Federal government agrees on plan to achieve EU's climate and energy goals
On Sunday night, the federal government reached an agreement on its contribution to the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), Belgium's commitment to achieving the EU's energy and climate goals. The government also decided to support the European Commission's proposal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 per cent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
After a night of negotiations, the federal government presented its summer agreement on Monday, consisting of reforms in pensions, the labour market, healthcare and taxes. But apart from these socio-economic reforms, the government also reached an agreement on its contribution to the NECP.
With the approval of the federal contribution to the NECP, the integrated plan can be drawn up over the summer with the contributions of the regions. By the end of September, the plan can then be submitted to the European Commission, after approval by the different governments. The plan should have been submitted in the middle of last year.
"This approval represents significant progress that will now be translated into operational measures"
The NECP aims to enable Belgium to achieve its energy and climate targets for 2030, including the target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 47 per cent compared to 2005 in sectors other than energy-intensive industries.
The plan describes Belgium’s energy and climate policy in detail. For example, tax incentives will be strengthened, such as the introduction of a mobility budget for everyone.
“It is a strategic text that sets out the policy guidelines and federal levers that will be used to support the climate transition,” said Climate minister Jean-Luc Crucke.
Emissions reduction
"This approval represents significant progress that will now be translated into operational measures. Through this approval, the federal government confirms the importance of a National Energy and Climate Plan as a structuring social and economic instrument."
On Sunday night, the government also agreed on the European Commission's proposal that aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 per cent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels.
This is the first time that a Belgian federal government has formally expressed its opinion on a European climate target. However, this is conditional on the target being accompanied by concrete guarantees regarding competitiveness, social justice and technical and economic feasibility.
Belgian climate minister Jean-Luc Crucke © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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