Transparency International Austria celebrated its 20th anniversary at the magnificent Vienna City Hall, marking a moment to salute two decades of tireless work by the organization promoting transparency and integrity in public life.
What began in 2005 as a “living room start-up” has grown into a strong and respected civil society voice against governmental corruption. The celebration brought together a plethora of distinguished guests, including Vienna’s Mayor, the Honorable Dr. Michael Ludwig, François VALERIAN (Chair of Transparency International), and Dr. Peter Eigen (Co-Founder of Transparency International).
The TI Austria Honorary Pin was awarded to DDr. Hubert Sickinger (†), Prof. Eva Geiblinger, Dr. Franz Fiedler, Prof. Friedrich Roedler, Dr. Peter Eigen, and Bettina Knoetzl. The event also marked the introduction of Prof. Robert Kert as the new President of the TI Austria Advisory Board.

Over the years, TI Austria has advanced numerous initiatives, from external monitoring of the Austrian Parliament’s renovation to the Transparent Municipality project. Important legal reforms, such as the recent Freedom of Information Act, have proven TI Austria’s work to be useful and effective.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. Austria currently ranks 25th in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index – its lowest score since the index began.

As Bettina Knoetzl noted:
“Our anniversary is a clear mandate to keep pushing for transparency and integrity with passion, determination and conviction.”
Fighting corruption is not a moral luxury, it’s a democratic necessity.

Photocredit: Sebastian Hochleitner