Austria is saving billions – but at the same time, it does not want to neglect the economy and wants to set significant impulses to boost growth again. Since Wednesday, the details have been available with the double budget, and the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) has finally been passed. On Sunday, ÖVP Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer was a guest on "Zeit im Bild 2." "We want electricity prices in Austria to become cheaper," he explained to Marie-Claire Zimmermann the background of the EABG – "put an end to these endless procedures. More speed."
"Less ideology, more pragmatism"
For the first time, an overriding public interest for the expansion of electricity infrastructure will be clearly defined. In case of doubt, this will now have clear priority. The second key point is the concentration of procedures: responsibilities will be bundled with the state governors or the Energy Ministry. "We simply have to become faster in the approval procedures." In some cases, it took up to 16 years to weigh the need for cheap electricity against the breeding grounds of the hazel dormouse. And exactly that kind of thing should now go faster. "Less ideology, more pragmatism." By 2040, electricity demand is likely to increase by up to half. To maintain prosperity, we must undoubtedly generate more electricity. There is much criticism of the package tax, which will make all packages in Austria two euros more expensive from October. To consolidate the budget, "such measures are also needed," says the minister. A coalition government is always a compromise. That is why he stands by this measure, even though he has "no joy" with it.
