Austria’s Women’s Ministry Secures Record Budget for 2027/28

Austria’s women’s ministry, led by Minister Eva‑Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ), announced a historic budget for the 2027/28 double‑year plan. The allocation reaches €55.3 million (plus €21.2 million) and is guaranteed through 2031, marking a more than 60 % increase and the highest level ever for the department.

The extra funds will expand counselling services for women and girls, with over €10 million dedicated to new service centres and minimum opening hours, and allocate €9 million to the Equal Treatment Attorney and Commission, now merged under a single budget line. Additional spending includes €1.75 million for violence‑protection centres, €150 000 for the StOP (Neighbourhoods Without Partner Violence) project, and €1.75 million for new violence‑ambulance locations, including western Austria. An EU directive will also be implemented, and a comprehensive women’s report is slated for 2028 to provide a solid data base for future measures.

Green Party spokeswoman Meri Disoski criticised the plan, calling it “beautification” and unfair because women will still bear a significant share of broader budget consolidations, arguing that cuts to family benefits, education leave and low‑income support will disproportionately affect women.