Brussels officials might be about to lose a key ally in their ‘green’ campaign against common sense after Austria’s new government suggested it could oppose a 90% emissions cut by 2040.
The previous administration, booted out by voters in September, was quick to praise the “ambitious” target in February last year. But ministers now say they will wait to see more details before making any firm commitment.
This shift could force the European Commission to weaken its target—especially if it prompts other administrations to speak out, too.
Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) MEP Sander Smit expressed his hope that the Netherlands will be the next member state to walk away from the target, adding:
Now is the time for a realistic course correction to preserve competitiveness.
Ook land van waterkrachtcentrales Oostenrijk trekt steun voor EU-klimaatdoelstelling -90% voor 2040 in – @POLITICOEurope
An official from Austria’s agriculture and environment ministry toldPolitico it is “crucial” that the 2040 target helps secure “competitiveness, including for green technologies, as well as food security and a just transition.”
We now have to wait for the Commission’s concrete proposal, which we will examine in detail because the small print is also relevant for achieving the 2040 target.
The Commission decided earlier this year to postpone the presentation of its 2040 climate target due to pressure from industry officials and farmers. Climate chief Wopke Hoekstra is now considering introducing “flexibilities” into the target in an attempt to make it more palatable for sceptical leaders.
European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group Deputy Secretary General Andrea Čepová stressed that “pressure from individual member states,” such as that now coming from Austria, and from within the European Parliament itself is the “way forward” to counter extremist climate aims.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
