“Competition is at the core of Austria’s competitiveness. These new measures clearly signal that Austria is a strong business location where consumers’ interests are taken seriously," explains Director General Natalie Harsdorf.
The following competition protection measures are planned:
After a sector inquiry the AFCA may currently only provide recommendations for improving the competition situation in a market. Following other countries’ example (e.g. Italy), it will also have the power to prescribe remedies in future cases of competition disruptions.
Moreover, food retail companies will be obliged to increase transparency around their prices and margins. A digital interface is to be set up for this purpose too.
The AFCA will also be granted additional powers relating to unfair practices in competition.
At present, the AFCA may initiate a sector inquiry if it suspects that a tax reduction has not been passed on to consumers. It will be one of the AFCA’s new priorities to ensure that the planned tax reductions are being passed on.
37th Austrian Cabinet meeting of 14 January 2026 (in German)