Wirtschaftskammer Österreich

18 May 2026 Position on the Industrial Accelerator Act Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) The following sets out the WKÖ’s assessment of the Commission’s proposal for the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) and the resulting policy positions for the further drafting of the legislation. The WKÖ’s policy positions are set out in detail below: 1.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the initiative to simplify EU rules on medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. The implementation of the MDR and IVDR has led to high requirements for all economic operators. There has been a huge increase in both the bureaucratic and financial burden on entrepreneurs. In general, the requirements are very complex and require a high level of expertise.

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WIRTSCHAFTSKAMMER ÖSTERREICH Bundesministerium für Justiz z.H. LStA Dr. [name removed], LL.M. [address removed] Abteilung für Rechtspolitik Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 | 1045 Wien T 05 90 900 DW E [email removed] W wko.at/rp per E-Mail: [email removed] [email removed] Ihr Zeichen, Ihre Nachricht vom Unser Zeichen, Sachbearbeiter Durchwahl Datum Z10.200 – 2026-0.245.550 - Rp 50.6.12/2026/AS/CG Dr.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

WIRTSCHAFTSKAMMER ÖSTERREICH Europäische Kommission Generaldirektion Justiz und Verbraucher Abteilung für Rechtspolitik Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 | 1045 Wien T 05 90 900DW E [email removed] W wko.at/rp Ihr Zeichen, Ihre Nachricht vom Unser Zeichen, Sachbearbeiter Durchwahl Datum Ares(2025)5502931 8.7.2025 Rp 50.6.12/2025/AS/CG Dr.

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the objective of the proposal for a Digital Networks Regulation [COM (2026) 16 final] to modernise, simplify and harmonise the rules on connectivity networks, as partly already expressed in the Draghi report.

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This draft amendment to Delegated Act (EU) 2021/2486 is an important and necessary step to improve the practical applicability of the EU Taxonomy. Businesses urgently need tangible and practical simplifications. The following feedback is intended to provide further suggestions for improvements to simplify the EU Taxonomy Regulation in practice.

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The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) welcomes the European Commission's initiative to improve the clarity, usability, legal certainty, and cost-effectiveness of the EU Taxonomy. The criteria of the delegated acts must be revised for their practicality and, above all, their feasibility coherence between the EU Taxonomy and other legislation.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) welcomes the European Commission's initiative to improve the clarity, usability, legal certainty, and cost-effectiveness of the EU Taxonomy. The criteria of the delegated acts must be revised for their practicality and, above all, their feasibility coherence between the EU Taxonomy and other legislation.

In the light of the upcoming review of the Geo-blocking Regulation, it is particularly important to stress that the single market is based on four freedoms, which are intended to enable market participants to make use of it, but there is no obligation to make use of these freedoms.

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WKO Position Paper Short Summary - Proposal for a Green Claims Directive: less restrictions for the benefit of consumer orientation more exemptions and support for SMEs, implementation leeway needed substantiation to be simplified radically verification and authority-OK to be deleted national, regional and private labels to be exempted from verification in any case.

• In general: EU framework for methodology on PEF and OEF on voluntary basis in a harmonised matter may be useful – mandatory system not first choice, different P(O)EFCRs in Member States to be avoided – therefore WKO proposing to consider option 1 (update of PEFs and OEFs) or 2 (voluntary legal framework), currently not option 3 (legal framework establishing obligation for claims by PEF/OEF) because of costs and…

Europäische Kommission Directorate General - Communication [name removed] auf Have-Your-Say Homepage Abteilung für Umwelt- und Energiepolitik Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 | 1045 Wien T 05 90 900-DW | F 05 90 900-269 E [email removed] W wko.at/up Ihr Zeichen, Ihre Nachricht vom Unser Zeichen, Sachbearbeiter Durchwahl Datum Ares(2025)6054791 WKO/HP/STN/CCF Mag. Dr.

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Vorschlag für eine Verordnung des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates zur Schaffung eines Rahmens für Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der Biotechnologie und der Bioproduktion in der Union, insbesondere im Bereich der Gesundheit, und zur Änderung der Verordnungen (EG) Nr. 178/2002, (EG) Nr. 1394/2007, (EU) Nr.

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the objectives of simplification, increased legal certainty and harmonisation of key provisions of the EU Cybersecurity Package (CSA 2 and amendment NIS 2) – the current proposal offers some opportunities to update the cybersecurity framework of the European Union. In particular, attempts to narrow down the scope of the relevant rules in a targeted manner seem promising.

