Bonuses from Austria are causing problems again, this time in neighboring Bavaria. Craftsmen are angry about the bonus of the same name because the subsidy to private individuals in Austria violates the aid ban. According to the accusation, only companies based in Austria receive the money.
The Chamber of Crafts Munich and Upper Bavaria has therefore filed a complaint with the European Commission: “We see this as a hidden discrimination against our members and a preference for Austrian companies, as customers with this knowledge are more likely to choose a craftsman from Austria,” Chamber director Frank Hüpers argued on Friday. “That is why we have filed an official complaint with the European Commission for violating the European ban on state aid.”
The number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher
The Chamber did not provide an exact number of affected companies. “There are the first cases in which craft businesses from Upper Bavaria and Lower Bavaria are specifically affected. This is also the reason why we have taken action. So far the number is manageable. However, the number of unreported cases will probably be much higher, because not all our professionals find out why they ultimately did not receive the order from Austria,” says Hüpers.
A total of 300 million euros is available for the local bonus this year and next year. With the craft bonus, private households receive financing for activities in the field of housing and living. Up to a coverage ratio of 2,000 euros, 20 percent of labor costs can be reimbursed this year – and only 1,500 euros in 2025 – per person and home address. According to the ministry, only one application (possibly with multiple invoices) can be submitted per person per calendar year.
The financing amount is approximately 800 euros
The aim of the campaign is, on the one hand, to strengthen the ailing construction sector and on the other hand to create an incentive for obtaining trade services. According to the latest information from the federal government, the average financing amount was approximately 800 euros.
This incident is also part of a series of recent allegations surrounding the repair bonus. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating several companies that allegedly provided false information about the EU-funded ‘repair bonus’ in order to steal around 3.5 million euros. In a major raid in Austria at the end of November involving more than 230 police officers, 37 properties were searched, 15 suspects were arrested and seven others were questioned.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
