Headscarf ban, military reform, school reform, migration and integration, social policy, social media ban for youngsters… Here you can find the latest updates on Austria’s Candy Coalition government.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ). Image: parlament.gv.at

27-3-2026, 22:01:18:

Social media ban for under 14s

After tough negotiations, the federal government announced a breakthrough on friday, march 27: the social media ban for young people under 14 is coming. The core element is the introduction of a mandatory minimum age of 14 for using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. This age limit is aligned with Austria’s threshold for contractual capacity and the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation. The coalition is not planning a ban list for specific platforms and apps —instead, the age restriction will apply generally to platforms with certain characteristics. A draft law is to follow by the end of June.

Complementing this is a school reform

Starting from the 2027/28 school year, the new compulsory subject “Media and Democracy” will be introduced in the upper level of academic secondary schools (AHS) with 2 weekly hours per year, where students learn how media shape public opinion and how disinformation can be recognized. To make room for it, two of the previous twelve Latin hours will be cut —originally it was four.

---

Fuel price brake

With the votes of the ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, and the Greens, the fuel price brake was passed. Greens leader Leonore Gewessler announced her approval only on wednesday, securing the necessary two-thirds majority for the law. The measures are to take effect by april 1, 2026, at the latest, and are limited until december 31, 2026. The goal is to reduce the price of gasoline and diesel by about ten cents per liter —five cents through a temporary reduction in the mineral oil tax, and another five cents through a cap on profit margins in the oil industry.

Easements for stock market listings

On march 26, the National Council passed a new law to facilitate stock market listings. A key point is the reduction of the required minimum free float from 25 to ten percent —the share of shares that can be freely traded. This takes account of the European “Listing Act.”

Reform of the Fiscal Council and new tasks for the Financial Market Authority

A small reform of the Fiscal Council was also unanimously adopted: It will now be evaluated every five years. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) will additionally receive a new task —it will be responsible for supervising rating agencies and will cooperate with the European Securities and Markets Authority.

Measures against violence against women and sidewalk harassment

In a unanimously adopted resolution, measures against female genital mutilation were demanded. The ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS also called for a review of the legal framework to protect pregnant women and clinic staff from so-called “sidewalk harassment” outside abortion clinics.

---

Major asylum package

On march 24, 2026, the Council of Ministers decided on the national implementation of the European Asylum Pact (GEAS), thereby initiating the parliamentary process to tighten asylum law. Specifically, the package includes the following points:

-Asylum procedures are to last a maximum of 3 months in the future, procedures at external borders are to be processed faster, and deportations are to be carried out more consistently.

-It also includes the possibility of longer detention after entry at the airport, reduction of basic services for misconduct, and expansion of detention and movement restrictions.

-Also decided in the Council of Ministers is the introduction of so-called “guardianship from day 1” for unaccompanied minor refugees. This means these children are to receive legal guardianship from the first day.

The package now has to go through the parliamentary process so that it also applies in Austria in time for june 12, when the EU Asylum Pact enters into force across Europe.

---

26-2-2026, 9:17:58:

Law against Shrinkflation

The National Council passed a law to better protect consumers from hidden price increases. Manufacturers will now have to clearly label reduced product quantities so that consumers can immediately see when a product contains less at the same price. The aim is to increase transparency and end the misleading practice known as shrinkflation.

Stability Pact

The new Stability Pact adjusts the financial rules for the federal government, states, and municipalities. From 2029, all public authorities must comply with the EU deficit limit of a maximum of 3%. The pact is intended to improve budgetary discipline, reduce deficits, and align Austrian financial policy more closely with EU requirements.

Ratification of the UN High Seas Protection Agreement

The National Council ratified the UN Agreement on the Protection of the High Seas to fulfill Austria’s obligations in international environmental protection. At the same time, a political resolution was passed calling on the government to oppose the construction of Hungary’s Paks II nuclear power plant. A motion to withdraw from the Energy Charter did not gain a majority.

By Okay Altinisik