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final 18. August 2025 Ref. Ares(2025)6713005 - 19/08/2025 Carbon Leakage bei CBAM (und ETS 1 Gratiszuteilungen) Schwerpunkte: Exportregelung, downstream Produkte und Gratiszuteilung A) Ausgangslage Die EU-KOM plant nach den CBAM-Vereinfachungen mit dem – von der Industrie begrüßten „Omnibus Vorschlag“ weitreichende Reformen für den Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) und für den EU-Emissionshandel 1 (ETS 1).

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

This draft amendment to Delegated Act (EU) 2021/2139 supports the Commission’s objective of improving the usability and consistency of the EU Taxonomy criteria. For this reason, the revision of the DNSH criteria is in principle welcomed. Businesses urgently need tangible and practical simplifications.

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We would like to share some specific reflections on specific issues raised in the White Paper COM(2024) 81 final: In our view, it is essential that all sub-sectors of the electronic communications sector are examined for actual adaptation, in compliance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

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The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The Single-Use Plastics Directive and its implementation into national law pose challenges for producers, retailers, and the food services industry.

ÖFFENTLICHE KONSULTATION ZUR SKILLS PORTABILITY INITIATIVE RÜCKMELDUNG DER WIRTSCHAFTSKAMMER ÖSTERREICH / AUSTRIAN FEDERAL ECONOMIC CHAMBER Februar 2026 MAßNAHME 1 Portabilität von Kompetenzen, Maßnahme 1 – Förderung der Arbeitskräftemobilität in der gesamten EU durch verbesserte Transparenz bei Kompetenzen und durch Digitalisierung Die grenzüberschreitende Übertragbarkeit von Berufsbildungsabschlüssen bleibt eine…

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) welcomes the simplifications to environmental management systems (EMS) under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), the deletion of the Substances of Concern In Products (SCIP) database, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorized representative shift in waste dossiers, and sensible adjustments in the area of environmental impact assessment (EIA) approvals.

Von Wirtschaftskammer Österreich Bundessparte Industrie An Europäische Kommission GD ENER – Referat C2 Ihr Zeichen, Ihre Nachricht vom Sparte Industrie Wirtschaftskammer Österreich Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 | Postfach 330 1045 Wien T [phone removed] E [email removed] W wko.at/industrie Unser Zeichen/Sachbearbeiter Durchwahl Datum WoBre 3076 8.9.2025 CO2-Markt und CO2-Infrastruktur in der EU Sehr geehrte Damen und…

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Contribution of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) on the call for evidence regarding the planned EU legislative act on the European Research Area (ERA Act) 1. General assessment of the initiative The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to strengthen Europes scientific and technological competitiveness through a binding legal framework for the European…

Konsultation zu CO2-Grenzwerten für PKW und leichte Nfz Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, die Wirtschaftskammer Österreich nimmt zur gegenständlichen Konsultation wie folgt Stellung: 1. Allgemeines Die CO₂-Flottenziele der EU für 2030 und das geplante Verbot von Verbrennungsmotoren 2035 sind zentrale Säulen der Klimapolitik der EU. Doch seit der Festlegung dieser Ziele hat sich die Welt verändert.

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Digitalisation offers significant opportunities to improve efficiency and sustainability in the water sector. Speeding up implementation is therefore to be welcomed in principle. However, this requires a structured roll-out, taking into account technical, economic and organisational circumstances.

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The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber welcomes the European Commission's initiative to establish harmonized, EU-wide end-of-waste (EoW) criteria for plastic waste in accordance with Article 6(2) of the Waste Framework Directive and appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback aimed at further enhancing their clarity, practicality, and harmonised implementation in the EU.

The Austrian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the European Commission’s efforts to evaluate the cosmetics regulatory framework in order to allow for further development. The current legal framework provides the basis for a high quality of cosmetic products and thus also for the protection of consumers.

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FEEDBACK FROM THE AUSTRIAN FEDERAL ECONOMIC CHAMBER: In response to Russia's war on Ukraine and the resulting need for increased defence spending, the EU seeks to also prioritize targeted research into dual-use technologies such as drones and GPS, which deliberately allows for both civilian and military applications, driving defence capabilities and technological innovation to enhance European competitiveness.

Dear Sir, Madam, The Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) thanks for the opportunity to comment on the draft delegated act on Article 31a(2) of Directive 2018/2001 on improving the traceability of data throughout the supply chain and asks for the considerations set out in the Annex to be taken into account.

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Position Paper 4 Omnibus Package Small Mid-Cap Enterprises and Digitalisation th July 2025 GENERAL COMMENTS From the point of view of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), a tangible simplification and reduction of the administrative burden of EU legislation for all companies must be achieved quickly in order to strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Austria has a perfect private audit system — must be maintained. Coordinate type approval and tests — ECSS system Switch intervalves at the same time Access to data shall be free of charge and easily accessible to all. New propulsion systems!!!

