Austrian companies need an umbrella for energy protection, say the economic provincial councils of Lower Austria, Upper Austria and Styria. They motivated this by saying that the previous energy cost subsidy only benefits certain companies and planning certainty is needed at least until the end of 2023.
“Especially smaller companies, such as grocers, bakers or butchers, which already operated with very manageable margins before the energy crisis, now have their backs against the wall because they are making losses every day due to the increase in energy costs if they only upgrade their cooling system. These entrepreneurs are toying with the idea of closing their business because they have no prospects,” said Jochen Danninger (ÖVP), Markus Achleitner (ÖVP) and Barbara Eibinger-Miedl (ÖVP) in a joint broadcast.
Back in September, you had called for “quick economic assistance from the federal government” to counter the energy crisis. However, so far not a single euro of economic aid has reached the companies. “We must act now. Our economy rightly expects a solution that can compare to Germany’s massive economic aid. So a big shot of an energy-protective shield for business and work is needed before Christmas.
Big difference with Germany
In Austria, the energy cost subsidy would be significantly lower than in the neighboring country and only benefit selected companies. In addition, all entrepreneurs would need planning certainty at least until the end of 2023.
Styria, Upper and Lower Austria together are responsible for every second job and half of the republic’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
