European Commission Issues Another Warning to Belgium Over Inadequate Climate Plan

Last year, all 27 EU member states were required to submit a plan by June 30, detailing their contributions to the EU’s climate targets. The European Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030, which means Belgium must achieve a 47 percent reduction in emissions from sectors like transportation, buildings, and agriculture.

In November, the European Commission initiated infringement procedures against Belgium and twelve other member states for failing to submit their plans. In Belgium’s case, the delay stems from ongoing conflicts between regional authorities. The Flemish government is currently advocating for a lower target of 40 percent, and a recent report indicated that even this target is not being met.

As of now, 22 member states have submitted their plans, leaving Belgium, Estonia, Croatia, Poland, and Slovakia in a state of non-compliance. On Wednesday, the Commission issued a reasoned opinion to these countries as part of the procedural steps. They now have two months to comply, or else the Commission may escalate the issue to the European Court of Justice.