European Union|Austria’s chancellor is asking the EU court to overturn the environment ministers’ Monday decision to approve the restoration decree.
Brussels
EU countries accepted the disputed on Monday the restoration setting by the smallest possible majority after Austria’s green environment minister Leonore Gewessler decided to vote in favor of the regulation without the support of the government partners.
Gewessler’s decision immediately plunged the country’s government into crisis.
Board partner, chairman of the ÖVP Christian Stocker announced on Monday that he would take Gewessler’s decision to court, reports the country’s public radio ORF. According to Stocker, the environment minister violated the constitution by voting without the support of the entire government.
The restoration decree was approved on Monday at the meeting of EU environment ministers after Austria turned in favor of accepting the negotiated agreement.
Gewessler made the decision himself.
“My conscience tells me unequivocally: when the healthy and happy life of future generations is threatened, bold decisions are needed. That’s why I voted for the restoration decree today,” Gewessler reasoned, according to ORF.
ÖVP tries to challenge the decision also at the EU level. Chancellor representing the party Karl Nehammer announced on Monday that he would take the ministers’ decision to the EU court.
However, the ministers’ decision on Monday is binding, according to Belgium, the country leading the negotiations of the ministers of the EU countries.
“The minister represents his country and his voting decision is binding. The Council’s Legal Service has also confirmed this,” says a diplomatic source.
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