According to a study released by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) on Monday, approximately 50 international and quasi-international organisations based in Austria contributed around €1.7 billion of value added to the country's economy in 2023.

The study, commissioned by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, revealed that the economic contribution of these organisations to Austria rose by more than 25% compared to the data from the previous study conducted between 2018 and 2020.

Furthermore, the findings showed that these organisations and their activities provided about 16,100 full-time equivalent jobs in Austria in 2023, reflecting an increase of nearly 4%.

While recognising the costs involved in hosting these firms, including sales tax refunds and security measures, the study states that “the magnitude of the positive effects is so significant (and the quantifiable costs so low) that a cost-benefit calculation would certainly show a highly positive balance.”

Furthermore, the highest economic impact is recorded in Vienna, where most international and quasi-international organisations are headquartered.  

Consequently, Vienna represents nearly 67% of the value added effects in 2023, with Lower Austria contributing approximately 14.5%. The remaining federal provinces collectively recorded about €325 million in value added from these organisations last year.

In addition, public revenue from taxes and duties collected from international organisations totalled around €785 million in 2023, taking into account the tax exemptions granted to these organisations and their employees. 

Austria hosts over 50 international and quasi-international organisations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.