On 16 November 2025, the Pew Research Center projected that Europe’s Muslim population will continue to rise significantly by 2050, estimating it could reach between 11.2% and 14% under various migration scenarios. In Austria specifically, where Muslims accounted for 6.9% of the population in 2016, the share could grow to 10.6% due to factors such as higher fertility rates and a substantially younger median age within the community.
Against this demographic backdrop, this report compiles 15 incidents recorded between February 2015 and November 2025 that illustrate the growing public debate and, in some quarters, anxiety over what is seen as the “Islamisation” of Austria.
#1 Pew Study Projects Muslim Population May Reach 19.9% in Austria by 2050 – November 2025
A Pew Research Center study projected Europe’s Muslim population may rise to 11.2% under medium migration or 14% under high migration by 2050. Austria stands out: its Muslim population, 6.9% in 2016, could grow to 10.6% (medium) or 19.9% (high migration). Analysts attribute this jump to higher fertility rates, a younger median age, and continued migration patterns. These increases are driven by higher fertility rates and a younger median age among Muslims compared to non-Muslims in Europe.
#2 Vienna Court Allows Sharia-Based Arbitration in Civil Case – August 2025
The Vienna Regional Court upheld a private Sharia-based arbitration agreement between two consenting Muslim men, ruling that it did not violate Austrian public order. The verdict triggered national debate, with critics warning of a “parallel legal system” emerging in Austria. Supporters argued that private arbitration is allowed as long as public law is not breached.
#3 Muslim Students Form Majority in Vienna Primary School – April 2025
New education data revealed that 41.2% of Vienna’s elementary school students are Muslim, surpassing Christian students at 34.5%. Policymakers expressed concern about integration challenges, rising language-learning deficits, and academic performance gaps. Critics framed the shift as evidence of “cultural displacement,” while others blamed decades of inadequate integration policies.
#4 Syrian Asylum Seeker Kills Teen in Stabbing Rampage – February 2025
A 14-year-old Austrian boy was killed and five others injured after a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker carried out a knife attack in Villach. Police later found an ISIS flag in his home, confirming extremist motivation. Victims included two 15-year-olds and three adults aged 28 to 36, three of whom remained in intensive care.
#5 ISIS Sympathiser Plots Suicide Bombing at Taylor Swift Concert – August 2024
A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser was arrested for planning a suicide bombing at Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts. Authorities seized chemical agents, explosives, knives, and ISIS propaganda from his home. A second suspect, aged 17, who worked for a company servicing the stadium, was also detained. Police described the case as involving “concrete preparatory acts,” prompting heightened security around major events.
#6 Afghan Migrants Riot in Vienna Supermarket, Injuring Shoppers – July 2024
Three Afghan migrants (aged 22, 23, and 25) rioted inside a supermarket in Vienna’s Meidling district on July 4, 2024, violently overturning shelves, throwing produce, and attacking customers. A 36-year-old man and his 47-year-old partner were assaulted, pelted with fruits and vegetables, and later hospitalised with a concussion, cuts, and bruises. Staff repeatedly attempted to calm the attackers. Police arrived shortly after being alerted and charged the men with bodily harm and property damage; the 23-year-old, reportedly intoxicated, was temporarily arrested for aggressive behavior.
#7 Teen Arrested for Planning Islamist Attack on Vienna Synagogue – December 2023
Police arrested a 16-year-old of Turkish origin who was plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on a Vienna synagogue. Investigators discovered bomb-making instructions, weapons, ammunition, and ISIS videos. Authorities said the teen intended to procure firearms and targeted the Jewish community.
#8 Migrant Interrupts Cathedral Mass, Threatens to “Slit Throats” – November 2023
A Muslim migrant disrupted Sunday mass at a Vienna cathedral, jumping over the altar barrier and threatening to “slit throats” while brandishing a screwdriver. Security personnel intervened before any injury occurred.
#9 Study Finds Vienna Mosques Promoting Separatism – March 2023
Austrian Integration Fund research reported that many Vienna mosques promoted Islamic separatism, rejected Western democratic norms, and maintained ties with foreign governments and Islamist networks. Only a minority encouraged integration. Critics argued that Austria’s 2015 Islam Law reforms had failed to prevent foreign ideological influence.
#10 Austria Closes Mosque Linked to Vienna Terrorist – November 2020
Following the Vienna terror attack, authorities closed two mosques after discovering the attacker had visited them regularly. Investigators said both sites contributed to radicalisation and failed to meet legal oversight standards.
#11 ISIS-Inspired Gunman Kills Four in Vienna Attack – November 2020
Kujtim Fejzulai, a 20-year-old ISIS supporter previously jailed for attempting to join ISIS, carried out a deadly shooting and stabbing spree in central Vienna. He killed four civilians before being shot by police. Authorities later detained 14 associates in nationwide raids. The attack marked Austria’s worst terrorist incident in decades.
#12 Christmas Market Bombing Plot Foiled by Authorities – December 2019
Three ISIS-inspired men were arrested for planning to bomb Vienna’s Christmas market. The mastermind was already imprisoned for two prior attempts to join ISIS yet continued coordinating via an illicit cellphone. Authorities later said the group also discussed attacks in other European cities.
#13 Driver Shouts “Allahu Akbar” During Vienna Car-Ramming Attempt – September 2016
A 21-year-old man, Ibrahim C., drove into a pedestrian area while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” attempting to run over civilians. Police subdued and arrested him after he resisted violently. Prosecutors treated the case as a potential terrorist act, sparking debate over radicalisation within migrant communities.
#14 Austrian Teen Who Joined ISIS Beaten to Death in Syria – November 2015
Seventeen-year-old Samra Kesinovic, who left Vienna in 2014 with her friend Sabina Selimovic to join ISIS, was reportedly beaten to death while trying to flee the terror group’s territory. Kesinovic had previously attempted to contact family to return home. Her friend Sabina is believed to be still missing.
#15 Austria Passes Law Banning Foreign Funding for Muslim Groups – February 2015
Austria enacted a landmark Islam Law banning foreign funding of Islamic groups, requiring imams to speak German, and standardising Qur’an translations. The law aimed to build a uniquely “European Islam.” Muslim organisations criticised the law as discriminatory, while Turkey called it an attack on religious freedom. The legislation remains foundational to Austria’s efforts to regulate Islam.
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