A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Villach knife attacker found fit to stand trial

The 23-year-old man accused of a fatal knife attack in Villach has been declared competent to stand trial, according to a psychiatric report commissioned by the Klagenfurt public prosecutor’s office, as reported by ORF. 

The Syrian national is alleged to have killed a 14-year-old and injured five others in an indiscriminate stabbing on 15 February.

An earlier report confirmed the suspect was not under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. He remains silent on the charges and is being investigated for murder and attempted murder as a terrorist offence. While all victims have been discharged from the hospital, one 15-year-old is expected to face long-term physical consequences.

Austria to strengthen health care for people with disabilities

Austria is taking steps to improve health care access for people with disabilities, following broad parliamentary support for a motion introduced by the Green Party.

Social Affairs and Health Minister Korinna Schumann welcomed the resolution. They referenced Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees equal access to health care.

According to the Health Ministry, the government will collaborate with stakeholders to implement the resolution swiftly. Two key initiatives are already underway: a project by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH focused on care optimisation and expanded disability and participation statistics gathered by Statistics Austria to guide future policies.

Storks return to ÖBB mast as nesting season begins

For the third consecutive year, a pair of storks has returned to a specially adapted ÖBB mast in Perg, Upper Austria, to nest and breed. The rail operator confirmed that the birds remained in Austria over winter and are already beginning their early breeding season, thanks to ideal nesting conditions and mild weather, according to ÖBB.

To protect the storks and maintain uninterrupted rail operations, ÖBB built a platform atop the mast that offers a secure base for nesting and safeguards surrounding equipment. The initiative is part of ÖBB’s broader commitment to combining nature conservation with critical infrastructure projects.

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14-year-old remains in custody over alleged Westbahnhof terror plot

The Regional Court in Vienna has extended the pre-trial detention of a 14-year-old boy accused of planning a terrorist attack at Vienna’s Westbahnhof, reported Die Presse.

Authorities say the teen is a supporter of the Islamic State (IS) and was preparing to carry out an attack using knives.

During a raid on February 10th, police discovered drawings of the U6 station, propaganda material, and weapons. The teen has confessed to taking steps in preparation for an attack. Despite his family’s liberal background, the court continues to see a risk of further offences.

Spusu cuts back after investment-driven losses in 2024

Mobile operator Spusu will significantly reduce its advertising and sponsorship budget in 2025 after reporting a planned loss for 2024, said founder Franz Pichler in an interview with Kurier. 

Despite growing its Austrian customer base by 100,000 and increasing revenue to €80 million, the company spent heavily on marketing and expansion into Italy, the UK, and Switzerland.

Pichler dismissed rumours of financial trouble, emphasising the group’s €140 million revenue and recent buyout of a revenue-sharing investor. While sponsorships will be scaled back, Spusu remains active in sports partnerships and continues e-bike leasing operations with companies like Lieferando.

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Austria’s oldest firefighter honoured at age 101

Peter Riedl, who joined the Wetzelsdorf volunteer fire brigade in 1940 at age 16, was honoured on his 101st birthday in Graz Castle for an extraordinary 85 years of service, reported Kurier.

Riedl, a retired farmer from southeast Styria, remains actively involved in senior firefighter duties and still holds the title of honorary administrator. Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ) presented him with a special medal and certificate – an award that had to be created just for this occasion.

Vienna man arrested after allegedly locking up wife and children

Police in Vienna-Brigittenau arrested a 26-year-old Dutch man on Tuesday for allegedly threatening to shoot his wife and locking her and their two children in their flat, according to Kurier. 

The man fled the scene but was later apprehended by special forces with a loaded alarm pistol in his vehicle.

He remains in police custody. Authorities issued a restraining order and weapons ban, and suspected the man was driving under the influence of drugs, prompting the seizure of his licence.

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