Belgium’s failure to submit its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) to the European Commission by 12 May sends a “dramatic signal” and signifies “political failure,” according to Samuel Cogolati, co-president of the Ecolo party.
A spokesperson for Federal Climate Minister Jean-Luc Crucke announced on Saturday that Belgium would miss the NECP submission deadline due to delays from Flanders.
Belgium has committed to delivering the plan by 21 July, ahead of the summer holidays. The European Commission stated it would not pursue legal action as long as a credible timeline is followed and progress is communicated transparently.
Flemish Climate Minister Melissa Depraetere confirmed that the new deadlines should be met.
Samuel Cogolati criticised the delay, stating that while “the planet is burning and citizens are footing the bill, some are hesitating… This signals that inaction is becoming the norm. It’s a political failure.”
On Bluesky, Cogolati highlighted the “gap between Flanders’ lack of ambition and the adherence to legal obligations by Brussels and Wallonia,” which he believes prevents any agreement. He questioned the whereabouts of the National Climate Commission, chaired by Cécile Neven, and Federal Climate Minister Jean-Luc Crucke.
The Ecolo co-president warned that without a plan, more CO₂ emissions, increased reliance on Russian gas, expensive oil, and higher bills are inevitable.
“Refusing the transition condemns Belgians to remain trapped by fossil fuels… Ecology is about freedom from dependency,” he concluded.