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Streamlining and optimising public administration structures is always a useful approach. Particularly in the area of chemicals legislation, it is very good to do so. We fully agree on the need to use existing resources more efficiently. Optimising cooperation between EU and national authorities is crucial for savings. Synergies and overlaps need to be clearly identified.

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The Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) represents the interests of more than 590.000 member companies. As part of this consultation, the WKÖ responds to the concerns of its members and advocates a workable, competitive and low-bureaucratic framework.

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In our view, it is clear that ECHA’s workload is increasing and that this effort must be financed. However, more centralisation of tasks within an agency should be carried out where necessary and appropriate. Consequently, this should go hand in hand with greater efficiency and resource savings. Resources committed in the previously responsible bodies should also be freed up.

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Position Paper 4 Omnibus Package Small Mid-Cap Enterprises and Digitalisation th July 2025 GENERAL COMMENTS From the point of view of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), a tangible simplification and reduction of the administrative burden of EU legislation for all companies must be achieved quickly in order to strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber welcomes the European Commission's initiative on harmonized labeling requirements for all battery categories based on Articles 7(2) and 13 of the EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542) and appreciates the opportunity to comment on it. Article 1(2) of the draft specifies how to proceed if the surface of the battery is not large enough to affix a label.

Es wurden keine grundsätzlichen Bedenken gegen die Funktionalität der Regelungen des Entwurfs rückgemeldet. Dennoch sind die Unternehmen in einigen Punkten zu weitgehend eingeschränkt und es dürfte der mögliche Sitzwechsel von CBAM-Anmeldern in einen anderen EU-Mitgliedstaat nicht bedacht worden sein.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) strongly supports a more effective and result-oriented implementation of EU funds within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 20282034). Sound management of public resources is essential to strengthen the EUs competitiveness and to ensure that every euro spent delivers measurable European added value.

Bodies dealing with the EHDS should pay attention to the protection of trade secrets and promote research with the built-up data base in the least burdensome way. In this sense, the last sentence of Article 8 should be strengthened: Should EHDS Board members, invited experts and observers fail to respect these obligations, the Commission MUST take all appropriate measures.

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The promotion of increased and faster provision of affordable, sustainable and decent housing in the EU is in principle welcome and supported. However, it cannot be achieved by weakening the standards and rules in force in the Member States.

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Positionspapier zur Konsultation betreffend die Verwendung von nicht ökologischem Eiweißfutter in der biologischen Produktion Die Wirtschaftskammer Österreich unterstützt den Vorschlag der Europäischen Kommission, die derzeit in Anhang II, Teil II, Punkt 1.9.3.1(c) und Punkt 1.9.4.2(c), Verordnung (EU) 2018/848 vorgesehene Ausnahmeregelung für Ferkel und Junggeflügel um 10 Jahre bis zum 31.12.2036 zu verlängern.

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber has repeatedly stated that administrative burdens act as a barrier to businesses whose international competitiveness and, more generally, the functioning of the internal market. We warmly welcome the 25 % reduction in reporting requirements for businesses and 35 % for SMEs, as set out in the Commission’s programme.

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Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to respond to the invitation to comment on the document on consumer rights adaptation of out-of-court dispute resolution to digital markets: As a preliminary point, it is necessary to counter the rather negative picture in the invitation to submit comments: In the vast majority of cases, consumer transactions work perfectly smoothly.

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The Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) welcomes the progress of the EU Talent Pool. This corresponds to a long-standing demand for WKÖ and is urgently needed due to the sharply increasing labour shortages in Austria and Europe. Only by promoting the European workplace and actively attracting specialists can the EU be established in the international community.

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Sparte Industrie Wirtschaftskammer Österreich Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 | Postfach 330 1045 Wien T [phone removed] E [email removed] W wko.at/industrie Von Bundessparte Industrie WKÖ An EU-Kommission Ihr Zeichen, Ihre Nachricht vom Unser Zeichen/Sachbearbeiter Durchwahl Datum WoBre 3076 12.8.2026 Entwurf der Verordnung: Finanzielle Kompensation für nicht vom ETS 2 umfasste Emissionen (DRAFT Implementing Regulation (EU)…

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Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

We suggest that the concept of average expected activity level and the associated changes in the Annex (which is now Annex I) and in Article 5 should not be added to the ALCR. This new rule seems not be legally mandated but adds considerable complexity.

Our opinion (attached as PDF) provides information on the following areas related to the UTC for PCBs: Recycling; — Manufacture of cables; Organic pigments; Analytics. We would like to point out some of the necessary adjustments to the UTC, as it is not feasible for selected areas in its current form.

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