Growth instead of bureaucracy: Entrepreneurs demand clear rules in Austria!

Growth instead of bureaucracy: Entrepreneurs demand clear rules in Austria!

The pressure on domestic companies is growing: According to a current survey, 59 % of Austrian companies and even 72 % of small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) feel burdened by increased bureaucracy. The business council is alerted, because this additional effort is in direct contradiction to competitiveness that is essential for many companies. The ORF Salzburg reports of an overwhelming majority of 88 % of companies that demand less bureaucracy in order to be successful in the domestic economy.

The European level also interferes. The European Commission recommended Austria to June 2025 to reduce administrative effort, especially for SMEs. This measure is intended to avert a dark development: too much bureaucracy could cost many companies to survive.

Bureaucracy reduction as the key to competitiveness

The Austria Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) goes on the offensive with clear demands. Their goal is to bring companies out of the bureaucracy and to give them more scope for maneuver. The principle "less is more" should become a leitmotif. Laws should only be issued if this is actually necessary. "Every euro that is saved for information obligations increases the GDP by 1.62 euros," says a study by Ecoaustria.

In addition, the so-called "Once only" principle must be implemented, which provides that corporate data only have to be reported to the administration once. Overfilling of EU guidelines, known as "Gold Plating", are also under discussion, since they can have domestic over-regulation and can significantly damage competitiveness. The WKÖ also calls for a review of existing legal provisions to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Realignment of the administrative law

Another important point is the principle of "advising instead of punishments", which is to be implemented in administrative law. "Disproportionate punishments have to be avoided," emphasizes the WKÖ, calling for a defusing of the cumulation principle in administrative criminal law. The path to a more effective and fairer economic climate also leads to a realignment in dealing with regulations.

The need for these reforms becomes clearer every day, but the question remains: To what extent will political decision -makers be ready to take the corresponding steps? A reduction in bureaucracy could not only benefit companies, but also strengthen the entire economy in Austria - time that something happens!