Austria's Administrative Court upholds ORF household contribution

The Austrian Administrative Court (VwGH) has dismissed a complaint against the ORF contribution, the household levy introduced in 2024. The court ruled that transitioning from the previous device-based GIS fee to the current device-independent contribution does not violate EU state aid law. It also upheld the legislature's monthly assessment of the fee during the transition period.

This decision reinforces previous rulings by the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). Since the new ORF contribution law took effect on January 1, 2024, there has been a significant surge in legal challenges, with approximately 12,400 proceedings recorded across the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years and the start of the 2026 fiscal year.

The Constitutional Court (VfGH) had previously ruled in 2025 that the contribution is constitutional, rejecting arguments that requiring households to pay the 15.30 Euro monthly fee regardless of content consumption violated the principle of equality. ORF Director General Ingrid Thurnher stated that the decision provides a secure legal foundation for the broadcaster's financing and independence.