Pension reform urgently needed: Vorarlberg's industry raises the alarm!

Pension reform urgently needed: Vorarlberg's industry raises the alarm!

In conversation about the challenges of the Austrian pension system, Markus Comploj, CEO of Getzner and spokesman for the Vorarlberg industry, expressed clear and clear. In an interview with "Vorarlberg Live", he emphasized the need for a reform to secure a sustainable pension system that will remain financeable in the future. He sees the increase in the factual retirement age as essential so that the system remains "grandchildren". This requirement becomes all the more urgent, since industry has been in the longest recession since World War II and the economic situation is described as tense. According to comploj, the tax rates in Austria are one of the highest in Europe and a structural problem means that too many taxpayers' money flow into administration and bureaucracy, which reduces efficiency.

Nevertheless, the Austrian pension system remains a central element for the livelihood of over 2.2 million former contribution payers. Pension insurance recorded a minus of 0.72 percent in the first quarter of 2025, which is due, among other things, to the weakening euro zone and protectionist measures, according to the Chamber of Labor. The association of pension and pension funds manages around 50 billion euros and evaluates the system as stable despite demographic change.

demographic challenges and PWC study

The retirement security commission states that the number of pension applications will decrease from around 165,000 per year to less than 100,000. The ratio of contribution payers to pensioners has improved and will remain stable by 2030. This is a ray of hope, especially against the background that the specialist association of pension and pension funds commissioned a study to examine the influence of operating pensions on the distribution of income in Austria.

According to this study, a contribution of 2.5 % of the gross wage amount can increase the total pension by up to 19 % in a pension fund. This shows the importance of a comprehensive company pension, which is particularly high for low -wage earners.

economic situation and investments

In the current economic situation, high non -wage costs and hidden taxes are identified as obstacles that reduce the motivation of the employees. Comploj calls for an increase in efficiency through digitization and reduction in bureaucracy. In his opinion, more personal responsibility is necessary without questioning the solidarity principle.

Despite the economic clouding, Getzner continues to invest in Vorarlberg and relies on internationalization with projects in India, China and South America. In addition, the company is involved in the field of education and supports schools to increase the attractiveness of the location for specialists.

Eight pension funds are currently active in Austria and 96 percent of the assets of these health insurers are kept through investment funds. In 2024, the pension funds achieved a performance of 7.76 %. The average performance of the pension funds was 4.93 %. These results are crucial to ensure financial security in old age and to secure a stable standard of living.

Overall, it can be seen that despite the current challenges both in the pension system and in the economic situation, the need for sustainable reform and the strengthening of company pension schemes are of great importance for the future.