The EU Parliament will vote on the controversial classification of gas and nuclear power as climate-friendly investments on Wednesday. At least 353 of the 705 MEPs must speak out against the so-called taxonomy, then it will not come into force. The result of the vote is considered open. The Austrian MPs announced their cross-party resistance.
The majority of the Greens, Social Democrats and Left Party indicated that they would vote against the taxonomy. The decision of the European People’s Party and the Liberals is uncertain. In any case, a tight vote is expected.
With the taxonomy, the Commission wants to determine which financial investments will be considered climate-friendly in the future. This should help mobilize the billions needed for climate change and pave the way for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050.
Blocking of states unlikely
However, the fact that gas and nuclear power are to be classified as ecologically sustainable under certain criteria angers environmentalists and some EU countries. Austria announced that it would file a lawsuit with the European Court of Justice (ECJ) when the regulation came into force.
The EU states could still block the EU Commission’s proposal until July 11th. However, this is considered very unlikely, and the necessary vote on this is reportedly not scheduled. (apa)