Belgium has therefore committed to the European Commission to hand over its PNOC before the summer holidays. The deadline of July 21 (national holiday day) is mentioned. The European executive, for its part, indicated that it “would not engage in legal proceedings (before the EU Court of Justice) as long as a credible calendar would be respected and that a transparent communication on progress would be ensured,” said the spokesperson for Jean-Luc Crucke.
The new deadline was “mentioned” with the Flemish climate minister Melissa Depraetere, who “confirmed that these new deadlines should be respected”. The final national plans were initially awarded on June 30, 2024 to the European Commission. They describe the way in which 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, transport, buildings and agriculture by 47%.
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. “The federal government is aware of its responsibility and works constructively with the other entities to reach a common and ambitious plan,” said Minister Crucke’s spokesperson.
In a short reaction, the cabinet of the Flemish Minister Depraetere 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,” said one.
