European Commission launches legal action against Belgium over delayed climate plan
The European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against Belgium for failing to submit its final national energy and climate plan by the June deadline. The legal action could eventually lead to fines.
Belgium was expected to present its climate plan by the end of June but the process was blocked by the Flemish government. Although Wallonia, Brussels and the federal government were prepared to submit their portions of the plan, Flanders delayed the process, saying no action would be taken until a new Flemish government was formed.
The Commission has contacted Belgium multiple times since the missed deadline, without success. The infringement procedure, which could lead to financial penalties, aims to pressure Belgium into compliance. Legal action was earlier launched against other countries who failed to submit their climate plans.
In February, the Commission criticised Belgium’s interim climate strategy for falling short of the EU’s 2030 targets, which require a 47 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2005 levels. Current projections indicate Belgium is on track for only a 17 per cent reduction by 2025. Flanders achieved a 20 per cent reduction in 2022.
The new Flemish Climate minister, Melissa Depraetere, now holds responsibility for completing the plan.
#FlandersNewsService | © A climate march in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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