IMD Report: Austria Ranks 26th for Competitiveness
Austria ranks 26th of 69 in IMD’s 2025 Competitiveness Report—strong in infrastructure but weak in economic development and government efficiency.
WKÖ Warns of 10–13% Toll Hike in 2026
Austria’s transport industry battles falling demand and 27.5 % cost surge; WKÖ warns of a 10–13 % toll increase in 2026 and urges L17 truck-license reform.
OeNB Sees End of Recession, Forecasts 0.2 % GDP Growth for 2025
OeNB now expects 0.2 % GDP growth in 2025, ending the recession; moderate growth continues despite tariff risks and budget deficits.
IV President’s Call for Retirement at 70 Triggers Nationwide Backlash
Knill’s call to raise Austria’s retirement age to 70 draws fierce opposition from pensioners, unions, FPÖ, and Greens.
Amazon Claims 40% of Austria’s Online Sales
Amazon dominates with 40 % of Austria’s €10.5 billion e-commerce sales; Temu and Shein earn €550 million.
Austrian Club of Dollar Millionaires Shrinks
Austria’s dollar millionaires fall to 162,300 as global count rises to 23.4 million, driven by strong stock markets.
Repair Bonus Paused as €130 Million Budget Runs Dry
Austria’s repair bonus scheme is paused after exhausting its €130 million budget; existing vouchers remain valid and the program will resume later this year.
ÖGB Chief Katzian Warns Lower Earners Suffer
Trade union leader Katzian calls the budget a balanced three-party compromise but warns lower incomes are hurt.
Austria Urges EU Unity Against Trump’s 50% Tariff Threat
Austria’s economy minister and industry federation call for a united EU response to Trump’s threat of 50% tariffs on EU goods starting June 1.
Foreign Investments in Austria Jump 31%, But Jobs Flat
Foreign investment projects in Austria rose 31% to 105 in 2024, led by Germany, Switzerland, and the US, though job creation remained flat, EY reports.