Austria has urged the European Union to reduce its administrative spending, arguing that Brussels should practice the same fiscal discipline expected of member states as negotiations over the bloc’s next long-term budget intensify.
In an interview with the Austrian Press Agency (APA), Chancellor Christian Stocker said Austria is cutting administrative costs by 15 percent and expects the EU to make similar savings.
“If we are reducing spending in Austria, we cannot at the same time expand the EU budget because bureaucracy and administrative costs within the European Commission continue to grow,” Stocker said.
His remarks come as EU governments negotiate the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, a proposed budget worth about €2 trillion. Austria is advocating for a significantly smaller budget than the proposal recently put forward under Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union.
While calling for restraint, Stocker acknowledged that Europe faces growing challenges that require investment. He said the EU must strengthen its competitiveness, improve its strategic independence, and respond to new security and economic demands. However, he stressed that balancing these priorities with responsible spending would be central to the negotiations.
Stocker declined to reveal Austria’s detailed negotiating strategy but identified several national priorities. He said protecting the country’s small, family-run farms remains essential, while cohesion funding, regional development programs, and the rebate system for net contributor countries will also be key issues during the talks.
“There will be issues where not everyone agrees with Austria,” he said, adding that he believes many countries may support Vienna’s position.
The chancellor also confirmed that he intends to reschedule official visits to Israel and Ukraine after earlier postponements. His Israel trip was delayed twice because of scheduling changes involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a planned visit linked to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral arrangements.
Describing the repeated delays as “unfortunate,” Stocker said Austria’s long-standing friendship with Israel allows for open discussions, including on areas of disagreement. He added that the Middle East will become even more important for Austria as the country joins the United Nations Security Council next year.
Although his schedule remains packed with EU meetings, Stocker said he hopes to visit Ukraine soon. In the meantime, he continues to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during European summits to discuss issues of mutual concern.
