Austria takes steps to enhance its Counter-Terrorism Capabilities

After thwarting terrorist attacks inspired by the Daesh terrorist group, Austria has announced that it will undertake significant enhancements to its counter-terrorism capabilities.

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Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated in a press release reported by (Reuters) yesterday that, following the thwarting of an attempt last week to target a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, he will propose measures to bolster Austria’s ability to combat terrorism.

He added in a post on the social media platform (X) that he will introduce a package of measures to strengthen “decisive action against terrorist activities,” including a link to a media report about his plans to enhance the capabilities of local intelligence agencies.

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The report attached by Nehammer outlined four key points, including granting security agencies the ability to monitor communication via messaging apps, a measure currently not permitted in Austria. Nehammer, a conservative seeking re-election next month, stated that Austria needs to give intelligence agencies more powers to decrypt messages.

Six days ago, Austrian authorities revealed a “terrorist plot” targeting Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna, leading to the cancellation of three scheduled shows. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that the attempt was thwarted thanks to extensive security cooperation. The organizing company confirmed the cancellation of the shows and the refunding of tickets to the public.