Austria's Terrorism Threat: Is The Country Safe?

Terrorism is a threat to national security and democratic values, and Austria has not been exempt from this danger. While there were no terrorist attacks in Austria in 2022, the country remains vigilant against the threat of terrorism, particularly in the wake of the 2020 Vienna terrorist attack. Austrian authorities work closely with international partners and have implemented robust counter-terrorism measures, including monitoring returning foreign fighters and strengthening legislation to prevent and punish terrorist acts. Despite these efforts, the threat of terrorism persists, and Austrian officials must remain alert to safeguard the country against potential attacks.

Austria's anti-terrorism legislation

Austria has been taking active measures to combat terrorism and enhance safety. In 2022, the country passed new anti-terrorism legislation to impose tougher penalties on repeat offenders. This legislation grants courts the authority to sentence individuals to up to an additional 10 years in a high-security prison if they are convicted of a second terrorism offence after serving at least 12 months for the first conviction. Austrian authorities closely monitor individuals returning from conflict zones, and the government estimates that about 100 Austrian Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) remain in these zones.

Austria's anti-terrorism efforts also include investigating individuals suspected of promoting REMVE and those connected to organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. The country has implemented UN Security Council resolutions on counterterrorism and criminalised "travel for terrorism purposes", with prison sentences ranging from six months to five years. Border security remains a key focus, with temporary checks in place since 2016, and border authorities are authorised to prevent minors from leaving the country if they are suspected of intending to engage in foreign fighting activities.

In response to a 2020 terrorist attack in Vienna, the Austrian government proposed a new "Anti-Terrorism Act", aiming to address "religious-motivated extremism". This draft law has raised concerns about its potential impact on freedom of religion, expression, and association. The European Centre for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) warned that the draft law, particularly its use of the concept of "religious-motivated extremism", may not align with international and European human rights standards.

Austria's legislative package to enhance public security includes electronic surveillance for individuals considered potentially radicalised, even if they have not committed any illegal acts. The package also addresses the spread of "political Islam", with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz stating that those found guilty will face incarceration until they are de-radicalised. Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler emphasised that these measures target all forms of extremism, including neo-Nazis.

Terrorist incidents in Austria

Austria has experienced several terrorist incidents in recent years, with the most recent occurring in 2024. Here is a summary of some notable terrorist incidents in Austria:

• 2024 Vienna Terrorism Plot: While specific details about this plot are not readily available, it was likely a planned terrorist attack that was foiled or prevented.
• 2020 Vienna Terrorist Attack: On November 2, 2020, a 20-year-old Austrian of North Macedonian origin carried out a deadly attack in downtown Vienna. The attacker, who had previously tried to travel to Syria to join ISIS, shot and killed four people and seriously injured 23 others. The gunman was killed by the police, who also made 15 arrests and conducted 18 house searches in the aftermath. Six suspected accomplices were charged and stood trial from October 2021 to the end of that year.
• Palestinian Terrorist Incidents: There have been several Palestinian-related terrorist incidents in Austria, though specific details about these events are not provided in the sources.
• Assassination of Karl von Stürgkh: This incident, while not providing specific details, likely refers to the assassination of the Austrian Minister-President, Karl von Stürgkh, in 1916. While the context and motivations behind this act are unclear, it is categorized as a terrorist incident.
• Vienna Temple Attack: Information about this attack is limited, but it likely refers to a violent incident targeting a religious temple or place of worship in Vienna.

While the above-mentioned incidents vary in scope and impact, they underscore the potential threat of terrorism in Austria. Austrian authorities and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and have implemented measures to counter terrorism and enhance security.

Border security and counter-terrorism

Austria has implemented several measures to strengthen its border security and counter-terrorism efforts. Here are some key aspects:

Border Security Measures:

• Temporary border checks: Austria introduced temporary border checks with its Schengen Zone neighbor countries in 2016, which remain in place with Hungary and Slovenia. These checks are aimed at countering irregular migration.
• Biographic and biometric screening: Border security officials employ biographic and biometric screening at ports of entry to identify potential security risks.
• Preventing minors from foreign fighting: Austrian regulations allow border authorities to prevent minors from leaving the country if there is a suspicion that they intend to participate in foreign fighting activities, such as joining terrorist organizations.
• Information sharing: Austria actively shares information with other EU member states to enhance border security. This includes cooperation within the Schengen Zone and through the Visa Waiver Program with the United States.
• Rigorous asylum and citizenship processes: Austria has rigorous procedures to register, screen, and analyze asylum seekers' devices and backgrounds before granting asylum, lawful residence, or citizenship.

