UNOS Calls for Structural Reform in Austrian Chamber of Commerce After Leadership Change

The Austrian business association UNOS - Unternehmerisches Österreich has responded to the resignation of Harald Mahrer as President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, WKO) by emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive organizational reform. The association has stated that while leadership changes are significant, the underlying challenges facing the Chamber are rooted in longstanding institutional structures, not solely in individual office holders.

UNOS representatives acknowledged the contributions of Harald Mahrer during his eight-year tenure, recognizing various initiatives that have positively impacted Austria's business environment. Nonetheless, the organization maintains that many of the persistent issues within the Chamber stem from systemic inefficiencies and outdated frameworks that hinder its ability to effectively represent and serve its members.

Following recent events that led to the leadership transition, UNOS has highlighted the importance of using this moment as an opportunity for meaningful change. The association is urging the Chamber's incoming leadership to prioritize transparency, modernization, and accountability. According to UNOS, this period presents a chance to set the course for a more efficient and member-oriented institution.

Among its proposed reforms, UNOS is advocating for a significant reduction in administrative bureaucracy by streamlining the Chamber's organizational structure. The association also calls for the gradual reduction of the Chamber levy (Kammerumlage 2) to alleviate financial burdens on businesses. Furthermore, UNOS is pressing for the introduction of consolidated financial statements to enhance transparency and enable more effective oversight of the Chamber's finances.

To ensure fairness and democratic legitimacy, UNOS is proposing clear contribution limits for members and the implementation of electoral reforms. These measures, according to the association, would help strengthen the representational mandate of the Chamber and reinforce trust among its diverse membership base.

The association is encouraging all levels within the Chamber's structure to collaborate and take responsibility for advancing reforms. UNOS emphasizes that willingness to challenge existing privileges and undertake necessary changes is essential for the Chamber's evolution into a modern, transparent, and efficient institution.

UNOS, representing liberal-minded entrepreneurs in Austria since 2014, remains committed to participating constructively in the reform process. The association has reiterated its readiness to support the Chamber's new leadership in implementing solutions that will benefit both the business community and the broader economic landscape.

As the Chamber of Commerce prepares for a transition in leadership, the focus now turns to whether these proposed reforms will be prioritized and how the institution will adapt to better serve its members and the Austrian economy at large.