Austria’s Ministry of Finance has outlined the National Financial Education Strategy for 2027–2035, approved by the Financial Education Council. Building on the 2021–2026 strategy, it sets seven priorities covering investment opportunities and risks, overindebtedness, women’s economic independence, school education, digital finance, sustainable financial decisions and measuring effectiveness. The strategy is due to go before the Council of Ministers by the end of 2026 and take effect in January 2027. Implementation will focus on practical financial decisions across different life stages. The Ministry of Finance will lead work on financial markets, including building financial reserves and understanding investment risks and opportunities. The Ministry of Education will strengthen teacher training and embed financial and economic education in curricula from primary school through the school leaving examination. Access for women and girls is a specific priority, with the umbrella association of women’s and girls’ advice centers joining the steering committee. Digital financial safety and fraud prevention will also receive attention, alongside further development of the Finanznavi financial education portal. Losses from fraud in cashless payments reached EUR 115.4 million in Austria in 2025, up 17.6% from the previous year. The Austrian National Bank will lead efforts to measure effectiveness, developing a test of how people apply financial knowledge to practical situations in Austria. Development and scientific validation are scheduled for completion by 2029, with use possible from 2030. Common tools for assessing financial education measures are also planned. An approved initial roadmap for 2027–2029 sets concrete objectives for the priorities and is the first of three successive roadmaps envisaged over the strategy’s duration.

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