Problematic business models in online games should be examined
Vienna (PK) – The additional earnings limit for income-dependent childcare allowance will rise to €8,100 per year in 2024. A corresponding initiative proposal from the ÖVP and the Greens was submitted National Council approved unanimously. However, regulations were only approved by a majority to extend the entitlement of Ukrainian refugees to childcare allowance or family allowance until March 4, 2025. The Freedom Party, who also demanded a separate vote, did not go along with these points. An SPÖ demand made at the meeting for an extended observation period for the requirement of employment for income-dependent childcare allowance remained in the minority.
Dubious practices in online games such as “in-game purchases” are the subject of a motion for a resolution by the coalition parties, which was approved by a majority and is aimed at examining common business models. An FPÖ motion for a resolution tabled at the meeting for a specific ban on gambling with “loot boxes” or “loot boxes”, which could become a “cost trap” in online games, remained in the minority.
The majority of votes in the plenary session were in favor of an agreement between the federal government and the state of Vienna on the administrative review of the EU project “Interact Office Vienna 2021-2027” by the state of Vienna.
A request for a deadline put forward by the SPÖ at the meeting also aimed to set a deadline of December 15th for the Foreign Policy Committee to consider an SPÖ appeal in support of the call for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East. He remained in the minority in the vote.
Higher additional earnings limit for childcare allowance
By increasing the additional earnings limit while receiving childcare allowance, the coalition wants to ensure that those entitled to benefits can continue to work in part-time employment during their parental leave in 2024. The current limit for income-dependent childcare allowance or flat-rate childcare allowance is to be increased from €7,800 to €8,100 annually. They should come into force Adjustments in the Child Care Benefit Act as of January 1, 2024, since otherwise, due to the valorization of family and social benefits, part-time employment without exceeding the income limit would no longer be possible. The MPs unanimously voted in favor of this measure.
However, the FPÖ refused to extend the entitlement of refugees from Ukraine to childcare allowance and family allowance for another year, until March 4, 2025. Corresponding changes or a Committee motion were introduced in the family committee and approved there by the other four parties. Austria was already providing enormous humanitarian aid to Ukraine, said Rosa Ecker (FPÖ). The aim is to prevent another “cost avalanche” in this regard. Ecker also introduced a motion for a resolution from the FPÖ concerning a veto against the opening of EU accession talks with Ukraine and against new “billion-dollar payments to the Zelenskiy regime”. However, the motion was deemed inadmissible due to a lack of context and was therefore not voted on.
With regard to the increase in the additional earnings limit, Ecker pointed out the special situation that, in relation to the high inflation, the limit would only be increased by 3.8%. In contrast, Maria Großbauer (ÖVP) emphasized that raising the additional earnings limit should make it possible to continue to be part of working life. Like Lukas Brandweiner (ÖVP), she emphasized the “impressive sum” of €4.5 billion in planned investments in child care by 2030. Norbert Sieber (ÖVP) emphasized that the federal government has set itself the task of combating child poverty. This has been declining and at a low level for many years. The resources are being used correctly and family policy in Austria works excellently.
No child likes to be on the run, said Barbara Neßler (Greens) with regard to the refugees from Ukraine. There is the promise of the greatest possible solidarity, so it is only logical that this also includes full access to family allowance. Petra Wimmer (SPÖ) put it out of the question that adjustments to the additional income limit and the extension of entitlements for people from Ukraine are needed. However, like Christian Oxonitsch (SPÖ), she criticized the fact that the decisions would only come so close to the end of the year and that this would create uncertainty. A reform is also required for childcare allowances, said Wimmer. Maximilian Köllner (SPÖ) also criticized hurdles in childcare allowance. Criticism from Michael Bernhard (NEOS) on the subject of childcare allowance related to the fact that a lot of money was spent, but not all families received it. The problems have been addressed for years, but very little has changed.
In contrast, Minister Susanne Raab highlighted the federal government’s reform steps, such as the aforementioned €4.5 billion in funds for child care by 2030. Occasional transport has also been comprehensively reformed and family benefits have been valorised for the first time. Overall, points of criticism had been taken up, she emphasized that families need different, flexible options for their respective situation.
Examination of business practices in online games
A joint motion for a resolution from the ÖVP and the Greens concerns ” In-game purchases ” in online games. These are often offered using dubious practices, criticize the coalition parties. They are therefore calling on the Federal Minister for Consumer Protection to analyze the current business models of gaming providers, to identify problematic practices – especially for the target group of minors, to develop user-appropriate practical tips for children and young people, parents and educators and, if necessary, to show other possible measures after presenting the existing legal framework.
The Minister responsible for consumer protection, Johannes Rauch, emphasized that he viewed the coalition proposal as a work order and that consumer protection was to be taken very seriously. He will look at what measures are being taken at EU level, especially since there is a relevant ruling that “loot boxes” are illegal.
In addition to the ÖVP and the Greens, the NEOS also spoke out in favor of the application. Peter Weidinger (ÖVP) emphasized a holistic approach to consumer protection. Maria Smodics-Neumann (ÖVP), like Barbara Neßler (Greens), emphasized that prevention and information are important for this area. It is also important to introduce legal options for consumer protection. Neßler explained that the loot boxes have an enormous gambling addiction factor and would represent a billion-dollar business for the operators. It’s also about protecting children and young people, said Ulrike Fischer (Greens). In a first step, the data must be collected, she replied to criticism from Christian Drobits (SPÖ) and Christian Ries (FPÖ). Drobits considers the application to be “watered down”; more than just analyzes are needed here. Ries pointed out the FPÖ’s request for a ban on loot boxes. The coalition parties’ proposal was a bit too “unspecific”. Katharina Werner (NEOS), on the other hand, was “glad that at least something is moving”. The focus on prevention is important in order to sensitize children, young people, parents and educators. In their view, a ban must be regulated at the European level.
Administrative review of the Interact Office Vienna 2021-2027 project
A majority finally became one in the National Council Federal-state agreement to transfer the administrative review of the “Interact Office Vienna 2021-2027” project to the State of Vienna. The Interact Office Vienna is part of the processing structures of the EU Interact program. The attributable costs mainly consist of personnel costs for the State of Vienna.
The Interact Office Vienna is responsible for supporting a total of 28 Interreg programs (ERDF and IPA), primarily in Central and Southeastern Europe. Particular attention should be paid to increasing the efficiency in the implementation of these cooperation programs, to identifying their results and visibility, and to applying innovative and simplified approaches.
Franz Hörl (ÖVP) said that Austria has a great interest in these programs with regard to eight neighboring countries. These have also become a source of inspiration for tourism. Nikolaus Berlakovich (ÖVP) also sees the programs as promoting cross-border cooperation.
Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig pointed out, among other things, the program’s focus on strengthening social cohesion. Elisabeth Feichtinger (SPÖ) referred to the agricultural sector. She spoke out about a planned stimulus program for fair and transparent distribution in the spirit of small-scale agriculture. (End of National Council) mbu
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