ÖVP, Greens and NEOS are in favor, SPÖ sticks to its criticism
Vienna (PK) – The introduction of a green gas quota, which gas suppliers should be obliged to comply with in the future, is now underway National Council failed due to the required two-thirds majority. The FPÖ had already waved it off, and the SPÖ also stuck to its criticism. The Social Democrats fear, among other things, additional costs for households and small businesses. The Renewable Gas Act (EGG) was intended to replace the share of fossil natural gas with domestically produced renewable gas, reduce import dependency and improve security of supply. The ÖVP and the Greens submitted an amendment to this in the plenary session, which, among other things, was intended to reduce the target quota of renewable gas for 2030 from 7.5 terawatt hours (TWh) to 6.5 TWh. A planned compensation amount should also be reduced if the quota is not reached, which should have amounted to 12.5 cents per kWh by the end of 2025. In addition, maximum limits should be set for the use of grain and corn as fuel to produce biogas. From 2035, this type of biogas should no longer be counted towards the green gas quota for new plants. At the request of the ÖVP and the Greens, a roll-call vote was held on the matter.
The majority of MPs were in favor of the new option for faster business registrations via “GISA Express”. With a motion for a resolution, the NEOS called for “courageous reforms for a modern trade regulation” in line with the recommendations of the Court of Auditors, but remained in the minority.
There was unanimity in the plenary session on adjustments to commercial market surveillance. This makes it possible, for example, to use the acquired master’s degree in foot care, cosmetics and massage.
No quota for renewable gas for now
With the Green gas quota According to the original draft, the volume to be substituted should have reached a total of 9.75% of the total gas volume in 2030, but at least 7.5 terawatt hours (TWh). According to the explanations, the target path for the period from 2031 to 2040 should have been set by regulation. From 2035 onwards, it was planned to replace at least 15 TWh annually with green gas.
In order to avoid an extraordinary cost burden for end consumers, according to the explanations – also by regulation – funding should be provided for suppliers who have increased production and procurement costs due to meeting the green gas quota. This subsidy should relieve the burden on end consumers, as the generation and procurement costs for suppliers are reduced by receiving subsidies and thus also the end customer prices.
From the SPÖ’s perspective, the potential of renewable gas must be activated, but through a cost-effective law, said Alois Schroll (SPÖ). A market premium model was therefore advocated from the outset. Schroll described the current law as a “lobbyist law” that would bring excess profits to some, while others would have to expect an “explosion in inflation”. In addition, according to him, “precious food should be burned.” The SPÖ is not available for that. Axel Kassegger (FPÖ) described the model as “unimaginative” with excessive funding. In addition, suggestions for a market-based premium model were not addressed. Basically, renewable gas is good for diversifying. However, people are “sleeping” in other areas where there are “completely different” capacities than here and the money can be used better.
Karin Doppelbauer (NEOS) said the package was important for diversification and for establishing national production. She also had criticisms, such as the quota model, which would not challenge the market. “Whoever says A must also say B,” she announced her approval with regard to further gas independence.
Georg Strasser (ÖVP) pointed out security loops to Schroll, so that price-dampening measures could be introduced by retailers. He couldn’t understand why the SPÖ didn’t agree. Implementing a market premium model in such a short time is not possible. According to Lukas Hammer (Greens), the present law represents the stable framework conditions for replacing part of the fossil or Russian gas. The proposal would eliminate the use of food, he said in the direction of the SPÖ. The law is important in terms of climate protection and energy and crisis security.
Gewessler: Contribution to independence, climate protection and security of supply
According to Environment and Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler, the law would contribute to independence, climate protection and security of supply. The amendment also tweaked things that were important to the SPÖ – such as lowering the target to 6.5 TWh so that it would be less cost-intensive. The law also clearly provides for an end to the use of food in biogas plants. In any case, the potential of biogas production in Austria is a “treasure” that can only be exploited together.
Business registrations via “GISA-Express”
The actual the change The trade regulations aim to further develop the Austrian trade information system (GISA). This should enable commercial procedures to be processed more quickly or in real time. The amendment also expands the list of master craftsmen.
With the “GISA-Express” system, for example, business registrations should be able to be electronically validated as they are entered into the GISA. However, it remains possible to contact the trade administration in any technically possible way. The possibility of direct electronic entry in the GISA is an additional offer. Further expansion stages for “GISA-Express” are also planned in the next few years.
Josef Schellhorn (NEOS) doubted whether this change was a “big hit”, especially since courageous reforms to the trade regulations as a whole would be necessary. Schellhorn warned that many companies in Austria would have to close because the cost cover far exceeds the profit cover. Added to this is the “bureaucratic monster of the Chamber of Commerce”. He welcomes the fact that there is now “at least” a digital solution for business registration. However, “much more” needs to be done to relieve the burden on people and small and medium-sized businesses.
For Peter Haubner (ÖVP), the trade regulations are the “guarantor for qualification and training” because companies train the skilled workers and master craftsmen themselves. He is also pleased about the now equal status in the recognition of master craftsmen’s professions. With the “GISA Express” and business registration in real time, this area is brought into the age of digitalization. Petra Oberrauner (SPÖ) also described “GISA-Express” as a sensible step towards the future. However, she pointed out that simplifications should not lead to increased abuse through false information. Maximilian Linder (FPÖ) generally called for a revision of the trade regulations, even if the FPÖ agreed to the simplifications in online registration. In the event of misuse, there would be sanctions of up to five years of exclusion, said Linder.
According to Elisabeth Götze (Greens), the federal government has taken a number of measures for business start-ups. The founding capital was massively reduced and a new legal form of flexible corporations was created. With “GISA-Express”, business registration can now be done “at the push of a button”. In addition, the master’s titles would be expanded to include craft-like professions. According to Götze, there will also be a new apprenticeship in vegetarian cuisine.
Adjustments to commercial market surveillance
With the unanimously decided Novelization Commercial market surveillance implements EU regulations that are intended to keep non-compliant products off the European market. The cooperation between various market surveillance authorities should also be strengthened.
For example, for certain pressurized products such as fire extinguishers or gas cylinders, market surveillance powers are to be transferred to the Federal Office for Metrology and Surveying (BEV). Market monitoring of combustion engines for mobile machines and devices not intended for road traffic – such as chainsaws and lawn mowers or construction machinery – will also be carried out by the BEV in the future.
The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology is to pool market surveillance for transportation combustion engines in the shipping and rail vehicle sectors, as well as pressure equipment specifically manufactured for these sectors.
The main aim is to improve protection for consumers, said Petra Oberrauner (SPÖ). From her point of view, it is important that there are sufficient resources for market surveillance. Maximilian Linder (FPÖ), in turn, hopes that there will not be “excessive” controls. (Continuation of the National Council) mbu
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