Austrian Federal Economic Chamber

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, WKÖ) plays a vital role in representing the interests of businesses in Austria. As a public-law corporation it serves as a powerful intermediary between enterprises, the different organisations linked to the Austrian government and other groups, providing a wide range of services that support economic development and ensure fair conditions for all market participants.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, together with the nine Regional Chambers, represent the interests of more than 580,000 member companies:

• Efficient and independent representation of interests for our members vis-à-vis politicians, administration and the public

• We represent the common interests of our members with one single voice.

• We promote entrepreneurial values and are committed to supporting business.

• We put our knowledge to use to actively promote the competitiveness of our members – in Austria, at a European level and globally – and in doing so make a decisive contribution to the future of Austria.

• Strengthening of the export sector

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber operates under a dual structure, where staff and elected business representatives collaborate closely. This approach effectively merges theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The representatives contribute practical insights, helping the Chamber to address real-world challenges and to develop practical solutions. Their operational experience is very important in order to clarify the economic implications of proposed measures and integrate this understanding into the policymaking process.

The representatives are elected for a period of five years, in order to ensure regular renewal. Serving as a representative is mainly an honorary role, allowing individuals to focus independently on the needs of their business while remaining aligned with the interests of Chamber members.

Bundesgremium des Elektro- und Einrichtungsfachhandels

Robert Pfarrwaller and Bianca Dvorak

As the specialist association for Trade with Electrical/Electronical Goods, Home and Office Furnishing within the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber we represent the interests of approximately 14.000 member companies. The dual system is also applied here. Robert Pfarrwaller, CEO of REXEL Central Europe Holding, has been elected as chairman of our association. As an entrepreneur, he identifies pressing topics and coordinates actions and initiatives together with the committee’s Managing Director and Legal Advisor, Bianca Dvorak. Together with her team, she ensures that all necessary steps are taken. The office also monitors legal developments and new initiatives. In collaboration with Robert Pfarrwaller and other experts, we evaluate the impact on businesses and issue corresponding statements.

In order to effectively address the diverse needs of the various groups we represent (e.g. wholesalers for Electrical/Electronical Goods, purchasing associations, dealers etc.), we have established dedicated working groups. It goes without saying that adherence to strict compliance regulations is essential, in order to avoid exposing our members to any risks.

What are our main topics at the moment?

• EPBD - Energy Performance of Building Directive: We are actively involved in the implementation measures for the EPBD in order to ensure that building automation becomes a key priority.

• All topics relating to energy transitions (e.g. renewables, energy efficiency).

• EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation): we are working on two fronts - we are asking our members to check whether they are affected by the regulation, particularly with the raw material group ‘rubber’. At the same time, we are campaigning at a political level for the regulation to be massively toned down.

• Screening of various regulations (e.g. Directive on credit agreements for consumers, Directives on Empowering Consumers for the green transition).

• Informing our members of new laws and measures that need to be taken.

• We organise webinars for our members - for example in June on the topic of AI. We also offer our own webinars for apprentices, which are very popular with both students and teachers.

How are we financed?

The WKÖ is mainly funded through mandatory membership fees. In Austria, membership in the chamber is obligatory for nearly all businesses, which ensures a broad representation of the economy. The fees are generally based on company size, annual turnover, and industry.

Additional revenue is generated through:

• Service fees for consulting and training.

• Government subsidies for specific projects.

• Income from properties and investments.

This financial model allows the chamber to maintain its independence while offering a comprehensive range of services.

Conclusion

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is a cornerstone of the country's economic infrastructure. Through its structured network and compulsory membership, it guarantees strong business representation and access to essential resources. By bridging the gap between policymakers and entrepreneurs, the WKÖ continues to play a key role in fostering Austria’s economic prosperity.

Website: www.wko.at