by without a new price shock. In July, for example, fees for passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses were drastically increased as part of the current austerity program. This was followed in August by a price increase for the Klimaticket. In December, beer drinkers will be asked to pay up. A total of 18 beer brands and over 100 types of beer from Brau Union will become more expensive on December 1. Gösser, Zipfer, and others will cost…

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Anyone buying a digital vignette online needs to pay attention to the small details. Not only must all the data be correct, but where you buy it is also essential. The annual vignette for 2026 can be purchased from December 1. Drivers should act in a timely manner and not be naive. The digital vignette has several advantages: no sticking on the new vignette or scraping off the old one, no hassle if the windshield breaks, and it covers up to three vehicles with interchangeable license plates. In addition, there…

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