Belgium will not put its energy-climate plan in time to the European Commission due to a delay … on the Flemish side.
Belgium will not be able to hand over its National Energie-Climate Plan (PNOC) to the European Commission on May 12, as it was held there, a spokesperson for the federal climate minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, said on Saturday, confirming VRT information. In question: a delay on the side of Flanders, according to the spokesperson.
Belgium nevertheless committed to the Commission to hand this plan before the summer holidays. The deadline of July 21 is mentioned. The European executive said that he “would not engage in legal proceedings (before the EU Court of Justice, editor’s note) as long as a credible calendar is respected and a transparent communication on progress would be ensured”continues the spokesperson for Mr. Crucke (the committed).
The new deadline was “mentioned” with the Flemish climate minister Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit), who “confirmed that these new deadlines should be respected”.
A plan to respect the climatic objectives of 2030
The final national plans were initially awarded on June 30, 2024. They describe the way in which the Member States intend to contribute to the climatic and energy objectives set for 2030. To this deadline, the European Union is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to the 1990 levels. To achieve this, Belgium must reduce emissions in areas, agriculture.
-Last November, the Commission opened an offense procedure against Belgium. In March, the European executive recalled the country to order and gave it two additional months to do its homework. However, this was not enough.
Delays due to Flanders and political changes
“The federal government is aware of its responsibility and works constructively with other entities to reach a common and ambitious plan”assures the spokesperson for Minister Crucke.
In a short reaction, the cabinet of the Flemish Minister justified the delay in the north of the country by the fact that “The previous government has never developed a plan”. “The current minister is working hard. A plan will be ready for this summer”assure-t-on.
In June 2024, only Flanders had indeed not developed a plan, the regional government having decided to wait for the constitution of a new executive after the elections. The other entities had done their part of the work even if, since then, the majority has changed in Wallonia and that the new MR-Engagues government has decided to revise the plan and “Being the measures in order of priority”.
On the federal side, “Existing energy and climatic policy is currently revised on the basis of the new coalition agreement”specifies Mr. Crucke’s spokesperson. “The reinforced political lines are calculated as to their impact by the administrations concerned and the Federal Office of the Plan”. Flanders climate Climate
