“Austria has launched important reforms and investments for ecological change,” summarized EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday. Therefore, the EU Commission also gave the “green light” for the grants from the reconstruction fund in the amount of 700 million euros. She assessed Austria’s first payment application as positive for the time being. Austria submitted the application last December, and in the event of further positive evaluations, almost 3.75 billion euros can be expected.
The climate ticket is “an excellent example” of what Austria has implemented, said von der Leyen. According to the Federal Chancellery, other reforms for which Austria is receiving money include the delivery of 160,000 tablets and laptops to schoolchildren, the replacement of 6,360 oil and gas heating systems, the payment of 40,000 educational bonuses, and the start of community nursing. , the entry into force of the Renewable Energy Sources Expansion Act (EAG) and the development of the financial education strategy.
“Important stage done”
In order for the 700 million euros to be paid out, the other EU countries must agree to the Commission’s assessment. This is considered a mere formality.
With the Commission’s assessment, an “important step has now been taken”, said Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP). “The first payment request covers the funds for 25 percent of the reforms and investments planned up to 2026.” “Ambitious goals are being pursued with the funds,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP). The “milestones reached strengthen Austria in important future areas.”
The EU Commission ties the payment of funds to the achievement of these milestones. By 2026, for example, six payment applications are planned for the Austrian development plan. These include a total of 171 milestones to be fulfilled. According to the Federal Chancellery, 44 of them have already been reached with the first application for payment.
