EU Climate Target 2040: Totschnig Defends Government's Approach

Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) has called for a "broad discussion" around the European climate target 2040. After the announcement that Austria, together with other EU states, wants to postpone the decision on the EU climate target, which had led to sharp criticism from the Greens and environmental NGOs, Totschnig defended the government's approach on Wednesday.

Totschnig: "Discussions at the European level"

"There are discussions on the '2040 target' at the European level," said Totschnig on the sidelines of a press conference. Due to the "need for discussion," it was concluded to also address the target in the European Council, which consists of the heads of state and government. The target for 2030 was also decided in the European Council.

The decision on the 2040 climate target has "very broad impacts on the economy, on the population, on jobs," said the minister. Now we have to wait and see what is discussed in the European Council.

The target proposed by the Commission at the beginning of July, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 90 percent by the year 2040 compared to 1990, is based on scientific findings, said Totschnig. "This was calculated to see what is the best possible path towards climate neutrality 2050," said the minister. Nevertheless, it is necessary to allow "the broad discussion," because "in the end, it is about ensuring that targets are supported and implemented." Therefore, the approach is "absolutely understandable" and "necessary."

Several countries for voting at the EU summit in October

Austria, France, Germany, and other EU states are advocating for the vote not to be held as planned at the next meeting of the EU environment ministers on September 18 in Brussels, but at the EU summit in October. Since the unanimity principle applies there, even one country could hold up the EU climate targets.

(APA/Red)

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