Economic Activity Moving Closer to its Potential in the Medium Term. Projections for the Austrian Economy until 2008

Over the period from 2003 to 2008, real GDP in Austria is expected to grow by about 2.3 percent per year, slightly faster than in the euro area as a whole. Notably the tax reform, EU enlargement and investment in the knowledge base should secure a small growth advantage vis-à-vis the EU. The pace of expansion might, however, not be sufficient to reduce the currently high unemployment rate.