100 days of government: progress for farmers or standstill in Austria?

100 days of government: progress for farmers or standstill in Austria?

On June 6, 2025, Austria can look back on over 100 days of a newly formed government. Important actors in the government coalition are Elisabeth Stocker (ÖVP), Andreas Babler (SPÖ) and Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). The government has set high goals: progress, transparency and reforms promises it to the population. However, the question remains whether these promises actually result in changes for citizens and society. Critics fear that despite the announcements, there is a lack of concrete measures.

The situation for domestic farmers is particularly challenging. They are faced with a number of difficulties that threaten their existence. High energy prices, rising environmental regulations, cheaper imports from Ukraine and the growing influence of NGOs put pressure on farmers. Many of them fight for survival, which also has political dimensions: a breakdown of the rural middle class could have far -reaching consequences for rural society.

EU policy and sustainability in focus

At European level, the EU has issued extensive environmental protection standards in the form of regulations and guidelines. The implementation of these regulations is mandatory for all Member States. The goal is to ensure minimum protection standards in the environmental sector and prevent “environmental dumping”. A central point of EU policy is the common agricultural policy (GAP) that aims to support farmers, guarantee a stable food supply and combat the climate crisis. In this context, it was decided to reduce at least 55% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 by 2030, which is part of the EU strategy for climate neutrality by 2050, as the Federal Chancellery reports.

The Austrian government is aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 in order to meet the requirements of the EU. This objective is anchored in the Federal Constitutional Act and is supported by the Climate Protection Act (KSG), which has existed since 2011. Austria pursues a "two-pillar principle" that includes climate protection and adjustments to climate change.

climate change itself is already evident in Austria: an increase in the middle temperature by almost two degrees Celsius since 1980, increased heat days and a decreasing snow cover are visible signs. According to the world climate, these developments are alarming and there is a need for action to achieve the specified international climate goals. A long -term limitation of the global temperature increase is sought.

Austria's ambitions in the UN Security Council

In another political advance, Austria is aiming for a seat in the UN Security Council. The NEOs described this as foreign policy milestone, while critics rate the initiative as a waste of tax money. The planned seat in the Security Council raises questions about the actual benefits and influence for Austria. However, such a step could strengthen the international role of the country and required broad political support.

Austria faces the challenge of linking its domestic political promises with the external requirements of the EU and global climate goals. Whether the government will successfully combine these complex issues and to master the challenges for domestic farmers and the population as a whole will be crucial for the coming months.

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