The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) is facing a comprehensive austerity program. As part of a reform process, around 200 jobs are to be cut. This corresponds to a quarter of the workforce. At the same time, the business representation aims to reduce its expenses and lower the chamber levies in the long term.

As stated in a release from the WKÖ on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the budget estimate for 2027 was presented to the finance committee. Despite the austerity measures, the Economic Chamber expects a balanced result for the coming year.

The reform course is particularly evident in personnel. The WKÖ plans to reduce its workforce by around 25 percent. Overall, the job cuts affect about 200 positions.

According to the chamber, ongoing personnel costs are expected to decrease due to the reduction in staff. The 2027 budget also includes financial provisions for a social plan and statutory severance payments.

The planned personnel expenses amount to 157.1 million euros. An additional 155.8 million euros are earmarked for material expenses.

In addition to income from chamber levies, the WKÖ expects goods and service revenues amounting to 21.3 million euros.

A further 32.9 million euros are expected to come from other operating income. This includes, in particular, grants and subsidies for co-financed projects.

After taxes and an allocation to reserves for financing necessary investments and renovations, the budget is expected to close balanced.

The reforms are expected to have a long-term impact on member businesses. The WKÖ and the nine regional chambers plan to reduce the chamber levies by a total of 100 million euros starting in 2030.

For this purpose, Chamber Levy 2 is to be gradually reduced in the years 2028 and 2029. At the same time, administrative structures are to be streamlined and material expenses reduced.

WKÖ Vice President and Finance Officer Wolfgang Hesoun stated: „We want a modern, efficient chamber of commerce that focuses on its core tasks and sustainably relieves its member businesses.“

The budget draft is thus in line with the reform process initiated by WKÖ President Martha Schultz.

The Chamber of Commerce had already announced savings for the current year 2026. Originally, a budget deficit of 4.2 million euros had been projected.

Through savings of the same amount, a balanced result is also to be achieved for 2026.

With the budget draft for 2027 and the announced changes to the chamber levies, the WKÖ continues its austerity course.

(APA/Red)

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