There are no signs of agreement in the internal government dispute over the National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP). On Sunday evening, Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) again called on Minister of Constitutional Affairs Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) to relent in the “ZiB 2” interview. On Monday, Edtstadler maintained her criticism that Gewessler had sent the NEKP to Brussels without discussing this with the government partner.
In the respective NECPs, the EU member states outline how they want to achieve their energy and climate goals for 2030. The final climate plan must be submitted to the European Commission by June 2024. A year earlier, EU countries had to submit a draft so that the Commission could make suggestions for improvements. The Ministry of Climate did this in October, a few months late.
Edtstadler’s ministry withdrew the draft
Shortly afterwards, Edtstadler’s ministry withdrew the draft, as it only reflected the climate ministry’s position and not that of the government. Gewessler contradicted this: the other ministries were involved in the NEKP and their suggestions were adopted.
Infringement proceedings against Austria
In December, the European Commission started infringement proceedings against Austria over the missing design. Last week, the Brussels authorities once again reminded that Austria, besides Poland, is the only country that has not yet submitted an official draft NECP.
On Sunday evening, Gewessler reiterated her position. “It would be very easy to simply withdraw this objection, then the European Commission can investigate the (NEKP; note),” the minister said in “ZiB 2”. “Then the infringement procedure is over.”
Edtstadler is in Saudi Arabia
“It will finally have to happen (…) that we actually agree on a national plan,” Edtstadler replied on Monday from Saudi Arabia, where she is currently on a business trip. “Climate protection is simply about more than just one-sided plans by Ms. Gewessler.” You must present a plan that all departments involved have agreed to.
A transparent and constructive coordination process between all departments involved is necessary, Labor Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) said on Monday evening. There is agreement within the federal government on the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040. Agreement remains to be reached on the concrete path to achieve this goal, as well as on some technical formulations regarding a political consensus.
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.
