The European Commission has formally reprimanded Belgium for failing to submit its national energy and climate plan, a requirement for all EU Member States to outline their strategies for achieving the bloc’s ambitious climate objectives.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Commission stated that Belgium now has two months to comply or face potential legal consequences.
The EU had initially set a deadline of June 30, 2023, for all 27 Member States to submit their plans detailing how they intend to contribute to the European Union’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.
Belgium, alongside Estonia, Croatia, Poland, and Slovakia, remains in default, while 22 other Member States have already submitted their plans.
As a result, the Commission escalated the infringement procedures by issuing a “reasoned opinion” to these five countries. If Belgium fails to comply within the given timeframe, the matter could be referred to the European Court of Justice.
Regional Dispute Behind Delays
The delay in Belgium’s submission is largely attributed to an ongoing dispute between its three regional governments—Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region—on emission reduction targets. Under the EU’s current climate framework, Belgium is required to cut emissions in transport, buildings, and agriculture by 47%.
However, the Flemish Government has resisted this target, advocating for a reduced obligation of 40%, a figure that the region has yet to meet. This internal disagreement has stalled progress, leaving Belgium without a finalized national plan nearly a year past the EU deadline.
Escalation of Legal Action
The European Commission initially launched infringement procedures against Belgium and 12 other Member States in November 2023 for failing to outline their strategies.
While several countries have since complied, Belgium remains among the last holdouts. The latest move by the Commission represents an escalation, signaling the EU’s determination to enforce compliance across all its members.
The Commission’s reasoned opinion serves as a final warning before legal proceedings begin. If Belgium does not take corrective action within the next two months, the case may be brought before the European Court of Justice, which has the authority to impose financial penalties on non-compliant states.
Broader EU Climate Commitments
The EU has set binding climate targets as part of its Green Deal initiative, which seeks to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. A key milestone in this effort is the 2030 goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels.
While some EU countries face challenges in meeting these objectives, Belgium’s delay underscores the difficulties of coordinating climate policies within decentralized governments.
The Commission’s latest action sends a clear message that it expects full commitment from all Member States to meet the collective climate targets.
With the clock ticking, Belgium’s federal and regional governments must swiftly resolve their differences or risk facing legal and financial repercussions. The coming months will determine whether Belgium aligns with the EU’s climate ambitions or remains at odds with Brussels over its obligations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
