Austria Faces EU Legal Action Over Delayed Climate Plan

Austria Faces EU Legal Action Over Delayed Climate Plan

Image: Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Österreich/APA-Fotoservice/Juhasz

 

Austria is among 13 EU countries facing legal action for failing to submit their final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) on time, the European Commission has announced. 

The plans are a key part of the EU’s strategy to meet its 2030 climate targets.  

All 27 member states were required to deliver their completed NECPs by June 30. However, the Commission said only 14 countries have met the deadline so far.

The EU has started legal action, giving the 13 delayed countries two months to reply. If they don’t, the next step will be to send formal warnings, which could lead to further legal steps.

Concerns Over Austria’s Plan  

In October, the European Commission reviewed Austria’s draft plan, submitted in August 2023, and called for more ambitious action to meet emissions reduction goals. The draft proposed renewable energy targets aligned with EU objectives, but Brussels highlighted a lack of robust measures to achieve the required 48% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The Commission has also asked Austria to outline its strategy for improving energy security, particularly by diversifying its energy supply and reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels.  

Coalition Disputes Blamed  

Austria’s delays have been attributed to internal disagreements within the outgoing coalition government, specifically between Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler of the Green Party and Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler of the People’s Party (ÖVP).

The Commission has stressed the urgency of finalising the plans, which are essential for achieving the EU’s climate and energy goals for the next decade.  

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