A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Racism report: Number of reported cases rises again

The number of reported racist incidents in Austria increased significantly in 2024, with 1,647 cases documented by the anti-racism counselling centre ZARA, reported ORF. 

This marks a rise of 345 cases compared to the previous year, though experts warn that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher.

Online racism accounted for 61 percent of reported cases, with public spaces also remaining a key area of concern. A quarter of incidents in public involved racist graffiti on buildings and memorials. This year’s report highlighted racial discrimination in healthcare, where migrants often experience misdiagnoses or receive inadequate care due to biases in medical training. ZARA’s director, Rita Isiba, stressed that racism has direct health consequences, contributing to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Austria to contribute to European defence efforts

Austria is exploring ways to participate in new EU-wide defence initiatives while remaining within the framework of its neutrality policy, said Chancellor Christian Stocker ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, reported ORF. 

While Austria will not join military alliances, it is prepared to engage with EU financial mechanisms to strengthen European defence.

The Austrian government aims to increase its defence spending to two percent of GDP by 2032. Stocker also underscored Austria’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and emphasised that Europe should be more decisive in international security discussions. The EU is considering a €150 billion defence fund and new debt exemptions to facilitate military investments among member states.

Braunau revokes honorary citizenships of two Nazi figures

The town of Braunau, known as Adolf Hitler’s birthplace, has revoked the honorary citizenship of two figures with Nazi ties following a historical review commissioned by the city, reported ORF. 

The municipal council voted on Wednesday to strip composer Josef Reiter and former “Gauheimatpfleger” Eduard Kriechbaum of their honorary titles.

Historians classified both individuals as highly incriminated due to their active roles in the Nazi regime. However, no consensus remains on whether streets named after them should also be changed. The FPÖ abstained from voting on Kriechbaum’s revocation, while all other parties supported the decision. The debate over Nazi-linked street names in Braunau remains unresolved.

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AKH senior doctor under investigation after fatal overdose

An 88-year-old cancer patient died at Vienna General Hospital (AKH) after receiving a six-fold overdose of the opioid Vendal, and the attending senior doctor is now under investigation for gross negligence manslaughter, reported Kurier. 

The woman, who was not in pain but suffered from breathing difficulties and kidney problems, was given the powerful painkiller despite objections from nursing staff.

The overdose significantly impaired her breathing, leading to her death the same evening. The senior doctor reportedly overruled initial refusals to administer the drug and personally gave the infusion. Following the incident, he was removed from patient care and is now limited to research and administrative duties while facing disciplinary proceedings.

Tyrol expands wastewater monitoring to include measles detection

Tyrol has added measles surveillance to its wastewater monitoring system to detect outbreaks early, according to the Tirol government. 

Previously used to track COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, the system now also tests for measles. Recent samples have shown an increase in the virus in the Tyrolean lowlands.

Authorities are urging the public to get vaccinated, as measles remains highly contagious and can cause severe complications. Free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations are available for all age groups, and officials emphasise the importance of full immunisation, particularly for people born between 1970 and 2000, who are often under-vaccinated.

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Lower Austrian Medical Association backs private fees for birthmark checks

From April, full-body mole checks in Lower Austria will no longer be covered by health insurance and must be paid for privately, according to a decision by the provincial medical association, reported Der Standard. 

Dermatologists argue that current health insurance reimbursements do not cover routine skin cancer screenings for patients without risk factors.

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) disagrees, stating that mole checks are included in its coverage and should remain available to all insured patients. The dispute follows a similar situation in Styria, where dermatologists have been charging privately for these examinations since last summer. Meanwhile, experts call for nationwide standardisation of skin cancer screening policies.

EU plans for increased defence spending and cooperation

The European Union is moving forward with plans to boost military cooperation, with proposals including a €150 billion fund for joint defence purchases and debt rule exemptions for military spending, reported ORF. 

These initiatives aim to strengthen Europe’s security amid growing global tensions and to enhance military readiness.

The EU’s “ReArm Europe” initiative would collectively allow member states to buy air defence systems, missiles, and cyber defence tools. While Austria remains militarily neutral, the government is considering how to participate in select projects while adhering to its constitutional constraints. The proposals are expected to be debated further at upcoming EU summits.

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