Austria’s judiciary is urging the next government to address critical staff shortages in the courts, warning that around 200 additional positions for judges are needed across the country.

The Association of Austrian Judges and the Union of Judges and Prosecutors released a position paper detailing their concerns.

For example, more than 20 judge roles at the Federal Fiscal Court (BFG) have remained vacant for years. Political disagreements within the outgoing government also led to delays in appointing a president for the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG), with the process dragging on for over a year.

Judiciary representatives are also calling for greater independence from political influence, insisting that Austria needs to “stand by the rule of law.” They argue that, if the government continues to delay filling judicial and leadership posts, there should be a legal remedy available.

Financial support is another pressing issue. The judiciary warns that current pay levels are making it difficult to attract and retain talent. Salaries for judges, they say, are no longer competitive with other legal professions, with some judges even earning less than prosecutors. “If Austria’s justice system is to remain robust, salaries must reflect that reality,” the paper argues. The judiciary is also calling for severance packages, part-time working models, and the option for sabbaticals.

In addition to staffing and pay, Austria’s judges are calling for modernisation efforts, including refurbishments for ageing court buildings.

As Austria forms its new government, judicial leaders are hoping these demands will be prioritised to ensure the resilience and independence of the country’s justice system.