SPÖ Calls for Swift Action on Comprehensive Climate Law in Austria

The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) is urging the federal government to expedite the introduction of a robust national climate law. This call comes as Austria aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, a target previously set by the current government and reinforced in recent legislative measures, including the Affordable Electricity Act. Despite this commitment, political parties have been awaiting a new draft of the proposed climate law since August.

According to the SPÖ, the enactment of an ambitious climate law is crucial to provide a clear roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to establish corrective mechanisms that ensure targets are met. The party highlights the importance of such legislation in offering stability and predictability for both households and businesses, particularly in light of external factors such as colder winters, increased gas consumption, and lower water levels impacting hydropower generation.

Recent data from the Wegener Center at the University of Graz has underscored the urgency of implementing a climate law, showing ongoing challenges in reducing emissions. The SPÖ emphasizes that these findings demonstrate the need for immediate legislative action to stay on track toward the nation's climate targets.

Despite fiscal constraints inherited from previous administrations, Austria is set to increase its climate and environmental investments to record levels. The government's double budget for 2025 and 2026, as reflected in the Green Budgeting Supplement, reveals that federal spending on climate and environmentally productive measures will rise to 10.5 billion euros annually--an increase of approximately two billion euros compared to 2023. These funds are earmarked for initiatives including building renovations and the replacement of heating systems, with additional resources becoming available from 2026.

The Affordable Electricity Act, recently passed by the government, aims to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy sources. From the beginning of 2026, all new laws and regulations in Austria will also be subject to a mandatory climate impact assessment to ensure consistency with the country's environmental objectives.

The SPÖ stresses the need to avoid repeating past mistakes, referencing previous governments' inability to pass a national climate law. The party reaffirms its commitment to achieving the 2040 climate neutrality goal and maintaining a clear legal and financial framework to support Austria's transition to a more sustainable future.

The call for action aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where governments are under increasing pressure to set transparent targets and implement effective policies to address climate change. The SPÖ maintains that swift legislative action, coupled with increased investment in environmental initiatives, is essential for meeting Austria's climate commitments and ensuring long-term economic and ecological security.