The Taxpayers Association of Europe (TAE) is awarding the Taxpayers’ Prize to Dr Magnus Brunner, Austria’s Minister of Finance.

The European Taxpayer Award, which will be presented for the 18th time in Munich on 1 February 2024, goes to the Austrian Minister of Finance, Dr Magnus Brunner.

Dr Magnus Brunner is being honoured for his tireless commitment to the interests of Austrian taxpayers. The Austrian tax reform bears his clear hallmark, provides relief for both individuals and businesses, and serves as a genuine model for other European countries on how to act in times of crisis.

Intelligent reforms and tax relief create incentives for investment and boost economic performance in Austria, according to Taxpayers’ Association President Michael Jäger. Unlike in countries such as Germany, hard work pays off in Austria, as the country prioritises tax relief rather than higher taxes. The aim is to create better conditions for businesses and, put simply, to leave more money in the pockets of citizens and businesses. At the heart of Brunner’s tax relief policy is the historic abolition of the ‘creeping tax increase’, which had been the subject of debate in Austria for decades. This ‘creeping tax increase’ was completely abolished under Brunner with effect from 1 January 2023. By 2026, Austrians are estimated to have saved a total of more than 20 billion euros. At the same time, measures have been taken to strengthen Austria as a business location, such as the reduction in corporation tax and the introduction of a research grant. This grant, which the Austrian government introduced in 2022, has already yielded initial successes: last year, 2,625 companies applied for the research grant for 9,328 projects. The total funding requested in 2023 amounted to 1.2 billion euros, of which around 80 per cent was applied for by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This funding offers SMEs in particular the opportunity to invest more heavily in research and development (R&D). Austria is thus demonstrating how the country’s position within the EU can be secured in the long term without favouring just a handful of companies. Austria invests public funds and does not use them for consumption purposes. According to the Taxpayers’ Association, this expenditure is ultimately self-financed to a large extent by the success of the companies themselves.

The awards ceremony will take place on 1 February 2024 from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm at the Hofbräukeller, Innere Wiener Straße 19, 81667 Munich.

The opening address will be given by Michael Jäger, President of the TAE. The laudatory speech will be delivered by Eric Beißwenger, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament and Minister of State for Europe and International Affairs in Bavaria. The closing remarks will be given by Rolf von Hohenhau, Honorary President of the TAE and President of the Bavarian Taxpayers’ Association.

Download the press release as a PDF:
https://www.taxpayers-europe.org/de/images/pdf/TAE-Award2024_EN.pdf

Rudolf G. Maier, Press Spokesperson
Munich, 25 January 2024