Press Releases

Austria focuses on clean air and sustainable development

EP Environment Committee: Minister Pröll seeks agreement on Clean Air Directive by June

On Tuesday, 30 January, Environment Minister Josef Pröll further outlined his targets for Europe’s sustainable development. At the European Parliament’s Environment Committee in Brussels, the Minister pointed out that he wished to see the new “Directive on Air Quality and Clean Air for Europe” adopted by June this year. “Improving air quality is one of the priorities of the Austrian Presidency”, said the Minister. Sustainable development and new regulations to govern the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMO) will also be among the topics covered.

“We hope the Member States will reach agreement on the Air Quality Directive during the Austrian Presidency”, Minister Pröll said. He conceded that reaching a political agreement on the draft directive submitted by Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas at the beginning of October 2005 was a mammoth task. Targets for reducing fine dust particles to PM 2.5 are proposed in the directive. The aim is to impose stricter standards governing emissions limits for cars (“Euro 5 proposal”) and to promote the use of cleaner road vehicles as a means to achieve the targets. “Austria will be endeavouring to further these aims too”, stated the Environment Minister. “It would send a clear signal to the citizens of Europe if these three areas were simultaneously launched under our patronage”, he said.

The Environment Minister emphasised Austria’s unsympathetic stance towards nuclear energy. “Each country must be left to decide on its energy sources. Under the Austrian Presidency, clear directions for alternatives will be given, without trying to patronise anyone”, said Minister Pröll. With regard to research funding, however, the Minister wishes to focus clearly and unequivocally on renewable energy sources.

Another major proejct according to the Environment Minister is the drafting of a new set of rules on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms within the EU. For Europe it is not a question of “Yes” or “No”, but “How”. Minister Pröll is planning a scientific, unemotional debate on the issue. The question is to be discussed at the first GMO Conference in Vienna on 4 to 6 April. The Minister views this meeting as an important beginning, since the process “must and will be initiated”.