Austria Rejects EU’s 2040 Climate Target
(MENAFN) Austria has announced that it cannot endorse the European Union’s proposed 2040 climate objective in its present version, creating uncertainty over the future of the significant emissions initiative just before a key vote among environment ministers.
The plan seeks to reduce the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040 — a milestone described as essential for keeping Europe aligned with its goal of achieving climate neutrality by the middle of the century.
According to a report by Euractiv, the draft proposal has undergone extensive negotiations, involving numerous compromises meant to balance concerns about its consequences for industries and households.
However, since the proposal’s approval relies on winning the backing of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population, Austria’s stance could become pivotal.
Although Vienna has set its own ambition of reaching climate neutrality by 2040, Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig declared that the nation would not support the EU’s 90% target. “We see room for correction,” he stated.
Austria has also submitted a list of six conditions aimed at protecting its domestic industrial sector.
The Danish presidency has assembled a tentative coalition including Germany, France, and Spain to secure a majority. Yet, to meet the population requirement, additional backing will be needed from Poland, Italy, or a combination of smaller member states.
Poland has already expressed its opposition to the plan, while Italy has also declined to endorse it.
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin argued that the proposal lacked “indispensable” aspects and called for revisions to the EU’s 2035 prohibition on new petrol and diesel vehicles.
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