Austrian National Council to Convene Post-Easter for Critical Discussions

In the week following Easter, specifically on April 24 and 25, the Austrian National Council is set to hold important sessions. Each session will span seven hours, and consensus on the agenda was achieved during the recent presidential conference. Additionally, the council has approved the planned operating hours for Holy Week and amendments to the parliamentary rules.

A significant item on the agenda for Friday's session is the proposed legal framework for a temporary halt on the family reunification of recognized refugees. This proposal, put forth by the ruling parties, including the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, will be discussed if the Interior Committee concludes its deliberations in a timely manner. A meeting of this committee is scheduled for April 22, following Easter. The coalition's proposal allows for the suspension of family reunification through regulation, with certain exceptions outlined in the accompanying explanations. The two-week public review period for this request concluded on April 10.

Economic and Energy Measures

The Economic Committee is advocating for effective measures aimed at alleviating the energy costs burden on businesses and households. In connection with the anticipated development of an industry and skilled labor strategy, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS are committed to supporting the government. The Committee for Tourism is focused on the ongoing development and evaluation of the 'Plan T', a comprehensive master plan for the tourism sector. Furthermore, amendments to the Renewable Energy Expansion Act are proposed to ensure that increased investment subsidies for photovoltaic systems can be granted even if crucial components are sourced from Switzerland, a change from the current restriction to EEA area components.

Foreign Policy, Justice, and Education

The Foreign Affairs Committee has presented recommendations for resolutions addressing various issues, including the protection of children in Ukraine, nuclear disarmament, and the rights of LGBTIQ individuals in Hungary. Austria is also expected to oppose Bangladesh's accession to an international agreement regarding document verification.

At the request of the Green Party, members of the National Council will review the 2023 report on right-wing extremism. Moreover, the Justice Committee has forwarded a report from the Justice Ministry concerning directives issued from 2017 to 2023 to the plenary session. Other discussions will include the National Education Report, the 2024 Activity Report of the Court of Auditors, a report on average population incomes, and a report from the Petitions Committee regarding six citizen initiatives.

Current Affairs and European Affairs Sessions

The sessions will begin on Thursday with a Current Affairs segment led by the FPÖ, followed by a Current European Affairs segment presented by the SPÖ. On Friday, a question time is scheduled with Claudia Plakolm, the Minister for EU Affairs, Integration, Family, and Youth.

The FPÖ has proposed several measures, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years, penalizing illegal border crossings, and prohibiting the closure of bank accounts for ideological reasons, including for companies. Additionally, the party opposes increases in tourism taxes and mandatory membership for students in the Austrian Student Union (ÖH).

Changes to Parliamentary Regulations

All attendees at the presidential conference have agreed to modifications in the parliamentary regulations. These changes will be implemented based on initial experiences with the operation of the renovated parliament. Notably, entry to the parliament will no longer require prior registration on the parliamentary website. Instead, visitors will be able to gain access by scanning an official photo ID at the security checkpoint. These changes will take effect on May 1, 2025.

During Holy Week, the parliament will be open to visitors from 8 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM on Maundy Thursday. Services will be limited to essential operations on Good Friday, but guided tours will be available from Monday to Saturday. Further details can be found on the parliament's website.

The presidential conference also approved modifications to the National Council's work schedule, addressing outstanding parliamentary recommendations from the 4th and 5th GRECO evaluation rounds, as well as the EU Rule of Law Report, alongside necessary adjustments to the regulations of the National and Federal Councils in light of proactive publication requirements in the legislative process.