The Federal government attained the goal of budget consolidation in 1997. The net deficit declined to 2.6 percent of GDP. The other territorial authorities have also exceeded their goals. Thus, the general government deficit totaled only 2.5 percent of GDP, and Austria has easily met the budget...

The Federal Government budget drafts for 1996 and 1997 show a clear commitment to fiscal consolidation. The central government deficit is to be reduced to around ATS 68 billion, equivalent to 2.7 percent of GDP. Thereby, a crucial condition for Austria's participation in the future European...