Austria tightens laws against spying to protect the international organizations it hosts

A broader espionage law

The government presented draft legislation on Wednesday to expand Austria’s rules against espionage. Current law explicitly covers spying against Austria, but not activity targeting other countries or international organizations.

The proposal would make espionage against international organizations or the EU a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison. The maximum sentence for espionage to Austria’s detriment would rise from five years to 10, Meinl-Reisinger said.

The changes still need parliamentary approval. A similar proposal was announced by the justice minister in the previous government in 2024, but that administration did not reach agreement before the election that year.

Vienna’s international role

Meinl-Reisinger said espionage threatens Austria’s security and its standing as a place for dialogue. Vienna is an official location for the U.N. and more than 40 international organizations, she noted.

She also acknowledged Vienna’s reputation as a “capital of espionage,” which she said dates to the Cold War. Meinl-Reisinger said she wanted to move away from any “romantic idea” of spying.

Existing criminal provisions

Austria’s criminal code currently sets a prison term of up to five years for establishing or operating a secret intelligence service to Austria’s detriment, or supporting one. The code also prohibits establishing, operating or supporting a military intelligence service for a foreign power. The proposed legislation would add protections for international organizations and the EU.