Foreign Direct Investments In Austria And Germany: A Comparative Overview

In light of the volatility of financial markets accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising concerns over the heightened risk of buyouts of key national assets and industries, the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI) screening has taken a more prevalent position on the regulatory landscape in recent months. The development towards establishing tighter FDI control and monitoring regimes reflects an international and European trend. It is particularly with regard to host countries located in Central Eastern Europe that a manifestation of numerous substantial legislative activities can be observed.

As recently as 22 May 2020, the government of Poland introduced a new draft legislation intended to offer additional safeguards to national companies throughout the duration of the current pandemic. This was followed shortly thereafter by a temporary decree that entered into force in Hungary on 26 May 2020. Austria is no exception in this regard. As of 25 July 2020, a