Austria Studies Germany’s Strict Rules for Broadcasting Parliamentary Hearings

Why is Austria looking to Germany for lessons on transparency? A high-level delegation studies how legal rulings shape public access to political inquiries.

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2025 November 28 . 9:42 PM

1 min read

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Austria Studies Germany’s Strict Rules for Broadcasting Parliamentary Hearings

A delegation of Austrian party leaders will visit Berlin in early December to study how the German Bundestag manages live broadcasts from parliamentary inquiries. The trip, scheduled for either the 8th or 9th of December, aims to observe Germany’s approach to recording committee hearings—an area shaped more by legal rulings than political decisions.

The Austrian group, part of the Pilnacek investigative committee, will examine Germany’s strict rules on broadcasting hearings. Under current regulations, audio or video recordings require approval from two-thirds of committee members present, as well as the witness or individual being heard. Despite this, committee hearings in Germany are generally open to the public, with attendance allowed as long as space permits.

The visit will provide the Austrian delegation with firsthand insight into Germany’s cautious approach to broadcasting parliamentary hearings. While legal adjustments remain possible, the current system balances openness with strict consent requirements. The findings may influence future discussions on transparency in Austria’s own investigative processes.