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A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Tougher integration plans from Austria’s minister, new data shows three quarters of immigrants feel connected to Austria, prosecutors move to lift Kickl’s immunity—and more stories from Austria on Friday.

Plakolm doubles down on headscarf ban and welfare cuts in integration push

Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) announced plans to introduce a headscarf ban for girls under 14 and stricter welfare conditions tied to work, language, and integration efforts, Der Standard reported. 

In an interview, Plakolm criticised Vienna’s social policies, saying they made the city a “magnet for migrants.” Plakolm also said she plans to legislate “integration from day one” this autumn, requiring newcomers to take language courses, attend values cl***es and enter the workforce or face sanctions. 

She argued that Austria’s welfare system has been “too generous,” claiming 78 percent of Syrians in Vienna live on social benefits.

Three quarters of immigrants say they feel connected to Austria

A new Statistics Austria survey found that 75 percent of immigrants feel they belong to Austria, Der Standard reported. 

Among Syrians, the figure was even higher at 83.6 percent. The report also found that 71 percent of immigrant women and 74 percent of immigrant men aged 15 to 64 are employed. 

Despite the positive data, Minister Plakolm highlighted what she called a “discrepancy” between perception and performance, insisting that integration must be backed up by work, language acquisition and “Western values.”

Prosecutors move to lift FPÖ leader Kickl’s immunity after insult complaint

The Vienna public prosecutor’s office has requested the lifting of FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl’s parliamentary immunity, ORF reported. 

The move stems from a criminal complaint by Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) after Kickl called him a “left-wing tick” during a May Day speech in Linz. The FPÖ denounced the move as political, with Secretary General Christian Hafenecker saying it shows Babler’s “thin skin” despite his own use of harsh rhetoric.

Police cancel basic training courses in five federal states amid cost cuts

The Interior Ministry has announced that police basic training courses will be cancelled from September in Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria and Burgenland, ORF reported. 

The ministry says police staffing is at an “all-time high” after recent recruitment drives. However, police unions warn the cuts will reduce patrol presence and affect rural communities. The Social Democratic police union says retirements are outpacing recruitment in some areas.

Traffic jams expected as Austria prepares for peak holiday travel

Holiday traffic is set to intensify this weekend with the start of school breaks in parts of Germany and the Netherlands, ORF reported. 

Congestion is expected on key routes such as the Tauernautobahn (A10), Inntalautobahn (A12) and Brennerautobahn (A13), particularly at toll stations and tunnel areas. 

At the same time, Austria is set for a return to summer weather. Temperatures will reach 31C on Saturday and up to 33C on Sunday, though thunderstorms are likely in mountain regions.

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Part-time reintegration scheme proves successful for long-term employment

Austria’s part-time reintegration model has helped 75 percent of participants stay in work five years after using the scheme, ORF reported. 

Since its launch in 2017, over 28,000 people have used the programme to gradually return to work after serious illness. Mental illness was the most common reason for using the scheme, followed by musculoskeletal disorders and cancer. Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) called the project a “success story.”

Vienna to launch hydrogen-electric hybrid buses in city centre

Wiener Linien will introduce ten new hydrogen-electric hybrid buses on routes 2A and 3A from September, Die Presse reported. 

The Italian-made Rampini Hydron buses use hydrogen fuel cells to recharge their batteries during trips, eliminating the need for overhead charging. The €12 million project is part-funded by the EU and the Austrian Infrastructure Ministry. The hydrogen will be produced in Vienna using renewable energy.

Lake Neusiedl tourism sparks debate over sustainability and development

Local officials, tourism representatives and residents gathered in Weiden am See to debate the future of tourism and water management at Lake Neusiedl, Kurier reported. 

Speakers agreed the lake is central to Burgenland’s economy but warned of environmental risks. Provincial Councillor Heinrich Dorner (SPÖ) said a long-term strategy is needed, including better reed management and water retention projects. Tourism officials called for more cross-border cooperation and sustainable development to protect the lake for future generations.

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Innsbruck and Vienna compete to host Eurovision 2026

Innsbruck and Vienna are the two final candidates to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, Kurier reported. 

Innsbruck city council approved its funding offer behind closed doors, reportedly pledging €19.5 million alongside tourism and business partners. The ORF is expected to announce the winning host city in late August. Vienna last hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 after Conchita Wurst’s victory.

If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at news@thelocal.at or leave a comment below.

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