Commemoration in Vienna: Five years after the terrorist attack on Schwedenplatz

Commemoration in Vienna: Five years after the terrorist attack on Schwedenplatz

Sunday, November 2, 2025, will mark the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack that shook downtown Vienna. The fateful evening of November 2, 2020 at Schwedenplatz ended fatally for four people when a 20-year-old Islamist fired indiscriminately at passers-by. More than 20 other people were injured in this gruesome attack. The attacker was stopped by the police after just nine minutes.

Today, politicians and citizens commemorate the victims and their relatives with a wreath-laying ceremony at Desider-Friedmann-Platz. High-ranking political representatives take part in the memorial event, including Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and former Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP). State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ), National Council member Martina von Künsberg Sarre (NEOS), General Director of Public Security Franz Ruf and State Police President Gerhard Pürstl are also present. Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) cannot take part due to back surgery.

Strengthening security measures

The terrorist attack not only shook up the city of Vienna, but also the whole of Austria and Europe. Numerous measures have since been taken at EU level to prevent similar incidents. The Deputy Executive Director of Europol recently reported on the achievements of the 2021 EU regulation on preventing the spread of terrorist content online. Thanks to a tool developed by Europol, terrorist content can be quickly reported to online service providers.

In the last few months, over 46,400 reports have been submitted of potentially dangerous content that must be reviewed under the providers' guidelines. Already 1,406 removal orders have been sent to Europol by Member States and complied with by online service providers, demonstrating cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

A worrying trend

The year 2023 also showed a worrying trend in the number and frequency of terrorist activities in the EU. Given these circumstances, Remembrance Day in Vienna becomes a reminder of the need for vigilance and continued action against terrorism. The annual act of remembrance is not only an opportunity to honor the victims, but also highlights the challenges facing security authorities today.

The sober reality shows that the fight against terror must continue in order to protect both the memories of the victims and future generations. While the commemoration event takes place in Vienna, other European countries, inspired by these events, must continue to work on security strategies to take drastic measures against terrorism.