The new Flemish Minister for Climate, Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit), acknowledged on Monday that Flanders must do more in terms of climate policy.
Speaking in Baku, where she is attending COP29, Depraetere told Belga News Agency that while Flanders has done its fair share in terms of climate financing, it needs more ambition.
This would mean revising the greenhouse gas emission reduction target upwards to aim for a 47% reduction by 2030, instead of just 40%. Wallonia already aims to reduce its emissions by 47% by 2030 as part of the EU-assigned effort for Belgium.
Depraetere clarified that the new Flemish government hasn’t reduced its ambitions by weakening certain measures. Instead, she described it as an adjustment with “more ambitious and affordable measures” to keep everyone on board.
Failing to meet climate targets could lead to financial sanctions from the European Union, the Minister noted. She stressed the importance of investing wisely for the climate and the benefit of the population.
Unlike her predecessor, Zuhal Demir – who chose not to attend the recent UN climate change summits – Depraetere insisted on going to the Azerbaijani capital. This year, Brussels Minister Alain Maron represents Belgium at European coordination meetings, and Federal Climate Minister Zakia Khattabi leads the Belgian delegation at COP29.
“You might not be present but decisions are still made and negotiations still occur,” Depraetere stressed.
