AUSTRIA: A 4 km extension of Wien metro line U2 from Schottenring to Praterstern, Messegelände and the Ernst-Happel stadium was opened in May 10, a month before the city hosts the first match of the 2008 UEFA European football championship.

The extension more than doubles the 3·5 km route to a total of 7·5 km, adding five stops. Over 90 000 people live in the catchment area of the extension, which provides access to the Messe Wien exhibition centre and the future site of the city's University of Economics & Business Administration.

Work is underway to extend U2 a further 5 km to Aspernstraße by 2010, serving SMZ Ost hospital and Stadlau. A 4·5 km final phase will take the line to the site of the former Aspern airport; this is due to be completed by 2013.