Intensify further efforts to address extremist and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours through preventive and repressive measures
Proponent:
On 1 February 2022, Section 4(3a)(2) of the Ordinance of the Federal Minister of Justice of 16 June 1986 on the Implementation of the Public Prosecutor’s Office Act (DV-StAG) was amended in order to enshrine in law the establishment of special competences for terrorist criminal cases in public prosecutor’s offices with more than ten systematised posts (see DV-StAG: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/1986/338/A1P4/NOR40241334). At the same time, Section 32 (5) of the Court Organisation Act (GOG) created the legal obligation to also introduce special jurisdiction for criminal terrorism cases at the regional courts. With the entry into force of the Counter-Terrorism Act (TeBG, Federal Law Gazette I No. 159/2021) on 1 September 2021 and 1 January 2022, additional measures were taken to combat terrorism (see: TeBG, Federal Law Gazette I No. 159/2021: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2021_I_159/BGBLA_2021_I_159.html). The law contains comprehensive provisions that enable the authorities to take more effective action against terrorist and anti-state offences, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Criminal Records Act also introduced a separate labelling of such crimes (see MVAG, BGBI. I No. 223/2022: https://ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2022_I_223/BGBLA_2022_I_223.). The Coordination Unit for the Prevention of Extremism and Deradicalisation in Prisons aims to gain information and insights through closer cooperation with prisons, courts, public prosecutors‘ offices and authorities. It deals with risk assessments, the monitoring of external contacts, the definition of training and further education programmes, the implementation of inter-agency case discussions and the monitoring of measures and structures in the prison system. The target group is offenders convicted under the Prohibition Act or for terrorist offences or international crimes, as well as inmates suspected of radicalisation (see BMJ website: https://www.bmj.gv.at/themen/Strafvollzug/Koordinationsstelle-Extremismuspr%C3%A4vention-und-Deradikalisierung-(KED).html). A national action plan to combat right-wing extremism and prevent extremism and radicalisation may be planned, but has not been implemented. In 2018, an „Austrian Strategy for the Prevention of Extremism and Deradicalisation“ was adopted, which has led to changes in parts (see PDF: https://www.dsn.gv.at/501/files/Praevention/767_Strategie_Extremismuspraevention_und_Deradikalisierung_publikation_210x297mm_DE_WEB_20190115.pdf). In general, it should be noted that comprehensive measures have been taken in this area. However, there is concern that the strong emphasis on combating extremism in security policy practice does not jeopardise other fundamental rights and freedoms. It should be noted that in recent years, the responsible members of government have repeatedly gone to great lengths to advertise specific large-scale actions against extremism (e.g. the media-famous Aktion Luxor), while in many of these cases the measures and investigations actually carried out did not stand up to subsequent judicial review for the most part.
As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government has set itself the goal of countering extremism with targeted measures and strengthening social resilience (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).The website of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) presents current developments and measures in the area of „Preventing extremism and deradicalisation in Austria“ (see website: here). The focus is on the implementation of the „Austrian Action Plan for the Prevention of Extremism and Deradicalisation“, which was published in July 2023 (see NAP: https://www.dsn.gv.at/216/files/BNED_NAP_Deutsch_web_bf_20240527.pdf). The DSN emphasises the importance of coordinated cooperation between state authorities, educational institutions and civil society organisations in order to effectively counter extremist tendencies.
An important aspect of current efforts is to raise awareness among the population and provide preventative educational programmes. The DSN also provides various resources and information to better educate professionals and the general public about the risks and signs of extremism. The aim is to increase security in Austria and counter extremist influences through early intervention and targeted deradicalisation programmes;
There are currently clear challenges in the prevention of extremism in Austria. The Extremism Advice Centre points out existing gaps, particularly in the accessibility and availability of prevention services for young people. There is a lack of sufficiently specialised contact points and long-term projects that address the diverse needs of different target groups. In addition, the „RE:WORK – Preventing extremism in schools“ project was launched to provide schools with more support in their prevention work. The project aims to train teachers and pupils in dealing with extremist tendencies and provide them with tools for effective prevention.
As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government has set itself the goal of countering extremism with targeted measures and strengthening social resilience (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html). One of the current priorities in the fight against terrorism in Austria is the need for basic research. In November 2021, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer emphasised the importance of a deep understanding of radicalisation processes and the ideological motives behind terrorism for the development of effective prevention strategies. The research should help to improve targeted measures to prevent terrorist attacks and combat extremist networks.
In addition, the 5th Prevention Summit on Extremism and Terrorism was held in March 2024. The summit serves as a platform for the exchange of best practices and the development of new concepts for preventing extremism and terrorism.
Overall, these developments show that a comprehensive understanding and continuous exchange are essential elements for optimising security strategies in Austria and taking effective action against terrorism and extremism.
As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the federal government has set itself the goal of countering extremism with targeted measures and strengthening social resilience (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).In April 2021, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution reported an increasing threat from right-wing extremism in Austria. The 2021 constitutional protection report emphasises that right-wing extremist groups and individuals are increasingly spreading violent and extremist ideologies, particularly through their presence on the internet. These actors often use conspiracy theories and pseudo-scientific arguments to spread their messages (see the 2021 Report on the Protection of the Constitution, page 20ff: https://www.dsn.gv.at/501/files/VSB/VSB_2021_bf_012023.pdf). In addition, a parliamentary question was submitted in June 2021, which emphasised the need to combat right-wing extremism in Austria more effectively. The answers to this enquiry made it clear that, in addition to monitoring and criminal prosecution, preventative measures are also essential. These include increased education and awareness-raising initiatives as well as closer cooperation between security authorities and civil society organisations in order to curb the spread of right-wing extremist ideologies at an early stage and reduce their influence on society (see Action Plan against Right-Wing Extremism 2021: <a href=https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXVII/A/1656< https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXVII/A/1656).
As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the Federal Government has set itself the goal of countering extremism with targeted measures and strengthening social resilience (see Government Plan 2025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html).The problems in the school environment were particularly emphasised, where preventative work against racism is urgently needed. Several measures are proposed to prevent discrimination in Austria, based on the current findings of the ZARA Racism Report 2023. These include educational initiatives to promote awareness and sensitivity to discrimination, as well as the strengthening and consistent implementation of anti-discrimination laws. Public campaigns should support tolerance and diversity, while counselling centres and support services help those affected. These approaches aim to create a more inclusive and non-discriminatory society. Further details can be found in the full report (see Zara Report 2023: https://assets.zara.or.at/media/rassismusreport/ZARA_RassismusReport_2023_DE.pdf ). The ZARA Racism Report 2023 emphasises the need for strict measures to prevent discrimination in Austria. This includes the consistent application and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to ensure that offences are effectively punished. In addition, specialised counselling centres and support services should be easily accessible for those affected. Law enforcement agencies must be sensitised and trained to recognise and combat discrimination in order to ensure an appropriate response to racist incidents. These measures help to promote a discrimination-free society. Organisations such as SOS Mitmensch and the Ombud for Equal Treatment are also calling for improved legislation and stronger prosecution to prevent discrimination. They emphasise the importance of monitoring and reporting in order to measure progress and identify gaps.
