German Interior Minister Insists on Prolonged Border Checks With Austria Despite Court Setbacks
Chemical Spill Shuts Down Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Diverts International Rail Traffic
EU Visa Working Party Convenes to Finalise New Risk-Based Waiver Assessment—Austria Among Active Supporters
Latest News
Austria Expels Three Russian Diplomats Over Suspected Antenna-Based Spying
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats after an investigation found sophisticated antenna arrays on embassy buildings were being used to intercept satellite traffic from Vienna-based international organisations. The decision marks Vienna’s toughest stance yet on Russian espionage and could prompt reciprocal measures that disrupt consular and visa services. Companies should prepare for potential delays in Russian visa issuance and monitor pending Austrian legislation that will tighten rules on diplomatic surveillance equipment.
Tyrolean Communities Back 30 May Brenner Pass Highway Blockade to Protest Transit Traffic
Residents of Tyrol’s Wipptal valley will close the Brenner motorway and parallel roads for eight hours on 30 May to protest soaring truck traffic. The approved demonstration threatens significant delays on one of Europe’s busiest north-south routes, and companies are already assessing rail or Swiss detours for time-critical shipments.
Power Outage Halts Key Vienna Tram Lines, Complicating Airport and Commuter Links
A sub-station power cut stopped five tram services in Vienna on 4 May, delaying airport-bound passengers and conference delegates for up to 30 minutes. Services have been restored, but businesses should note planned overnight works later this year to modernise the traction power grid.
EU grants ‘built-in flexibility’ to new Entry/Exit System after airports from Vienna to Paris report long queues
On 2 May the European Commission activated a clause allowing border officers to suspend biometric capture under the new Entry/Exit System when queues become excessive. The relief is expected to ease bottlenecks at Vienna-Schwechat and other hubs ahead of the spring travel surge, but industry groups say more investment and passenger education are still needed. Corporate mobility teams should keep longer connection buffers and monitor airport-specific implementation rules.
Drones, sniper teams and a robot-dog: Austria unveils high-tech security plan for Eurovision Song Contest week
Austria’s police and special-forces unit Cobra have detailed a 250-strong, technology-heavy security operation for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (12–16 May). Measures include counter-drone systems, a bomb-disposal robot-dog, express transport lanes from the airport and dedicated EES channels for accredited visitors. The plan aims to protect spectators while minimising disruption to city traffic and international arrivals, reassuring companies and travellers that mobility will remain fluid during the high-profile event.