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EU court hears case against EU taxonomy

by AI | 21.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

After the EU Commission had classified nuclear and gas under conditions as bridging technologies towards climate neutrality, Austria filed a lawsuit against the decision. On Monday, the European Court (EC) will hear the case.

Archive image - When the court will deliver its verdict is not yet known. Photo: Arne Immanuel Bänsch/dpa

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EU-wide/Luxembourg – At the European Court (EC) in Luxembourg, Austria’s lawsuit against the EU taxonomy will be negotiated on Monday. The lawsuit is directed against the EU Commission’s decision in 2022 to classify nuclear power and fossil gas as climate-friendly transition technologies under certain conditions. The environmental protection organization Greenpeace, which supports the lawsuit, reiterated its arguments once again in a report published on Monday.

“If the EU taxonomy also diverts the planned investments of 350 billion euros (estimated annual investment needed to achieve EU emission targets by 2030; note) into nuclear power, these funds will be lacking for much more quickly implementable solar and wind power plants,” argues Greenpeace Austria in a statement. “Climate-damaging coal and gas power plants would also continue to operate for many more years.”

Eight Greenpeace country offices, including the one from Austria, have filed a lawsuit against the decision of the Brussels authority themselves; however, it is currently on hold until the outcome of the proceedings led by the government in Vienna.

The Alpine Republic is presenting 16 grounds for action, which will be negotiated today in Luxembourg. Among other things, the EU Commission is accused of “failing to recognize the risks of significant impairment to several protected environmental objectives due to serious reactor accidents and high-level radioactive waste.” When the EC will issue its ruling is not yet known. There is also the possibility that a party to the proceedings will lodge an appeal with the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against the ruling. (21.10.2024)

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