Salzburg bill would exempt disaster cleanups from EU nature review

A proposed change to Salzburg’s National Park Act would exempt certain disaster cleanups from an EU nature assessment, drawing criticism from the Austrian Nature Conservation Union. ORF reported that the group says the change could harm protected habitats.

The ÖVP-FPÖ majority in the Salzburg state parliament says the exemption would help protect people by speeding up cleanup work after natural disasters. The Hohe Tauern National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, where projects that could have significant effects are subject to strict European rules.

Ingrid Eichberger, managing director of the Salzburg branch of the conservation group, warned that invoking disaster protection could make it easier to intervene in nature. “If this results in habitats that are of much lower quality, we see that as a major problem,” she said.

The group is particularly concerned because an EU infringement procedure against Austria is already under way over shortcomings in the implementation of European nature protection rules in Natura 2000 areas.

Maximilian Aigner, the ÖVP state councillor responsible for the Salzburg part of the national park, rejected the criticism. “We are clear that help during disaster operations must be fast,” he said.

Authorities are reviewing 19 submissions on the proposed amendment. The Salzburg state parliament is expected to pass it later this year.