A solution to the problem that seniors often find it difficult to obtain a loan has come closer following a decision by the Judiciary Committee. MEPs unanimously voted in favor of amendments to the Real Estate Credit Law that ensure that the elderly and people with a shorter life expectancy in general can take out loans if they have the right assets. After the plenary decision, the regulation could enter into force as early as May 1, 2023. Justice Minister Alma Zadić spoke of a milestone because it represents an important step towards greater self-determination and eliminates discriminatory regulation.
With a unanimous decision, the Judiciary Committee also initiated an amendment to the Penal Code in the area of ”terrorist crimes”. Above all, it is clear that a prison sentence of between six months and five years can be imposed for all intentional threats with “terrorist fitness”. Austria is therefore reacting to a warning letter from the EU Commission, which called for proper implementation of the Terrorism Directive.
An amendment to the General Civil Code, unanimously approved, stipulates that objects found with a low value (less than 100 euros) will become the property of the finder after six months instead of after one year. The goal is to significantly reduce the storage space of found objects and save money. The reduced retention period shall apply from May 1, 2023 for all items reported to lost and found authorities after this date.
Opposition motions were systematically postponed. However, coalition factions pointed out that the justice department was already working on extensive proposed amendments in the areas of suspects’ rights, juvenile prison system and business law.