The economic and political changes in the East have enhanced Austria's position as a "gateway" to the East and as a location for regional headquarters of multinational companies intent on gaining access to the new markets in the East. This article presents the results of a survey of foreign-controlled companies in Austria which explores the question of how much progress Austria has made in strengthening its role as a control and decision-making center within the region. The survey further examines the organizational structure of the multinational companies which operate in Austria, the role and status of the Austrian unit within the corporate group, and the importance of selected location factors in a company's choice of Austria as a link to the East.