Austria News Round-Up: Latest Updates

August 21, 2024 News

Here's the latest news from Austria for Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Austria Toughens Integration Requirements for Newcomers

Austria is tightening integration requirements for newcomers in an effort to improve social cohesion and reduce cultural tensions. The new measures include mandatory German language courses, civic orientation classes, and a requirement to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.

The government argues that these measures are necessary to ensure that newcomers successfully integrate into Austrian society and contribute to the country's economic and social development.

Austrian Communist Party Secures Place on National Ballot

The Austrian Communist Party (KPÖ) has secured a place on the national ballot for the upcoming parliamentary elections. This is the first time in over a decade that the KPÖ will be able to contest national elections.

The KPÖ's success in gaining a place on the ballot is seen as a sign of growing dissatisfaction with the current government and its policies.

Vienna Adds Kindergarten Staff to Shortage List

The city of Vienna has added kindergarten staff to its acute shortage list. This means that childcare centers will be able to hire staff from outside the EU without having to obtain a work permit.

The shortage of kindergarten staff is a major problem in Vienna, as it is in many other parts of Austria. The government is working to address the issue, but it is expected to take some time to resolve.

Rapper RAF Camora to Go on Trial

Rapper RAF Camora is set to go on trial in Vienna on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. The charges stem from an investigation that began in 2020.

Camora is one of the most successful rappers in Austria, but his career has been marred by controversy. He has been previously convicted of drug offenses and has been linked to organized crime.

3G Rules Dropped in Hospitals

The 3G rules (vaccinated, recovered, or tested) have been dropped in hospitals in Austria. This means that visitors and patients will no longer need to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test to enter hospitals.

The government has made this decision in response to the declining number of COVID-19 cases in Austria. The 3G rules will still be in place in other settings, such as nursing homes and retirement homes.

More News from Austria

• The Austrian National Bank has raised its interest rates by 0.5%, the largest increase in over a decade.
• The Austrian government has announced a new €1 billion package to support businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Austrian Red Cross is sending a team of volunteers to help with relief efforts in flood-stricken Pakistan.