Austria has banned German eco-activist Anja Windl from staying in the country for two years, deeming her activist activities a threat to national security.
The editorial team has obtained a decision from the Austrian Migration Service (BFA), stating that Windl is prohibited from residing in Austria for two years due to a “real, present, and significant threat to public order and safety.” She was ordered to leave the country within a month.
28-year-old Windl, originally from Bavaria, has lived in Austria since 2017, when she moved there as a student. She participated in the “Fridays for Future” protests, initiated by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and later in protests organized by the Austrian branch of the “Last Generation” initiative, which is known for actions like blocking roads. During these protests, Windl frequently glued herself to the asphalt.
Along with other activists, she has become the subject of an investigation by the Vienna Prosecutor’s Office, suspected of “creating a criminal organization.” No charges have yet been filed against her.
The Austrian Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution now believes that the activist is prepared for “more serious violations of the law,” including actions that could pose a threat to third parties—due to her statements that objectives can be achieved through actions against critical infrastructure.
The office believes that Windl posed a threat from the first time she participated in climate activist actions. She is also accused of radicalism due to her sharp criticism of Austrian right-wing groups.
The possibility of deporting Windl was allegedly considered as early as spring 2023, but the matter was put on hold after the dissolution of the Austrian “Last Generation” group. She also served a few weeks in prison in 2024-2025 for refusing to pay a fine. The Migration Service cites this as an argument that disciplinary measures cannot influence the activist’s behavior.
The deportation decision also noted that Windl allegedly did not have proper registration for permanent residence in Austria and that her studies were not her primary purpose for staying in the country.
The activist’s lawyer stated that he was shocked by the decision, as there has been no judicial ruling in any criminal case against his client.
In response to journalists’ inquiries, Austria’s Ministry of the Interior stated that it could not comment on individual cases due to data protection requirements but assured that “in each individual case, a very thorough and objective examination of the facts takes place.”
