Bayern’s Planned Easing of Alpine Protection Violates EU Law, Says SPD
In a heated debate in the Bavarian Landtag, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has accused the state government of violating EU law by planning to relax Alpine protection measures. According to Florian von Brunn, a Munich-based SPD representative, the planned “Alpine Simplification Act” will fail, citing the example of the failed Riedberger Horn ski lift project.
Von Brunn argued that the Austrian regulations, which the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Free Voters party are relying on, have already been the subject of a contract violation procedure in Brussels, as they do not adequately protect the natural environment and are therefore unlawful.
The Bavarian Alpine Plan, the Forestry Act and the Alpine Convention all oblige the state to protect the mountainous region, von Brunn emphasized, warning that the government’s plans will ultimately be struck down in court if not rejected in the Landtag.