Abstract:
Derzeit wird in der EU heftig diskutiert, wie die Investitionstätigkeit und damit Wachstum und Beschäftigung am besten angekurbelt werden können. EU-Kommissionspräsident Juncker hat in diesem Zusammenhang eine Investitionsoffensive für die kommenden drei Jahre angekündigt. Der Autor schlägt vor, dass nationale Infrastrukturinvestitionen ergänzend nach dem Modell der österreichischen Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft (ASFINAG) finanziert werden können. Da die ASFINAG dem Privatsektor zugerechnet wird, würde dies die nationalen Budgets nicht belasten.
Abstract (Translated):
The EU is currently debating how to increase investment for improved growth and employment. EU Commission President Juncker has announced an investment plan of more than €315 bn. Public sector investments in the EU are hampered by high debt and deficits and the restrictions of the Stability and Growth Pact. The Austrian ASFINAG finances and operates the Austrian highway system and has improved it significantly through massive investments in the last two decades. Although it is state-owned and has a state guarantee for its debt, which allows cheap financing, it is a private company that belongs to the private sector, and it can cover its costs through user fees. This ASFINAG model, which makes use of the flexibility in the Stability and Growth Pact, could be used to increase infrastructure investments in the EU significantly.