Vienna, Austria — May 19, 2026
The Austrian Ministry of Culture, led by Andreas Babler (SPÖ), will introduce a 5% levy on music streaming providers starting January 1, 2027, targeting companies like Spotify and Amazon with annual domestic revenue exceeding two million euros from subscriptions or advertising.
Purpose and Scope of the Levy
The levy is designed to "establish competitive neutrality between digital and traditional business models," according to the ministry. Officials argue that streaming platforms benefit from Austria’s "diverse, local musical offerings without significantly contributing to their preservation or promotion."
The ministry cited France as a model, where a similar levy has been used to bolster the domestic music industry. Funds collected will be reinvested in Austria’s cultural sector to strengthen diversity and support local artists.