Despite the clear writing on the wall against the European Union’s Green Deal, with broadening opposition to it visible in the results of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, the majority of EU governments refused to draw constructive consequences from it. Instead, yesterday they passed the so-called “Restore Nature Law.” The EU’s Environment Ministers voted a narrow approval—1% above the required 65% level. Italy, Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden all voted against.
The narrow approval was the result of a revolt in the Austrian government. Austrian Environment Minister Leonore Gewässler disobeyed her government mandate and voted for the bill. Her vote generated chaos in Vienna, where Chancellor Karl Nehammer censured Gewässler and announced an appeal to the EU Court of Justice.
