The Austrian federal government has appointed Wolfgang Anzengruber, the former head of the country's largest electricity company Verbund, as the special coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The decision was made on Wednesday, April 30.
The Austrian Council of Ministers' resolution states that the special coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine "will serve as a link between business and politics, as well as a liaison between Vienna, Brussels, and Kyiv, and will be the primary point of contact for stakeholders involved in the reconstruction process." As an auxiliary structure for the coordinator’s activities, a contact center for Ukraine’s reconstruction established under Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be utilized.
"The coordinator’s tasks will include the internal coordination of Austrian reconstruction initiatives, including cooperation with business representatives; the representation of Austrian interests at the international level; and engagement with the Ukrainian government, European and international partners — particularly EU institutions and international financial organizations," the government decision reads.
The official presentation of special coordinator Wolfgang Anzengruber took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the press conference, Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that this is a clear signal of Vienna's continued support for Ukraine.
"This is a signal that we are not just waiting — we are already a reliable partner, extending our hand and looking for ways to help — and that fills me with pride in what Austria can do, what brings reliability, planning, and what has made us a valued partner in the past and will continue to do so in the future," she said in her comments on the coordinator’s appointment.
She also noted that over 200 Austrian companies are currently present in Ukraine, and expressed confidence that the more international companies operate in Ukraine, the more this will "testify to belief in the country’s future," as well as serve as "support in ensuring future peace."
Wolfgang Anzengruber identified the following priority areas of work: green energy and hydropower, infrastructure, mechanical engineering, road and housing construction, services, insurance, and finance.
