SOLVIT problem-solving network

SOLVIT is a European problem-solving mechanism that seeks to find solutions to problems faced by EU citizens and businesses that may arise from the incorrect application of EU law by Member State authorities.

Informal problem-solving in Europe

The services of SOLVIT are free of charge.

Find your way to SOLVIT here – submit a problem to SOLVIT.

SOLVIT centres have been established in all EEA countries and are part of their national administrations.

Since it was founded in 2002, SOLVIT Austria has set up a network of contact points that makes it possible to find quick and pragmatic solutions.

Where can SOLVIT help?

In the event of cross-border problems within the EEA,
arising from the incorrect application of EU law,
caused by national, regional or local authorities.

SOLVIT queries mostly focus on issues such as the recognition of professional qualifications; access to education and training; market access; public procurement; free movement of capital and payments; employment rights; social security; and taxation.

As SOLVIT involves an informal problem-solving approach, the system cannot be used in the following situations:

if legal proceedings have already been initiated (case pending in court);
problems between two companies, or between a company and a consumer;
if the decision has already become legally binding;
where a third country (a non-EEA country) is involved.

Caution

Legal deadlines to safeguard your rights must be observed. Querying a situation with SOLVIT does not suspend any such deadlines.

Karikatur Solvit Optiker — photo: Ian Baker

Example

Here is an example of a problem that was resolved through SOLVIT. An Austrian optician with an Austrian diploma wanted to open a branch in South Tyrol, Italy. The Italian Ministry of Health rejected his application for recognition of his qualifications on the grounds that his diplomas did not meet the Italian requirements for opticians. SOLVIT was able to prove the equivalence of the diplomas, and also discovered a translation error in the optician’s master’s diploma, whereupon the Italian Ministry of Health recognised the diploma. This was achieved within 10 weeks.

How does SOLVIT work?

When you contact SOLVIT with a problem, your local SOLVIT office – the ‘home SOLVIT centre’ – will first examine your query to ensure that there has indeed been an incorrect application of internal market rules, that all the required information has been provided and all the necessary documents are available.
An overview of the necessary information and documents can be found here: Information required by SOLVIT (PDF, 57 KB)

Your query will then be entered into an online database and automatically forwarded to the SOLVIT centre in the Member State where the problem arose. This SOLVIT centre takes the lead in solving the problem at hand ("lead SOLVIT centre").

Proposed solutions are not binding on the applicant and cannot be challenged. If the problem cannot be resolved or cannot be resolved to the applicant’s satisfaction, it is still possible to apply for an administrative procedure.

SOLVIT Austria

SOLVIT Austria is based in the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism’s Department for EU Coordination and the EU Internal Market (II/3).

Further information

Contact

EU Coordination and EU Internal Market Department: solvit@bmwet.gv.at
Tel.: +43 1711 00 - 805555 or
0800-240 258 (free from anywhere in Austria)

Last update: 19 October 2026