We are delighted to announce that, on 25 October, the Association of Public Services and Public Enterprises Austria (VÖWG - Verband der öffentlichen Wirtschaft und Gemeinwirtschaft Österreichs) officially joined Aqua Publica. 

The VÖWG represents more than 100 companies from the whole spectrum of public-service providers, including associations that provide Austrian citizens with high-quality water services, a universal product that is much more than a “commercial good” in the sense of the internal market doctrine. 

As they provide services of general interest, VÖWG members have a key function in helping the EU meet its ambitious environmental targets. The public sector plays an essential part in securing supply on the one hand, and advocates sustainable development on the other. This reflects its holistic approach, which covers the whole life cycle of services and goods. 

The VÖWFG supports and advises its members from various spheres of activity at national and European level and takes an active role within the decision-making processes, as a strong voice against liberalisation of the public provision of services. 

The president of the VÖWG is the representative of the city of Vienna for the services of general interest and municipal economy. 

For Aqua Publica Europea, the VÖWG is the first Austrian organisation to join, and we very much look forward to working together.