Austria toughening law on spying to address 'den of spies' image

VIENNA: The Austrian government announced on Wednesday plans to broaden the legal definition of spying and elevate the maximum punishment for it, aiming to eradicate the city's longstanding notoriety as a hub for espionage in the wake of recent diplomatic expulsions. As a major diplomatic center since the post-World War Two era, Vienna is home to numerous international organizations like the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and UN agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency.

This status enables the stationing of intelligence agents under diplomatic immunity. Russian diplomats expelled from Austria and their missions at the UN and OSCE have contributed to Vienna's espionage reputation. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger hinted at a campaign to "clean up and put an end" to this, unveiling a bill for parliament review.

Presently, Austrian law criminalizes spying against Austria with a maximum five-year sentence. The bill seeks to extend this to include espionage against international bodies, with a potential five-year sentence. Diplomatic immunity should not shield spying activities, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized, noting Austria's shift in stance following the expulsion of four Russian diplomats in October for actions incompatible with their diplomatic status. Austria has now expelled 18 Russian diplomats since 2020, all citing spying as the grounds.