The Union party is urging the SPD to elaborate on its proposal to incorporate a “Shared Task for Climate Adaptation” into the Basic Law. According to Union parliamentary vice-president Klaus Mack, who spoke to the “Rheinische Post” (Monday edition), the coalition agreement initially only stipulated that the introduction of such a task needed to be reviewed.
Mack emphasized that while the mandate to review the matter is taken seriously, a concrete proposal is necessary before it can become clear what the outcomes might be, or whether amending the Federal Constitution is warranted.
Several critical points must be resolved, including the added value this task would bring compared to existing support programs, the clear allocation of responsibilities, and the financial implications. The climate and environment expert added that the current draft submitted by the Federal Environment Minister leaves these questions open and requires clarification.
Moreover, constitutional changes can only occur if the Federal States participate and if the necessary broad majorities are secured in both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. Concurrently, Mack reminded the public about existing resources, stating, “We already have instruments and funds that we should utilize in a practical and unbureaucratic manner-for instance, funds from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality, or the Action Program for Natural Climate Protection.”
