During exploratory talks between the ÖVP and SPÖ, both parties have decided to establish an expert group focused on budget matters. This group is intended to “professionally outline the financial framework conditions for a potential future government,” as stated in a press release on Sunday. The goal is to develop a “shared perspective for further exploratory negotiations.” Experts from the ÖVP, SPÖ, and the Finance Ministry will be advised by additional specialists.

According to the press release, the expert group will “closely collaborate with experts from various institutions, such as the Fiscal Council and economic research institutes.” The aim is to create a “solid and undisputed data foundation” for political decision-making. While the members of this new group have already been selected, they will not be publicly announced, according to the SPÖ. Public appearances by the experts are not planned, as they are expected to provide advisory support in the background.

Further discussions on a potential coalition are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at Vienna’s Palais Epstein. Although an exact time is not yet confirmed, the ÖVP and SPÖ are expected to begin talks around midday on Tuesday. The discussions are anticipated to last several hours, after which a public statement may follow. The SPÖ emphasized that they do not wish to preempt the outcomes of these talks. Additional meetings with the Greens and NEOS are also planned for the coming week.