Discovered three great economic chances for Austria's industry!

Discovered three great economic chances for Austria's industry!

On June 26, 2025, an important event took place as part of the IV Economic Salon at the Europa Forum Wachau under the motto "Facing Change-Embracing Opportunities". Experts from different areas discussed the economic faults, global competition, the securing of supply chains, clean energy and modern infrastructures. Among the discussion participants were prominent representatives such as Kari Ochsner from IV-NÖ, Andreas Matthä from ÖBB, Achim Kaspar von Verbund and Hanna Zamazeeva from the state energy agency of Ukraine. According to [Leadersnet] (https://www.leadersnet.at/news/90262 ,-get-drei-grosse--grosse-in-uropa-welche-die.html), three great opportunities for the Austrian industry have been identified:

• Germany plans an investment of 500 billion euros for infrastructure moderation.
• The EU is investing 800 billion euros in defense and infrastructure.
• The reconstruction of Ukraine takes place at up to 700 billion euros.

Kari Ochsner reported a delegation trip to Ukraine and emphasized the mixture of suffering and optimism that he experienced on site. Achim Kaspar pointed out the need for security of supply in Europe, while Hanna Zamazeeva called for increased cooperation with Austrian companies in the field of energy and decarbonization. Andreas Matthä underlined the importance of uniform standards in the railway system for Europe, whereby Austria is ready as the fourth largest export country for train industrial goods to support the reconstruction of the Ukrainian rail network.

reconstruction plans of Ukraine

The reconstruction in Ukraine is an extensive project that was initiated by the Ukrainian government and comprises over 850 projects over the next ten years. According to WKO, the reconstruction pursues the guiding principles "Build Back Better", immediate measures, gradually acceleration, EU integration and promotion of private investments. The aim is to initiate comprehensive reforms for the modernization and economic development of Ukraine.

The current activities focus on the repair and reconstruction of houses as well as the restoration of health and energy supply. In addition, the EU has provided several financing instruments to support the reconstruction, including the Ukraine facility, which is supposed to mobilize up to 50 billion euros for the period 2024-2027.

Financial support and private investments

International financial institutions play a central role in the reconstruction process. The EBRD has invested 3 billion euros since the start of the war, while the EIB has promised 4 billion euros. The World Bank paid a total of $ 39 billion by August 2024, while the IFC has provided $ 2 billion to support the private sector. According to EU representation in Germany, an investment framework is set up, equipped with a financial package of overall 9.3 Billions of euros.

expectations are that this investment framework could mobilize up to 40 billion euros in investments. The support for small and medium-sized companies as well as the green and digital change are also central points of the EU strategy to promote reconstruction. The first programs are to be signed at the conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine on June 11th and 12th in Berlin.

For Austrian companies, there are numerous opportunities for participation in this reconstruction, especially in the areas of agricultural economy, logistics, metal and wood processing as well as mining. The Austrian control bank (OEKB) also offers support for investments and state guarantees for public projects.