In environmental matters, Austria prefers to play as a model country. From the EU Commission's view, this gets but increasingly scratches. As the dear reader was able to find, Brussels once again prepares a reminder to the Republic for their failure in the Environment. This is the fifth infringement proceedings, which leads the EU for this reason against Austria.
In addition to the ongoing proceedings on the topics particulate matter, Natura 2000 sites, power plant on the Black Sulm and energy efficiency, this time it is the lack of implementation of the Aarhus Convention. This ensures that citizens' initiatives and conservation organizations have their rights in environmental matters. Austria is delinquent from the perspective of Brussels, because it is not possible to enforce compliance with environmental laws in court.
It became clear that fact as at several (failed) private attempts to enforce in the courts stricter anti-fine particle laws. The green environment spokeswoman Christiane Brunner calls for a quick adjustment to the laws. Environment Minister Andrae Rupprechter (ÖVP) is in discussions with the provinces.
Already one step further is the process in terms of energy efficiency. Brussels complains about Austria, because it does not react sufficiently the appropriate for building policy. It threatens fines of up to 38,000 euros - per day.
