Latest Austria government News
An avalanche in the Austrian Alps kills 3 people from the Netherlands
BERLIN (AP) — An avalanche near the Austrian ski resort of Soelden on Thursday killed three people from the Netherlands who were on a skiing and hiking trip, authorities said. Another person was rescued and taken to a hospital. Police said a group of 17 people from the Netherlands,...
An espionage scandal rocks Austria, laying bare alleged Russian spying operations across Europe
VIENNA (AP) — Austria faces its biggest espionage scandal in decades as the arrest of a former intelligence officer brings to light evidence of extensive Russian infiltration, lax official oversight and behavior worthy of a spy novel. Egisto Ott was arrested March 29. The 86-page...
Austria likely to be largely ice-free within 45 years as glaciers recede quickly, experts say
VIENNA (AP) — Austrian glaciers receded last year at a rapid pace and the Alpine country is likely to be largely ice-free in 40 to 45 years as the process continues, experts said Friday. The Austrian Alpine Club said that, of the 93 glaciers its volunteers measured and observed,...
Ecuador declares Mexican ambassador persona non grata and says she will leave 'shortly'
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador on Thursday declared Mexico's ambassador to Quito persona non grata due to recent statements made by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and said she will be leaving the country “shortly.” López Obrador's remarks were about the 2023...
Austrian minister aims to tighten espionage law to ban spying against international organizations
BERLIN (AP) — Austria's justice minister said Thursday that she plans to tighten the country's rules on espionage, which currently is explicitly banned if directed against Austria itself but not if it targets other countries or international organizations. Justice Minister Alma...
Chancellor says Austria needs to deter Russian infiltration after allegations of spying emerge
VIENNA (AP) — The arrest in recent days of a former Austrian intelligence officer on serious allegations of spying for Russia suggests that Austria needs to boost its security to thwart Russian infiltration, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said Monday. The allegations against...
Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. After years of negotiations to join the Schengen area, there is now free access for...
Today in History: March 31, Ferdinand and Isabella expel Jews from Spain
Today in History Today is Sunday, March 31, the 91st day of 2024. There are 275 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On March 31, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain issued an edict expelling Jews from Spanish soil, except...
In Vienna, 2 portraits of Alexei Navalny are painted near a monument to Soviet soldiers
VIENNA (AP) — Two large portraits of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny have been spray-painted on a property owned by the family of a former Czech foreign minister behind a monument to Soviet soldiers in Vienna. The portraits were completed Wednesday on the wall...
Austrian police given small gifts after protecting Russian Embassy, told to reject them in future
BERLIN (AP) — Austrian police officers who provided security around the Russian Embassy on the day of that country's presidential election were given small presents as they left, Vienna police said Tuesday. Police were told to reject such gifts in the future. Receiving the gifts...
