However, there were no concrete decisions made at the meeting in the Federal Chancellery. According to the party leaders, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), challenges arise mainly due to the international political situation.

Stocker spoke of a "serious plan for the future." The crises of recent years - the Ukraine war, inflation, and the US tariff policy under President Donald Trump - will occupy Austria in this legislative period. Austria must look for new markets and reliable partners, said Meinl-Reisinger. The Chancellor also emphasized that new frameworks are needed to address these changes. A focus on economic sectors with future potential and key technologies, as well as a qualification initiative, is necessary.

Industry Strategy Cannot Be "Pulled Out of a Hat"

The industry strategy will not be ready by Tuesday, Stocker had already emphasized before the retreat: "This is not something that can be pulled out of a hat." The retreat marks a "beginning and not an end" also in terms of energy market reform. Energy prices have exploded, and they should be lower for industry, business, and consumers than in the past. The government wants to reduce network costs, said Stocker. Meinl-Reisinger wants to tackle bureaucratic hurdles and overly long approval processes.

The industry strategy is about a commitment to production in Austria and Europe, where the Alpine republic should also become a pioneer on the continent, said Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) in advance. The politician also reaffirmed that the Renewable Expansion and Electricity Industry Act should be passed before the summer. It is about how network costs can be designed in a new, more flexible way and more strongly according to the polluter pays principle.

Circular Economy Strategy Also Planned

Babler wanted to talk about offensive measures. An active labor market policy is needed to promote employment and strengthen purchasing power, and the social and health system should not be forgotten. He also announced a circular economy strategy. He himself wants to focus on combating inflation in the housing sector.

On Tuesday, the director of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Holger Bonin, and Wifo head Gabriel Felbermayr were also at the table in an advisory capacity. The forecasts are the basis for budgetary planning, emphasized the chancellor.

There was praise for the previous work of the federal government. They want to not only present problems but also solve them, said Babler. Meinl-Reisinger mentioned that initiatives from various departments had already "sprung up" just two weeks into office.

Decisions are expected to be made on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers. There, they want to agree on both the mobile phone ban in schools and orientation classes.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.