Austria debates stronger state oversight of religion classes in schools
Integration Minister Claudia Bauer has called for greater state oversight of denominational religious education in Austrian schools. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr said he was open to discussing stronger oversight but warned that state supervision of the subject itself wouldn’t be simple to implement, according to ORF.
Under the current system, legally recognised churches and religious communities organise, direct and directly supervise religious instruction. Federal school authorities retain organisational and school-disciplinary oversight. Religious communities set curriculum content within the number of weekly hours set by the state.
The coalition programme already provides for religion-independent school supervision and says religious teaching should comply with constitutional and human-rights principles. Bauer linked her proposal to that existing commitment, but she hasn’t yet set out exactly how stronger state oversight would be implemented.
READ ALSO:IN NUMBERS: New figures show the religious makeup of Vienna’s schools
What to know about the SPÖ leadership challenge
Gerhard Zeiler, a former ORF director-general who later held senior roles at RTL and WarnerMedia, said on Friday that he wants to become SPÖ leader. Current party chairman and Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler responded on Saturday that he has no intention of resigning. Der Standard reported that parts of the procedure for forcing an early leadership contest are still being interpreted.
One possible route would require at least 10 percent of SPÖ members to demand a direct election within one calendar quarter. Another would involve the party executive calling an extraordinary party conference.
Zeiler hasn’t presented a complete political programme. It isn’t yet clear which route he would use to trigger a formal leadership contest.
READ ALSO:Austria's SPÖ party announces Babler as leader after vote mix-up
Austria’s new anti-greenwashing rules are now in force
Austria's new rules restricting misleading environmental advertising took effect on September 27th as part of implementing EU anti-greenwashing requirements set out in EU Directive 2024/825.
The updated Unfair Competition Act restricts generic environmental claims unless they are backed by recognised excellent environmental performance, sustainability labels that are not based on a qualifying certification system or established by a public authority, or claims that products are climate-neutral because greenhouse-gas emissions have been offset.
Austria has also introduced a three-year transition provision under which civil claims for breaches of the new UWG rules can be brought only for goods placed on the market after September 27th, 2026. Foodwatch and environmental groups argue that this provision is incompatible with EU law. \
READ ALSO:LISTED: The new laws in Austria in September 2026
Austria changes whooping cough booster recommendations
Austria has changed its adult vaccination recommendations so that adults under 60 should generally receive a pertussis, or whooping cough, booster every 10 years instead of every 5 years, according to ORF.
The shorter 5-year interval was introduced after a sharp rise in infections in 2024. Austria recorded 15,470 pertussis cases that year, compared with 1,913 in 2025. People aged 60 and over continue to have a 5-year booster recommendation.
The 2026/27 vaccination plan also continues to recommend Covid vaccination, particularly for older people and risk groups. A Health Ministry expert told ORF that Austria expects this season's Covid wave to arrive earlier and said now was a good time for eligible people to receive a booster.
READ ALSO:Why are diphtheria and whooping cough cases soaring in Austria?
Worth reading
ORF presenter Ani Gülgün-Mayr has lived in Austria since she was 2 years old but has been unable to naturalise after Vienna's MA 35 initially questioned her proof of German before acknowledging that it had overlooked relevant certificates, and later rejected her application over nine administrative traffic offences. In our interview, she explains why she still wants Austrian citizenship and why she believes the country's naturalisation rules need to change: “If I cannot get Austrian citizenship after 54 years, then who can?”
Members can read the full interview alongside The Local Austria's other in-depth guides, explainers and practical stories about citizenship and life in Austria.
READ ALSO:How traffic offences can cost you your Austrian citizenship
What’s happening in Austria today
Austria's parliament is due to consider the government's expanded fuel-price brake. The Finance Committee meets at 9 am, with a National Council debate and vote scheduled for noon if the committee completes its work. The proposal could cut the mineral oil tax by up to 6.7 cents per litre in October and November. Austria's Parliament says the combined effect of the measures could amount to around 12 cents per litre, but the legislation hasn’t yet completed its parliamentary route.
A new free cross-border bus service starts between Bratislava and northern Burgenland. Line 902 connects Bratislava with Berg, Kittsee, Edelstal and Prellenkirchen every 2 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with free travel during the pilot until December 31st. Domestic journeys between the Austrian stops are also allowed.
In Vienna, the D tram is split into 2 sections from Monday because of track renewal in Althanstraße. It will operate between Nußdorf and Augasse, and between Börse and Absberggasse, until mid-November, with Wiener Linien recommending alternative underground, tram, bus and S-Bahn routes.
Lorry metering is scheduled on the A12 at Kufstein Nord from 5 am. Police will regulate southbound heavy-goods traffic according to conditions.
Monday should be mostly sunny across Austria after some possible local morning fog. Temperatures are forecast to reach between 20C and 27C, and there are currently no official weather warnings. September 28th isn’t a public holiday and there’s no nationwide school holiday.
READ ALSO:How Austria’s bigger fuel-price brake is set to affect drivers from October
Vocabulary
der Religionsunterricht – religious education
der Parteivorsitz – party leadership or chairmanship
der Impfpass – vaccination record
die Mineralölsteuer – mineral oil tax
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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