Chamber of Commerce President Peter Nemeth criticizes the state government’s economic course. He and EU parliamentarian Christian Sagartz see great opportunities for the future of the Burgenland economy in the new European budget.
BURGENLAND. The country has developed very well in recent years – not least due to EU funding. At the moment, however, the economic engine is stuttering, according to WK President Peter Nemeth.
“Little impetus from the state government”
Nemeth sees the reason for this in the state government’s economic policy, which provides “little to no impetus”. “In order to be able to manage a location successfully, three strategic fields of action are essentially of great importance for the next few years: digitization, infrastructure and the job market,” says the WK President.
“Economically hostile” signals
However, Burgenland is headed in a different direction. “Instead of networking, borders are set up and economic models are developed that have nothing to do with a free market economy. We are actually going into a planned economy and as a lobby group we find that a hindrance, ”says Nemeth, who expects planning security and reliability from politics. Nemeth describes the signals that are exposed by the country – namely “to undermine a collective agreement with a statutory minimum wage” – as anti-business.
Digitization and climate protection
MEP Christian Sagartz sees the European Union’s multiannual financial framework, which will soon be decided, as a great opportunity for the economy in Burgenland. With the 750 billion euro development program against the effects of the Corona crisis, the focus is on digitization and climate protection.
Promote broadband and fiber optic connections directly
Especially in the area of broadband internet, Sagartz sees a need to catch up in Burgenland. “One fifth of the businesses in Burgenland are very dissatisfied with the existing internet connection – especially in the districts of Güssing and Jennersdorf,” said Sagartz. In addition to the ÖVP’s already known proposal to set up a state-owned fiber optic company, the EU parliamentarian calls on the state to support entrepreneurs with a direct funding program in the field of broadband and fiber optic connections.
Focus on photovoltaics
Sagartz also calls for a realignment of the funding programs in the area of climate protection. “Now it’s time to rely on photovoltaics.” The EU MP is disappointed with the state government’s previous initiatives: “Since the state’s budget decision, I haven’t heard a single report about how to collect the money from Brussels in the future.”
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