German and Austrian business sectors demand rapid bureaucracy reduction

Business organizations in Germany and Austria are calling for urgent reforms to reduce administrative burdens. An EcoAustria study commissioned by State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn indicates that bureaucratic requirements cost approximately €20 billion annually. However, ambitious deregulation could potentially generate an additional €20 billion in annual economic output, with moderate reforms estimated to boost GDP by €6 billion.

The Austrian Trade Association reports that companies currently dedicate 7% of their total personnel capacity solely to administrative tasks, such as forms and documentation, rather than innovation or customer service. Key issues identified include long approval processes and redundant inspections.

In Germany, the Bonner Wirtschafts-Akademie (BWA) has welcomed government efforts to reduce the number of mandated officers. Currently, over 70 different types of specialized officers are prescribed, which the BWA argues creates a bureaucracy problem rather than a security one. Initial steps include a new federal regulation requiring safety officers only in companies with 50 or more employees.