SPÖ’s Wiener Conference Focuses on Key Economic Issues
On November 8, 2025, the Wiener SPÖ hosted its third “Wiener Conference” in Vienna. This event resembles a mini-convention where key topics are discussed. This year, the primary focus is on pressing economic issues.
Key Economic Discussions
During the conference, Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized the need to address unfair practices in online retail. The discussions will occur behind closed doors, without media presence, ensuring a focused dialogue among approximately 400 delegates.
Collaborative Efforts Among States
- Delegates will deliberate on a proposal to strengthen regional cooperation on e-commerce.
- Ludwig plans to push for federal actions that promote local commerce and hold online corporations accountable.
- Stricter enforcement of European safety standards for e-commerce will also be a point of contention.
Concerns were raised about the tax implications of online shopping. It was noted that fragmenting shipments into smaller deliveries often sidesteps customs duties. This practice not only affects local pricing but also leads to significant revenue losses in taxes.
Extension of Media Initiative
Mayor Ludwig also announced the continuation of the Vienna Media Initiative. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has funded over 300 projects with a total of €11 million.
- The next funding round will launch in March with a budget of €600,000.
- Media companies can apply for up to €100,000 per project aimed at job creation in journalism.
- A bonus of €5,000 will be awarded to projects led by women.
Ludwig highlighted the ongoing crisis in the Austrian media landscape. He stated the importance of fostering a vibrant and diverse media environment to combat disinformation and propaganda. The recent pandemic underscored the need for independent and quality-verified information, a sentiment echoed in light of global events.
