The Industrial Association of Lower Austria (IV NÖ) held its 2024 Ordinary General Meeting in the state parliament in St. Pölten on Tuesday. The focus of the event was the urgent need for structural reforms in Austria and the strategic realignment of the European Union in the face of global challenges, especially against the background of the outcome of the US election.
In his speech, IV-NÖ President Kari Ochsner emphasized the importance of an independent, self-confident Europe and drew a comparison with the USA. “With around 447 million inhabitants, the EU remains one of the largest economic areas in the world and is particularly strong in the production of high-quality, specialized products and innovative technologies,” said Ochsner. “We have niche players that set global standards. In areas such as the luxury automobile industry, the research-intensive pharmaceutical industry and the area of sustainable, low-CO2 technologies, we are global leaders and can not only keep up with the USA, but also set our own course.” Europe must build on these strengths and ensure its long-term competitiveness: “The result of the US presidential election is the final wake-up call and mandate for Europe to finally advance its industrial, foreign and defense policy independently.”
Urgent reforms for Austria as a production location
In addition to the Europe-wide issues, Ochsner called for a clear realignment of Austrian industrial policy. “There is no need for further reforms to ward off leftist fantasies, but rather a real restructuring of the location’s conditions,” he emphasized. “Austria is currently at the bottom of the league in Europe – we are carrying the red lantern. The industrial location must finally be made future-proof again. To do this, we need a government capable of acting quickly that puts Austria as a production location at the top of the agenda.” Specifically, this involves reducing labor and energy costs, creating incentives for willingness to perform and specifically promoting investments. Another key point is pension reform: “Anyone who can calculate knows that the current pension system can no longer be financed. Continuing as before is grossly negligent towards our children and future generations.”
Pragmatic path for a sustainable future
Climate protection remains a central issue for IV NÖ – with a realistic approach. “Europe needs a Green Deal that is on par with an Industrial Deal,” said Ochsner. “The previous US government has shown how it works: billions are flowing into the green tech industry, jobs are being created and the economy is growing. If Europe and Austria don’t keep up here, we’re out.” At the same time, he emphasized that climate protection must be socially acceptable: “Our planet needs protection and we have to make our contribution. But this path must not threaten our social security. If livelihoods are at risk, no one will concentrate on climate protection.” Ochsner also referred to the USA’s impending withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: “That is precisely why it is now up to the EU to take responsibility and continue to invest in future-proof technologies.”
80,000 jobs and 1/3 of the added value in Lower Austria depend on the industry
Jochen Danninger, VPNÖ club chairman and representative of state governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, emphasized: “Lower Austria is an industrial country and we are proud of that. The industry is extremely important to us as it is the driver of innovation and a major investor in the country. Together with her employees, she makes a very important contribution to the prosperity of Lower Austria. A third of our added value and 80,000 jobs in the country depend directly on the blue and yellow industrial companies. But one thing is also clear: we are undoubtedly experiencing the most challenging times for our economy in a long time. That’s why we need the right answers now. We will continue to defend ourselves with all our might against ideas that will cost us even more competitiveness in an international comparison. I am convinced that there is no need for new property taxes or daydreaming about working hours. Instead, we now need enough courage to ensure economic growth again – get rid of excessive requirements and regulations.”
In addition to the programmatic priorities and the election of the board of IV-NÖ for the next four years, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Markus Hengstschläger with his keynote “Shaping the future with the ability to find solutions” this year’s full event. In his lecture, he spoke about the importance of innovative approaches and solution orientation for shaping the future and motivated the audience to keep moving and to actively work on overcoming complex challenges.