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?
Because Vienna and Brussels are too far away to see all the details for some decisions.
Werner Preindl, Payroll accountant
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
Because common good-oriented and cooperative federalism creates vertical separation of powers, offers citizens more opportunities for democratic participation and conveys identity in a globalized world.
Anna Gamper, University Professor of Public Law, Political and Administrative Science, Innsbruck
Because there must be offerings in elementary education that are tailored to local needs.
Sophia Steinlechner, Kindergarten teacher
Because each federal state has its own particularities and for these particularities, tailor-made, regional solutions are needed.
Franz Jirka, Unternehmer und Spartenobmann Gewerbe & Handwerk der WK Tirol
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Institutsdirektor Peter Bußjäger erörtert das geplante Social-media-Verbot.
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Ronald L. Watts Young Researcher Award 2026 – Entries Now Open
The call for the Ronald L. Watts Young Researcher Award 2026 is now open.
