The Federal Press Office (BPA) is undergoing a major overhaul, likely the most extensive in decades. After a “multi‑month reform process” the office’s leadership announced on Thursday that a new organisational structure has been decided, with the process supported by internal and external experts.
At the heart of the reform is a reduction from four to three departments. Existing departments 3 and 4 will be merged into a new “Politics and Communication” unit, where external communication will be coordinated centrally. A newly created “Leadership Staff – Strategy, Innovation, Disinformation” will oversee strategic work and separate long‑term priorities from day‑to‑day tasks. The “Information Services” department will also be reorganised, with public‑relations and internal information duties coming under its umbrella.
Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said, “After roughly 25 years it was time for a fundamental optimisation of the BPA. Our office should sit at the forefront of government communication and deliver decisive information on the federal government’s policies. To do this we need to better reflect the new digital world and align ourselves with changing communication behaviours”.
Deputy chief of the BPA, Esther Uleer, added: “This reform is built on analysis, strength, and passion. We are creating a lean organisational structure, strengthening our links with the Chancellery, and developing new capabilities. The reform brings clarity to internal processes and responsibilities. As the BPA, we will also become more resilient by strategically preparing for crises. Handling disinformation, alongside communication as a core duty, will be a central focus”.
BPA staff were briefed on Thursday about the upcoming changes, which are set to take effect on 1 June.
