Parliamentary Week Scheduled for April 28 to May 2, 2025

From April 28 to May 2, 2025, significant events are set to unfold in the Austrian Parliament. During this week, the prestigious Concordia Awards will be presented, honoring exceptional journalistic contributions that uphold the principles of press and information freedom, human rights, and democracy.

On Monday, April 28, the Second President of the National Council, Peter Haubner, will embark on an official visit to Rome, Italy. His agenda includes a meeting with Giorgio Mulè, the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies.

The highlight of the week occurs on Tuesday, April 29, at 5:00 PM, when the Concordia Award for Press Freedom will be awarded to Barbara Tóth, a journalist from 'Falter', for her investigative piece titled 'Am Beispiel Alexandra Föderl-Schmid'. In addition, the award in the category of Human Rights will be presented to freelance journalists Johannes Greß and Christof Mackinger for their research article, 'Donau-Kreuzfahrten: Ausbeutung inmitten von Luxus und Flussromantik', published in 'Der Standard'. The Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement will be bestowed upon Armin Thurnher, the publisher, journalist, and author of 'Falter'.

The ceremony will be inaugurated by Doris Bures, the Third President of the National Council, with opening remarks delivered by Andreas Koller, President of the Press Club Concordia. Heide Schmidt, the former Third President of the National Council and chair of the jury, will provide an explanation of the jury's decisions.

Laudations will be given by Naz Küçüktekin, a freelance journalist, in the category of Human Rights; Maria Windhager, a media lawyer, in the category of Press Freedom; and Franz Schuh, a writer and essayist, for the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Concordia Awards 2025 ceremony will be available for live streaming and can also be accessed as video-on-demand through the Parliament's media library.

Media representatives are invited to register for the event: Concordia Awards Registration.

For the latest updates on parliamentary events, please refer to the Parliament's online calendar. Media representatives are requested to register in advance for any film and photo coverage by contacting medienservice@parlament.gv.at.

Follow the official communication channels of the Austrian Parliament or sign up for a free email subscription of parliamentary correspondence to stay informed.