The week of April 7-11, 2025, promises to be a significant period in the Austrian Parliament, featuring a range of activities and discussions that reflect pressing social issues and legislative developments. This parliamentary session coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Oberwart bombing, prompting the observance of International Roma Day on April 8 as a day of remembrance.

During this week, the Federal Council will consider recent decisions made by the National Council, including amendments to the ORF and National Fund laws. The theme for a parliamentary inquiry, hosted by Federal Council President Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler, will be "Growing Together - Building Bridges Across Generations."

Monday, April 7, 2025

The 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, until April 9, focusing on social development and justice. Austrian delegates attending include Peter Wurm (FPÖ), Michael Hammer (ÖVP), Pia Maria Wieninger (SPÖ), and Elisabeth Götze (Greens).

At 8:30 AM, the Main Committee is set to convene to discuss a regulation from the Interior Minister regarding the closure of several border crossings to Slovakia and Hungary, necessitated by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in those countries.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

At 4:00 PM, the Parliament will observe International Roma Day as a commemorative event marking the 30th anniversary of the Oberwart bombing, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four Roma individuals in February 1995. This event will feature speeches from National Council President Walter Rosenkranz and Emmerich Gärtner-Horvath, Chairman of the Roma Advisory Council. Psychotraumatologist Brigitte Lueger-Schuster will deliver a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion addressing the resurgence of anti-Roma sentiments and the legacy of Oberwart.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

The parliamentary inquiry on "Growing Together - Building Bridges Across Generations" will commence at 9:00 AM, featuring a keynote from Franz Kolland of the University of Vienna on aging and intergenerational solidarity. The inquiry will include three expert panels focused on pension transitions, prevention strategies, and care services. The event will be broadcast live on ORF III and the Parliament's media library.

At 2:00 PM, the Committee for Labor and Social Affairs will hold discussions with Social and Labor Minister Korinna Schumann, followed by a dialogue involving the Disability Advocate Christine Steger regarding the recent report from the Disability Ombudsman. The FPÖ will propose a resolution advocating for substantial reforms in caregiving, while the Greens will present initiatives aimed at the swift implementation of EU directives for platform labor and improved job access for asylum seekers trained in caregiving.

Additionally, at 3:00 PM, the EU Committee of the Federal Council will review the White Paper on European Defense, titled "Readiness 2030," and will discuss a proposal related to gas storage for securing supplies ahead of the winter season.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

The Federal Council will commence its session at 9:00 AM with a current hour featuring the Federal Minister for Europe, Integration, and Family, Claudia Plakolm. Following this, the Council will address recent legislative measures from the National Council, including amendments to the ORF law, the National Fund Act, modernization of the border treaty with Liechtenstein, and the continuation of the CEEPUS higher education exchange program.

At 9:30 AM, the Education Committee will engage in a current discussion with the new Federal Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, focusing on the latest report from the National Student Council and the National Education Report. The FPÖ will introduce a resolution advocating for a "German Before School Entry" initiative, while the Greens will propose an immediate action plan to combat the education crisis and enhance early childhood education quality.

Furthermore, at 1:30 PM, the Audit Committee will review its recent activity report and the 2024 income report, while the Environment Committee will discuss several reports related to greenhouse gas emissions and human pollutant exposure, with the Greens advocating for a ban on the destruction of new products and enhanced soil protection measures.

Friday, April 11, 2025

At 10:30 AM, the Presidential Conference will outline the agenda for the upcoming National Council session. For further information, please refer to the "TOP in National Council" announcements from the Parliament's correspondence office.

Media representatives are encouraged to register in advance for filming and photography at these events via medienservice@parlament.gv.at.

For updates, follow the Austrian Parliament's official communication channels or subscribe to the free email service for parliamentary news.