The Austrian Federal Government is refining public procurement rules to bolster the domestic economy. Economic Affairs Minister announced a new guideline, set for 2026, to prioritize Austro-European value creation in public spending.
Austria's public sector spends 67 billion euros annually, with one quarter involving technical-strategic purchases. The 'Made in Europe' initiative aims to use this spending as an industrial policy tool, potentially mandating domestic or European participation.
While the ÖGB demands that subsidies be linked to job security, the Federation of Austrian Industries warns against protectionism. The government plans to advocate for EU-wide rules that benefit small businesses while maintaining vital global market access.