The approach of European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) in the dispute over the National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP) is “not appropriate”, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said on Monday. The other ministries were involved in the NEKP and their suggestions were adopted. However, Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) defended Edtstadler’s approach.
According to his own information, Gewessler had already submitted the draft for the NEKP to the European Commission in October. The European ministry subsequently withdrew the text because it was not in line with the position of the Austrian government.
An infringement procedure is underway
According to Gewessler’s information, the Commission will not now assess the draft, which means that infringement proceedings are pending due to its withdrawal. “We have submitted the Federal Ministry Act in accordance with the Federal Ministry Act,” says the Minister of Climate Protection, contradicting her government colleague’s justification. “We have adopted and processed suggestions (from the other ministries; note). Unfortunately, many proposals did not go in the direction of more climate protection, but rather in the direction of ‘let’s buy certificates.'” However, this would have meant that Austria would have “transferred billions to other EU member states” instead of “investing in climate protection at home”.
She cannot explain Edtstadler’s actions, Gewessler says. Especially because it is currently only a concept on which the committee provides feedback. EU countries must submit the final NECP by June 2024. In the document, countries must explain how they want to achieve the set energy and climate goals.
Chancellor defends Edtstadler
Nehammer explained on Monday about the dispute that there was “a clear position from the federal government: all national strategies must be negotiated and decided in the government.” The draft is “just a suggestion” and EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler “has pointed this out in Brussels so that no misunderstandings can arise”. Edtstadler had explained in a letter to the European Commission that the document was not a common Austrian position.
Gewessler continues to expect that the European Commission will initiate infringement proceedings against Austria. This happens when a Member State does not comply with EU law. However, the process has several phases that last months. As a last resort, the Commission can refer the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
A spokesperson for the European Commission corrected his statement on Saturday that the Austrian plan had already been received. 22 of the 27 EU countries have already submitted their plans to Brussels. The European Commission is in contact with the Austrian authorities and the other affected Member States to ensure that the plans are received quickly. According to the Commission, no infringement procedures are currently planned.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
