Federalism

Federalism is a governance system of self-rule and shared rule. It is a state order, which divides and shares power and authority among the national and the regional units. In a federation, the national government (e.g. Austria/Bund) and the member states (e.g. the Austrian Bundesländer) fulfill certain tasks independently from each other and certain tasks together. In federalism, the member states keep a degree of statehood, but are united in an overarching entity, the federation.

Why Federalism?

Bild von Sophia Steinlechner, Kindergarten teacher
Because there must be offerings in elementary education that are tailored to local needs.

Sophia Steinlechner, Kindergarten teacher

Bild von Christian Keuschnigg, University Professor of National Economics in St. Gallen
Because different problems require different solutions. Modern federalism therefore needs financial autonomy and fiscal sovereignty

Christian Keuschnigg, University Professor of National Economics in St. Gallen

Bild von Friedrich Schneider, em. University Professor of Economics, Linz
Because modern federalism gives the states and municipalities revenue and expenditure sovereignty in their areas of responsibility. A reform step that would be urgently needed for Austria.

Friedrich Schneider, em. University Professor of Economics, Linz

Bild von Cornelia Lass-Flörl, Univ. Prof. Dr. med. univ., Direktorin der Sektion für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Fachärztin für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie
Because in the COVID-19-crisis, it is particularly important to be able to implement prevention measures that are precisely tailored to the respective region

Cornelia Lass-Flörl, Univ. Prof. Dr. med. univ., Direktorin der Sektion für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Fachärztin für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie

Bild von Hans Unterdorfer, Member of the Executive Board, Corporate Clients, Erste Bank
Because only well-maintained regional structures make true customer proximity possible. For local banks, this proximity is essential because personal advice on site is and remains the core of their work.

Hans Unterdorfer, Member of the Executive Board, Corporate Clients, Erste Bank

Blog | 15.09.2026

Eine „Sache der Länder“, eine Frage des Rechtsschutzes


Die Autorin befasst sich mit der Mitwirkung der österreichischen Länder an der europäischen Gesetzgebung und den damit verbundenen Problemen des Rechtsschutzes.
Federalism-reports | 11.09.2026

50. Bericht über den Föderalismus in Österreich (2025)


Publication series | 08.09.2026

50 Jahre Forschung für Vielfalt. Beiträge zum Festakt sowie zur Ringvorlesung „50 Jahre Institut für Föderalismus“


Band 143 der Schriftenreihe des Instituts ist erschienen.



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