EU Green Party lodges protest against Modernization Act with regulatory body - EU Greens Challenge Modernisation Act Through Appeal
In the heart of Germany, a contentious issue has arisen concerning the third Bavarian modernization law. This law, which came into effect on August 1st, aims to reduce bureaucracy and ease the expansion of ski slopes, new snowmaking facilities, and ski lifts. However, it has been met with fierce opposition from various quarters, including environmentalists and the Greens party.
According to Johannes Becher, faction vice of the Greens, the party has filed a complaint with the EU Commission over the law in the state parliament. Becher believes that the law exceeds the scope for assessment of member states in setting threshold values under the EIA Directive, potentially violating EU law. A second expert opinion has reached a similar conclusion.
The state government, led by an alliance of the CSU, Free Voters, and AfD, pushed the law through despite these concerns, sparking outrage from critics. The Greens had previously demanded a review by the EU Commission from the state government but were ignored.
The modernization law has not been withdrawn as of the current statement, leading to concerns about its potential impact on the sensitive ecosystem in the Alps. Environmentalists argue that the law could cause harm to this delicate environment, with the broad alliance "Save the Mountains" forming in opposition to the state government's approval of the lowering of environmental compatibility standards.
The alliance has garnered significant support, with over 45,000 people signing a petition to stop the plans. The modernization law has also become an issue in Brussels, with the complaint filed by the Greens raising questions about the law's compliance with EU regulations.
In the event of a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice, the modernization law would need to be repealed, according to expert statements. As of August 2025, there is no publicly disclosed EU investigation into this specific law, although the current status may not be publicly disclosed or the investigation may not yet be underway.
This development has sparked a heated debate in Germany, with many questioning the prioritization of economic interests over the preservation of the homeland, as stated by Becher. As the situation unfolds, the future of the third Bavarian modernization law remains uncertain, with many hoping for a reversal of the controversial measures.
[1]: Source 1 (Germany’s Pact for the Rule of Law renewal) [2]: Source 2 (Bavaria’s participation in 5G initiatives) [3]: Source 3 (EU chemical regulation debates) [4]: Source 4 (Data protection roles) [5]: Source 5 (Corporate legal reforms)
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