The policy of Belgium within the EU

In brief

In recent years, the EU has focused intensively on making the transport sector more sustainable, with the European Green Deal as the main driver. The Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and eventually achieve climate neutrality by 2050. With the transport sector responsible for more than a quarter of total emissions, one of the main goals of the Green Deal is to reduce emissions from transport by 90 percent by 2050.

EU policy focuses on strengthening the transport sector by making it more sustainable, competitive and resilient, with safe, accessible and affordable mobility for all EU citizens as its goal. The focus is on supporting industry, strengthening the internal market, promoting sustainable means of transport and accelerating trans-European infrastructure, with innovation and technology as key components.

To achieve these goals, the EU continues the work of the 'Fit for 55' package, which forms the basis for the revision of the European legislative framework. There is emphasis on accurate follow-up and correct implementation of measures. In addition, the EU will take new actions to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility and meet the 2030 and 2050 targets.

Key areas of focus are strengthening the internal market for transport services and investing in the competitiveness of the sector. The EU will accelerate road transport electrification and focus on the social dimension of mobility, giving attention to quality jobs and addressing transport poverty and labour shortages, while safeguarding passenger rights. The EU also works on an intermodal transport policy that promotes an integrated approach between different modes of transport, such as road, rail and inland waterways, to improve efficiency and sustainability.

 
Objectives for Belgium

Belgium plays a central role in European transport, both by road and rail and in shipping and aviation. Due to its strategic location in the heart of Europe, it serves as an important transit country and logistics hub. With a dense infrastructure network and the port of Antwerp, the second largest in Europe, Belgium is a crucial link in the transit of goods.

Belgium supports the European ambition to become climate neutral by 2050 and shares the broad consensus on the sustainable transformation of our society and economy that the Green Deal entails. The country emphasises the transition to alternative and more sustainable modes of transport, such as freight and passenger transport by rail, and also promotes micromobility such as bicycles and pedelecs. Belgium also points out the crucial role of ports as important hubs for combined transport.

Moreover, Belgium believes that the EU should further strengthen its leadership in safe, clean and digital transport policy with a holistic approach that includes relevant policy areas such as climate, environment and growth. The focus is on decarbonising the transport sector and promoting sustainable modes of transport, with attention to decent working conditions and social responsibility. Digitalisation should ensure that no one is left behind, while strengthening intra-European connectivity to create a robust and future-proof transport network.