Brussels – Austria, along with France, Germany, and other EU nations, is seeking to delay the decision on the European climate target for 2040. The vote, originally scheduled for the EU environment ministers’ meeting on September 18 in Brussels, will now occur at the EU summit at the end of October, as confirmed by Council sources to APA on Friday. Given the principle of unanimity, any one country can obstruct the EU climate targets.
“Addressing climate change involves various aspects. Our challenge in Europe is to balance ambitious climate objectives with maintaining a strong and competitive economy,” stated the Federal Chancellery to APA. Consequently, it is not unexpected that numerous member states, including Austria, support a discussion among heads of state and government. This matter encompasses more than just a standalone environmental policy decision.
“Internal discussions within Austria have not yet concluded”
The Chancellery highlighted that the internal position within Austria has not yet been finalized—though both the SPÖ and NEOS parties have made their stance clear, advocating for at least a 90 percent reduction in emissions. “The federal government is committed to achieving climate neutrality for Austria by 2040, so it is consistent to call for a 90 percent emissions reduction at the EU level,” remarked the SPÖ to “Standard” (online). The NEOS party expressed similar sentiments: “We support the Commission’s proposal to lower the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.”
The involvement of the European Council was a decision made by heads of government; coalition partners have been informed, according to the Federal Chancellery. The agenda indicates that environment ministers are expected to vote based on a majority decision in their upcoming meeting, with a favorable outcome anticipated. The requested delay to the heads of state and government level during the EU ambassadors’ meeting on Wednesday means any decision must be made unanimously.
The EU Commission aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, per its proposal presented in early July. Greater flexibility has also been promised. Set targets include a 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The next deadline is September 24, when the EU must submit its updated climate target for 2035 to the United Nations as part of the Paris Climate Agreement. This will also be a central topic at the upcoming UN Climate Summit COP30 in November in Brazil.
Criticism from the Greens and GLOBAL 2000
“We cannot afford further delays – yet this federal government is doing everything to postpone the EU climate target decision. With the World Climate Conference approaching, the implications of such a regressive policy are dire. The EU has been a leader in climate protection until now,” criticized Green Club Chair Leonore Gewessler in a statement. “At every summit, we witness how Viktor Orbán, a close ally of Putin, obstructs progress. Anyone who thinks a climate target can be set with Viktor Orbán involved is either misguided or intentionally trying to derail the EU climate target,” remarked Lena Schilling, the Greens’ shadow reporter in the European Parliament on the EU climate target.
“We cannot tolerate further postponements. Time is of the essence; we need a prompt decision on the EU climate targets for 2040. Chancellor (Christian) Stocker and Environment Minister (Norbert) Totschnig (both ÖVP, note) must not allow climate change deniers like Orbán and (Slovak Prime Minister Robert, note) Fico to undermine this critical climate legislation. Europe is profoundly impacted by the climate crisis, so a positive decision on September 18 is imperative,” urged Johannes Wahlmüller, climate spokesperson for GLOBAL 2000. (05.09.2025)
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