After the presentation of the Austrian National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP) on Tuesday, criticism was not long in coming. The Chamber of Commerce sees “specific improvements compared to the initial draft”. However, the plan still brings significant uncertainty for domestic companies.
A press release stresses that it remains unclear “what is meant by the reduction of climate-damaging subsidies”. There is no clear definition that takes into account the effects on security of supply and competitiveness. On the other hand, the federal government’s commitment to an overarching greenhouse gas target for 2030 is welcomed. This is a clear advantage over the previously planned specific sector targets.
“Costly” consequences
Criticism also came from the Federation of Austrian Industries, saying that the goals of the NEKP would, if implemented, act as a mortgage for the location, “as they can have costly binding effects on the entire business location,” it said in a press release. Instead of constantly imposing new burden packages and voluntary commitments at the expense of the domestic location, effective instruments are needed to strengthen the competitiveness of industry and thus secure jobs in Austria.
The working group of automobile importers belonging to the IV speaks of “expensive climate cosmetics at the expense of drivers”. The trade association of the vehicle industry in the Chamber of Commerce is annoyed that the fleet targets are being brought forward: the mobility master plan envisages a ban on new registrations of combustion engines as early as 2030, i.e. five years earlier than planned.
