Belgium’s Federal Government Reaches Agreement on National Energy and Climate Plan
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 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels., reports 24brussels.
Following extensive negotiations, the federal government unveiled its summer agreement on Monday morning, which includes reforms across pensions, the labor market, healthcare, and tax policies. In addition to these socio-economic reforms, the government solidified its contribution to the NECP.
With the federal contribution approval to the NECP, an integrated plan can be established over the summer that incorporates input from regional authorities. This comprehensive plan is scheduled for submission to the European Commission by the end of September, pending approval from various governments. Originally, the NECP was expected to be submitted by mid-last year.
The NECP outlines Belgium’s strategy to meet its energy and climate targets for 2030, which includes a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 47 percent compared to 2005 levels in sectors outside of energy-intensive industries. The plan details numerous aspects of Belgium’s energy and climate policies, including proposed enhancements to tax incentives and the introduction of a mobility budget for all citizens.
“This approval represents significant progress that will now be translated into operational measures.”
Climate Minister Jean-Luc Crucke stated, “It is a strategic text that sets out the policy guidelines and federal levers that will be used to support the climate transition. 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.”
Additionally, the federal government endorsed the European Commission’s proposal to lower net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90 percent by 2040 in relation to 1990 levels. This marked the first time a Belgian federal government has officially stated its position on a European climate target while emphasizing that the target’s viability depends on concrete guarantees pertaining to competitiveness, social justice, and technical, economic feasibility.