Counter-Terrorism Initiatives:

• Counter-terrorism legislation: Austria passed new counter-terrorism laws, including stricter penalties for those convicted of terrorism offenses, especially for repeat offenders.
• Monitoring returning individuals: Austrian authorities monitor individuals who have returned from conflict zones, as they may pose a security risk. This includes surveillance and investigations.
• Countering violent extremism: Austria has a national action plan to prevent and counter violent extremism, which includes improved networking among law enforcement and civil society institutions, exit programs for radicalized individuals, and educational initiatives.
• Countering the financing of terrorism: As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Austria contributes to developing international standards to counter terrorist financing. Austria also actively combats money laundering.
• International cooperation: Austria recognizes the importance of international cooperation in countering cross-border terrorism. It actively participates in organizations such as the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the Global Coalition against Daesh, and various EU and UN initiatives.

Countering violent extremism

Austria has implemented a range of measures to counter violent extremism and promote deradicalization. Here is a detailed overview:

National Action Plan on "Extremism Prevention and Deradicalization"

Austria's national strategy emphasizes improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society institutions. This includes extending exit programs for individuals radicalized to violence and providing better "transition management" by disconnecting terrorism convicts from their terrorist communities. The plan also calls for increased civics and democracy education in schools, as well as research on violent extremist and antidemocratic movements.

Counternarratives and Information Campaigns

Austria aims to counter myths that promote radicalization to violence through information campaigns. This includes disseminating counternarratives via the Documentation Center of Political Islam, established in 2020. The Ministry of European and International Affairs cooperates with the Islamic faith community to conduct information campaigns on countering violent extremism in mosques, Islamic organizations, community centers, and prisons.

Surveillance and Security Measures

Austria has increased surveillance and security measures, particularly around Jewish institutions and objects worthy of protection. This includes boosting personnel resources for the Austrian Armed Forces to enhance protection.

Legal Framework and Law Enforcement

Austria passed new anti-terrorism legislation to impose tougher criminal penalties on those convicted of terrorism offenses, including imprisonment of up to 10 additional years in high-security prisons for repeat offenders. The country's legal framework criminalizes "travel for terrorism purposes" and ensures legal counsel for terror victims. Austria's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism plays a crucial role in counterterrorism efforts.

International and Regional Cooperation

Austria actively participates in international and regional organizations with a focus on counterterrorism, such as the Central European Initiative and the Western Balkans Counterterrorism Initiative. The country engages in biennial consultations with Türkiye on police cooperation and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Additionally, Austria is a member of the Global Coalition against Daesh and contributes to working groups focused on foreign terrorist fighters and stabilization.

Addressing Far-Right Extremism

Austria has experienced a rise in far-right extremism, with a 30% spike in 2023. The country has taken measures to counter this trend, including closing far-right extremist mosques and expelling imams associated with radical ideologies.

Countering Terrorist Financing

Austria is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and its Financial Intelligence Unit is part of the Egmont Group. The country has a strong legal and institutional framework for combating terrorist financing, and it actively participates in international efforts to freeze terrorist assets and prevent the exploitation of non-governmental organizations.

International cooperation

Austria has been actively involved in international cooperation to combat terrorism, recognizing that cross-border terrorism requires collaboration between states and international organizations. The country is committed to implementing UN Security Council resolutions on counterterrorism and is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, contributing to the African Focus Group and working groups on Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Stabilization. Additionally, Austria has provided significant humanitarian assistance and stabilization funding for Defeat-ISIS initiatives.

Austria's law enforcement and judicial authorities work closely with their counterparts in the United States, engaging in joint investigations and enforcement operations. This cooperation extends to information sharing and border screening through the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Austrian authorities also monitor individuals who have returned from conflict zones and prevent minors from leaving the country if they are suspected of participating in foreign fighting activities.

As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Austria plays a significant role in developing international standards to counter the financing of terrorism. The country's Financial Intelligence Unit is part of the Egmont Group, contributing to global efforts in this area. Austria also participates in Eurojust's EU-wide register, which facilitates information exchange on ongoing terrorism investigations among EU member states.

In addition to its international commitments, Austria has taken a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism at home. The country has passed legislation to address terrorism, such as imposing tougher criminal penalties for repeat terrorism offenses and criminalizing "travel for terrorism purposes." Austrian authorities have also been investigating and prosecuting individuals associated with extremist groups, including ISIS sympathizers and those promoting racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism.

Austria has demonstrated its dedication to countering violent extremism through its national action plan, which emphasizes improved networking among law enforcement agencies and civil society institutions, exit programs for radicalized individuals, and enhanced civics education in schools. The country also hosts forums, such as the Vienna Forum on Countering Segregation and Extremism, to address these issues.

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