Last week it was announced that the European Commission had initiated three new infringement procedures against Austria. Two additional procedures have now been added.
One of the procedures concerns the inadequate implementation of the so-called Firearms Directive. It establishes common minimum standards for the acquisition, possession and commercial exchange of civilian firearms, for example for shooting sports and hunting.
Austria is also in default regarding the Insurance Distribution Directive, which sets minimum standards for the distribution of insurance products. The federal government now has two months to respond to the two request letters and take the necessary measures for implementation. The next step from Brussels would be motivated advice.
Three other topics have already reached this stage: Brussels once again warned Austria to improve its national regulations to prevent serious accidents involving hazardous substances. Two request letters have already been sent to Vienna in 2020 and 2023. The scheme applies to more than 12,000 industrial installations in the EU and sets out rules to prevent major industrial accidents and minimize their harmful effects on health and the environment.
Renewable Energy Directive: deadline passed
The EU has also sent a reasoned opinion to Austria over its poor implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive. The directive sets a binding EU target of 32 percent for renewable energy sources and measures to achieve this. The deadline for implementation into national law was June 30, 2021.
The current Austrian implementation of the directive on hired vehicles without drivers in road freight transport is also not sufficient for the Brussels government. This directive aims to regulate the use of vehicles in a uniform manner, ensuring safety, fair competition and compliance with existing EU regulations.
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.
