Federalism
Federalism is a governance system of self-rule and shared rule. It is a state order, which divides and shares power and authority among the national and the regional units. In a federation, the national government (e.g. Austria/Bund) and the member states (e.g. the Austrian Bundesländer) fulfill certain tasks independently from each other and certain tasks together. In federalism, the member states keep a degree of statehood, but are united in an overarching entity, the federation.
Why Federalism?
Because only well-maintained regional structures make true customer proximity possible. For local banks, this proximity is essential because personal advice on site is and remains the core of their work.
Hans Unterdorfer, Member of the Executive Board, Corporate Clients, Erste Bank
Because each federal state has its own particularities and for these particularities, tailor-made, regional solutions are needed.
Franz Jirka, Unternehmer und Spartenobmann Gewerbe & Handwerk der WK Tirol
Because Vienna and Brussels are too far away to see all the details for some decisions.
Werner Preindl, Payroll accountant
Because common good-oriented and cooperative federalism creates vertical separation of powers, offers citizens more opportunities for democratic participation and conveys identity in a globalized world.
Anna Gamper, University Professor of Public Law, Political and Administrative Science, Innsbruck
Because modern federalism gives the states and municipalities revenue and expenditure sovereignty in their areas of responsibility. A reform step that would be urgently needed for Austria.
Friedrich Schneider, em. University Professor of Economics, Linz
Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung 2026
Das Institut für Föderalismus schreibt gemeinsam mit den Landtagspräsidentinnen und -präsidenten Österreichs und Südtirols den Preis für Föderalismus- und Regionalforschung 2026 aus.
Die Ausschreibungsfrist endet am 31. März 2026.
Gesinnungswandel
Institutsdirektor Peter Bußjäger beschäftigt sich mit dem geplanten Bürokratieabbau und dessen Folgen.
Das Forum of Federations – was es macht und warum es wichtig ist
Der Autor erklärt, welche Aufgaben das Forum of Federations hat und welche Ziele es verfolgt.
