Austrian Environmental Law Days 2026

The Institute for Environmental Law at the Johannes Kepler University Linz will once again host the Austrian Environmental Law Days from September 23rd to September 24th, 2026, at the JKU Linz. The conference is organized in cooperation with the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV) and with the support of the Association for the Promotion of the Institute for Environmental Law. This year’s overarching theme is “Rethinking and Shaping Nature: Restoration on the Move – Scientific Foundations and Practical Implementation.“

The focus of the event this year lies on the far-reaching innovations surrounding the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Through expert presentations, keynotes, and panel discussions, scientific foundations, constitutional law issues, as well as practice-relevant implementation aspects will be illuminated. Particular attention will be given to the role of agriculture, water management and civil law in the context of nature restoration. On the second day, practice-oriented workshops will address central questions regarding renewable energies as well as EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and trade law.

Anna Obereder and Alexander Forster will jointly present on “Latest Developments in Public Law – Recent Court Decisions” on September 23rd at 10:50 a.m.

Wilhelm Bergthaler will chair the workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Austrian Trade Act on September 24th at 9:00 a.m. He will also moderate the session Current Developments in Environmental Law – Part 2, taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.