EU Rule of Law Report 2026: Brussels Criticizes Austria Over Insufficient Lobbying Controls

Criticism of the Judiciary

The criticism of political influence on judicial appointments in Austria is not new. In earlier reports, the Commission had already pointed out the risk that appointment procedures could be guided by political considerations. Brussels now notes that no significant reforms have been undertaken since then and recommends advancing a reform "taking into account European standards on the independence and autonomy of the public prosecution service, also in order to ensure the independent work of the Economic and Corruption Public Prosecutor's Office (WKStA)."

Lack of Transparency Regarding Members of Parliament

A second focus of the criticism concerns asset and interest declarations by members of parliament. Austria is urged to "introduce effective rules on asset and interest declarations by members of parliament." The Commission points out that since the parliamentary groups' last discussion on the introduction of corresponding rules in May 2025, no measures have been taken in the new legislative period. As a result, a binding framework that creates transparency about the financial entanglements of officeholders continues to be lacking.

Perception of Corruption in the Business Sector

Regarding the fight against corruption, the report also draws comparisons between Austria and the EU average. According to EU-wide surveys, 25 percent of businesses in Austria – compared with an EU average of 30 percent – believe that in practice they did not receive a public contract in the last three years due to corruption. Even though the Austrian figure is below the average, the Commission interprets the perceived distortion of competition as an indication of structural problems.

Progress on Media Freedom and Public Procurement

Brussels notes positively that the Ministry of Justice issued detailed guidelines in February 2026 on the distribution of state advertising expenditure under the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). This is intended to strengthen the editorial independence of media outlets and curb politically motivated steering of public advertising funds. The Commission sees this as progress but emphasizes that further steps are needed for the full implementation of the standards.

In addition, a law amending the current procurement rules for state advertising entered into force, with its first stage having taken effect on July 1, 2026. The new rules are intended to ensure more transparent and traceable procurement. Brussels assesses the step as groundbreaking but calls for consistent application in practice.

The EU Rule of Law Report is published annually and evaluates the justice systems and the fight against corruption in all member states. The recommendations are not legally binding but exert political pressure, as the Commission reviews progress in subsequent years. Austria has been criticized repeatedly in recent years for its personnel policy in the justice sector and for lacking transparency rules.

Overall, the EU Commission thus sees a mixed picture in Austria: While progress has been made in the procurement of state advertising, the central rule-of-law reforms – transparent lobbying rules, binding asset declarations for members of parliament, and the independence of the public prosecution services – remain open. Brussels expects Austria to take up the recommendations in the coming months and translate them into concrete legislative proposals.

The next review is scheduled for the regular reporting cycle in 2027. Until then, the Commission will observe whether the Austrian government presents legislative initiatives that address the points raised. Otherwise, a continuation of the criticism is to be expected.