Key Elements of the New Climate Act
The Austrian Federal Government has agreed on a new Climate Act. The draft establishes a long-term and reliable framework for Austria’s climate and environmental policy and was submitted for public consultation on 18 September 2026.
The Climate Act is designed as a framework and governance law and is intended to define the structures and instruments required for a coordinated climate and environmental policy law.
“The Federal Government is presenting a Climate Act with a clear eco-social approach. Technology is the key to successful climate action. We are focusing on innovation, actively developing our economy and making Austria less dependent on fossil fuel imports by expanding renewable energy. Anyone who wants to make progress on climate action must find solutions, invest in innovation and new technologies, and ensure effective coordination and cooperation. Climate action and prosperity are not contradictory; they go hand in hand. Our goal is fewer emissions, more innovation and a strong Austria," said Totschnig.
Three Pillars for a Future-Proof Climate and Environmental Policy
The new Climate Act is based on three central pillars:
- Climate action: A Climate Roadmap will set out emission reduction pathways and concrete measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate change adaptation: Measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change will be integrated more strongly into strategic climate and environmental policy.
- Circular economy: Resource efficiency, reuse and recycling will help reduce material consumption and the emissions associated with it.
Climate Roadmap Brings Together Concrete Measures
The central instrument of the Climate Act is the Climate Roadmap. It will serve as the Federal Government’s strategic planning instrument for sectors not covered by the European Emissions Trading System.
The Climate Roadmap will include indicative emission reduction pathways as well as concrete measures by the Federal Government and the federal provinces to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.
The first Climate Roadmap is to be adopted by the Federal Government by the end of 2027 and subsequently updated on a regular basis.
Clear Responsibilities and Better Coordination
Two new bodies will be established to ensure better coordination of climate and environmental policy.
A steering group will prepare the Climate Roadmap and the National Energy and Climate Plan. It will include the federal ministries relevant to climate policy as well as representatives of the federal provinces. At federal level, the group will be chaired by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management.
In addition, an interdisciplinary Scientific Climate Advisory Board will support the Federal Government. Experts from engineering, natural sciences, law, social sciences and economics will contribute scientific expertise and make recommendations for the further development of climate and environmental policy.
Combining Climate Action, Economic Performance and Social Responsibility
The Climate Act is intended to provide long-term planning certainty and to combine climate and environmental policy with economic performance and social responsibility.
A location safeguard clause will allow the Climate Roadmap to be reviewed and, where necessary, adjusted if developments occur that result in serious economic or social consequences.
A Reliable Framework through to 2050
The new Climate Act brings climate action, climate change adaptation and the circular economy together within a common legal framework. The Climate Roadmap, regular monitoring, clearly defined responsibilities and scientific guidance are intended to ensure that Austria’s climate and environmental policy is pursued in a coordinated and long-term manner.
Comments on the draft can be submitted via this link until 30 October 2026.