Summer Council of Ministers Addresses Reform of Approval Procedures

On Monday, the planned reform of the AVG major procedures was presented to the reform group from the federal government, states, municipalities, and cities at the chancellery. This working group is part of a reform partnership of the local authorities initiated in June, which aims to implement a comprehensive administrative reform in the areas of administration, energy, health, and education by the end of 2026.

Reform of Approval Procedures to Facilitate Economic Projects

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized at the "doorstep" before the government meeting that it is about improving the competitiveness of industry and the economy. "Better conditions are needed" and it is about "enabling, not preventing," said the ÖVP leader. "Many projects do not fail due to a lack of capital or lack of innovation in the economy, but due to very long and complex procedures."

Therefore, a reform of approval procedures is being initiated, said the chancellor. Stocker referred to the changes already announced on Monday by a reform group from the federal government, states, municipalities, and cities in so-called AVG major procedures, where, among other things, efficiency in administrative procedures is to be increased through a digital platform.

In addition, there should be adaptations to the "central instrument for protecting our environment," the environmental impact assessments (UVP), said Stocker. Currently, UVP procedures take too long, and there is - also in international comparison - an "overregulated objection procedure that prevents projects." "Only here do party positions have such extensive rights, and only here does it lead to projects being delayed or prevented."

Stocker: Economic Location Should Be Secured

As another point, the head of government mentioned the planned Renewable Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG): The law is intended to accelerate procedures for the construction of power plants, storage facilities, lines, and other facilities for the energy transition. "If we want Austria to remain a secure location (...), then we must act now," emphasized Stocker.

Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) added that the measures are implementing administrative simplification measures - "for the people in Austria and the economy." He also referred to other planned government projects, such as the planned new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG), which was sent for review at the beginning of July and aims to reduce electricity prices - Babler referred here to the planned social tariffs, from which, according to the SPÖ leader, around 250,000 people should benefit.

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr - who participated on behalf of NEOS leader and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who was on her way to the USA - emphasized that the government is also working "hard" in the summer. The "reform partnership" fixed in June between the federal government, states, municipalities, and cities is a "mandate to continue working over the summer months."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.