The third symposium organized by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA) and the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) brought together key stakeholders to discuss current economic and competition challenges facing Austria. The event featured prominent speakers from various sectors, including government, academia, and industry.

Key topics included the impact of high inflation and pressures along the value chain, with a shared goal of enhancing competitiveness sustainably. Discussions highlighted the importance of competition as a fundamental aspect of economic order, integrating it into broader policy considerations.

Breakout sessions allowed participants to delve into specific themes, such as fairness in the value chain and the role of competition in sports. Notably, a keynote by Elisabeth Werner from the European Commission addressed ongoing legal proceedings related to agriculture and retail.

The afternoon session featured a discussion on energy economics, with various experts sharing their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this sector. The event concluded with a keynote from Guillaume Loriot of the Directorate-General for Competition, focusing on the evolving landscape of merger control and the implications of digital transformation.

In closing remarks, AFCA Director General Natalie Harsdorf emphasized the critical role of competition policy in fostering innovation and prosperity, particularly for Austria's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer reiterated the need for a robust strategy to enhance competition and drive economic growth.