Austria passes 2027‑28 national budget with corporate tax hike and green consumer rules

During the longest Nationalrat session since 1993 (6‑10 July), Austrian parliament approved the double‑year budget for 2027 and 2028. The plan allocates roughly €257 billion, with pension benefits rising 2.95 % in 2027 and a 3.3 % supplement, higher social‑security contributions for earners above €6,930, and an extension of the banking levy until 2029.

Key fiscal changes include raising the profit tax on corporations earning over €1 million from 23 % to 24 % and freezing party funding. The legislation also introduces consumer‑protection measures such as a green‑washing ban – sustainable claims may be used only with verified evidence – and a right‑to‑repair requirement for electronics and appliances. Infrastructure provisions target a network of electric‑fuel stations every 25 km on highways by 2031.

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer warned that “inflation remains high and people suffer from price increases,” while opposition parties criticized the austerity focus and called for different spending priorities. Coalition members defended the consolidation course, aiming to exit the deficit procedure and return to a balanced budget.