Vienna pushes in Brussels for an end to the “Austria surcharge”
Brussels (APA) – The EU Council for Competition will meet next week in Brussels: First, on Monday, the ministers responsible for the internal market and industry will come together – including Austria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer from the conservative ÖVP. According to the Council agenda, Hattmannsdorfer will advocate for an end to territorial supply restrictions, which lead to the so-called “Austria surcharge” in the Alpine Republic.
Certain branded products cost 15 to 20 percent more in Austria than in Germany. From Vienna’s perspective, the price differences are attributed to the aforementioned territorial supply restrictions imposed by international branded goods companies. The European Commission also views such restrictions as one of the ten biggest obstacles to the internal market. According to a study, these restrictions result in additional costs of 14 billion euros annually for EU consumers. Austria has therefore requested the presidency to discuss this issue.
To make the internal market more efficient, the Commission has also presented its own strategy. The focus of the debate on Monday will be the question of how to create a genuine digital and data-driven internal market. To make Europe more competitive, the Commission aims to soften and reduce countless laws and regulations with its “Omnibus packages.” This includes, for example, a postponement of the supply chain law or simplified environmental requirements and controls for farmers. (26.09.2025)
