A new Eurobarometer survey published in late October 2025 highlights Austria’s remarkable role in Europe’s social economy with exceptional levels of donations and civic participation. According to the survey of over 26,000 Europeans, Austrians donate at a striking rate of two-thirds in the past five years far surpassing the EU average of 18 percent. This finding underscores Austria’s above-average commitment to social causes and reflects broader European trends demanding stronger governmental and corporate support for socially responsible actions.
Austria’s Leading Role in Donations and Social Engagement
Donations Outpace EU Average
The Eurobarometer study reveals that approximately 66 percent of Austrians have donated money within the last five years, a figure nearly four times higher than the EU average of 18 percent. This positions Austria as a leader in charitable giving across Europe, indicating strong public motivation to support social causes financially.
Broader Social Economy Participation
Engagement in the social economy extends beyond donations. Austrians also participate through volunteering and membership in social organizations:
- Volunteering stands at 15 percent in Austria compared to 18 percent EU-wide.
- Organizational membership rates match the EU average at 13 percent.
While volunteering and membership rates are close to the continental averages, Austria’s donation rate distinctly elevates its social economy profile.
Employment and Scope of the Social Economy
The social economy encompasses non-profit organizations involved in charitable, cultural, and sports activities. It employs about 11.5 million people across the EU, providing essential services in education, training, housing, and healthcare. One in three EU citizens benefits from such organizations, establishing the sector’s broad societal impact and significance.
Public Awareness and Perceptions of the Social Economy
Awareness Levels Vary Across Europe
Public familiarity with the social economy differs widely among EU member states—from a high of 82 percent awareness in Malta to only 34 percent in Greece. Austria aligns precisely with the EU average, with 50 percent of its citizens reporting awareness of the sector.
Quality and Development of the Sector
About half of the European population and nearly two-thirds of Austrians believe that the social economy sector is well-developed in their respective countries. The indication that Austrians hold a more optimistic view of their national social economy reflects the country’s strong civic engagement.
Demand for Policy and Corporate Commitment
Strong Support for Government Action
A decisive 88 percent of Europeans, including Austrians, urge their governments to develop strategies and enact laws that actively support social economy organizations. This widespread demand for political backing underlines the perceived necessity of institutional support to sustain and enhance the sector’s impact.
Corporate Responsibility Expectations
Public expectations extend to the private sector as well. An overwhelming 93 percent of Europeans want companies to prioritize social values, ecological goals, profit redistribution, and democratic governance structures. This represents a clear push for businesses to integrate social responsibility into their core operations, reinforcing social and environmental sustainability.
Social Economy’s Vital Role in Care and Culture
Priority Areas of Impact
The survey highlights the social economy’s critical contributions in several key areas:
- Child, elderly, and disability care, viewed as most important by 58 percent of EU citizens and 61 percent of Austrians.
- Education, identified as crucial by 44 percent across the EU and 46 percent in Austria.
- Culture and sports, appreciated by 42 percent of Europeans and a notably higher 55 percent in Austria.
These statistics emphasize the sector’s foundational role in shaping well-being and social cohesion across communities.
Broader European Context and Implications
Capturing Civic Spirit Across the EU
While Austria’s donation rate stands out, the Eurobarometer illustrates a general European movement toward recognizing and valuing the social economy’s societal benefits. Seventy-five percent of Europeans surveyed affirm the sector’s vital importance to their country’s well-being.
Policy Recommendations Emerged
Given the public sentiment, there is a clear mandate for policymakers to enact supportive frameworks. Encouraging social economy growth through laws and initiatives could strengthen social welfare, promote inclusion, and foster sustainability—goals resonating deeply among European citizens.
Austria as a Case Study of Engagement
Austria’s example provides a benchmark for other EU countries aiming to boost social participation. Its high donor rates and positive public perceptions demonstrate how fostering social economy awareness and support can translate into tangible actions for societal benefit.
The 2025 Eurobarometer survey offers compelling evidence of Austria’s prominent role as a donor and active participant in Europe’s social economy. With two-thirds of Austrians donating and broad engagement in volunteering and membership, Austria surpasses many of its European peers in social commitment. This aligns with a continent-wide desire for stronger political backing and corporate responsibility towards social and ecological goals. These results signal a growing recognition that social economy organizations are essential pillars for well-being, care, culture, and community across Europe.
Governments and businesses alike face clear public expectations to nurture the social economy through laws, policies, and ethical practices. Austria’s leading example of donations and supportive attitudes sheds light on the path towards a more socially responsible and inclusive Europe.
