The policy of Belgium within the EU

In this section you learn more about the policy of Belgium within the European Union.

Climate and energy

The energy and climate policy of the European Union is based on three important pillars: energy security, competitiveness and sustainability. The new policy framework for 2030 sets an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels. This measure is an intermediate step toward the ultimate goal of climate neutrality by 2050, as set forth in the European Green Deal.
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Brief summary


The energy and climate policy of the European Union is based on three essential pillars:

  • Energy security: Ensuring a stable energy supply, in which diversification of energy routes and sources is crucial, is central.
  • Competitiveness: The importance of affordable energy prices and cost efficiency, as well as the further development of the internal energy market, is essential for economic competitiveness.
  • Sustainability: An integrated energy and climate policy contributes to achieving the climate objectives contained in the Paris Agreement and is in line with the global efforts of the EU to reach a new comprehensive climate agreement.

In this time of crisis, and to achieve climate and energy transition goals, the European Union works on strategic autonomy to achieve energy independence. In response to rising energy prices and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the REPowerEU plan was launched to reduce European dependence on Russian fossil fuels. This plan contributes to achieving the pillars of the European energy and climate policy in a fair, cost-efficient and competitive manner.

The 'Fit for 55' package reflects the European Commission's climate and energy ambitions and enables all EU economic sectors to meet the targets. To respond to the current challenges, a new policy framework has been developed in line with these three pillars: 'Horizon 2030'. This framework aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent compared to 1990. During the previous term, a package of 13 legislative proposals was adopted in the framework of the Green Deal to achieve this ambition.

All sectors of the economy must contribute to this planned transition. The 'Fit for 55' legislative package strengthens the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) and extends it to shipping. The ETS for the aviation sector will be tightened and there will be a separate ETS for buildings and road transport. CO2 standards for cars and vans will be further tightened, and Member States will have national targets imposed on them for the agriculture and forestry sectors, as already happens under the Effort Sharing Regulation. In addition, energy targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency have been increased, with specific sub-targets for sectors such as transport.

The European Commission also looks ahead to 2040, recommending that the EU and its Member States reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by then. Based on the political discussions, the Commission is expected to present a concrete legislative proposal in the first quarter of 2025. In addition to continuing efforts toward climate neutrality by 2050, this EU term will be focused on strengthening competitiveness. It is essential to achieve the climate goals without undermining the EU's global position. In the first 100 days of the new European Commission, a strategy for a 'clean industrial deal' is expected. It will support the implementation of the Green Deal and the 'Fit for 55' framework by 2030.


Belgium's position


Belgium has always constructively supported the above European policy pillars for an integrated energy and climate policy. Climate policy on the one hand and energy security and the completion of the internal energy market on the other should not be seen as mutually exclusive, but instead as complementary. Our country also pursues the European goal of achieving energy independence with Belgium advocating the security of sustainable and affordable energy supplies.

The Emissions Trading System (ETS), in which companies must purchase emission allowances if their emissions exceed the allocated limits, will be further structurally reinforced and will remain one of the cornerstones of the EU’s climate policy after 2030 as well. Belgium continues to pay attention to the more stringent framework on carbon leakage, especially through the measure of carbon border adjustments to protect Europe's energy-intensive industries.

Promoting low-carbon technologies and innovation remains a priority for Belgium. Following the agreement to revise the ETS, existing funds for these technologies have been expanded, which benefits our country. Belgium endorses the European ambition to be climate-neutral by 2050. Regarding the Green Deal, Belgium shares the broad consensus on the need for a sustainable transformation of our society and economy, and recognises the many opportunities and the positive agenda the Green Deal offers.