Belgium has been targeted by two reasoned opinions from the European Commission for failing to fully transpose key directives related to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
The first opinion concerns the revised directive applicable to maritime transport, aimed at strengthening existing rules, reducing the overall volume of allowances, and increasing funding for decarbonisation efforts. The second opinion focuses on revised rules for aviation, relating to the sector’s integration into the carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation.
In both cases, Belgium, along with other EU member states, was required to transpose the new rules by 31 December 2023. If Belgium fails to do so within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.
The European Commission has also initiated infringement proceedings against Belgium and several other countries for incorrect transposition of the directive on firearms. This directive sets common minimum standards for the acquisition, possession, and trade of firearms for civilian use, particularly for sport shooting and hunting, and imposes stringent security and anti-trafficking requirements. Belgium, Estonia, Slovakia, Sweden, and the Netherlands have failed to correctly implement certain provisions.
Additionally, Belgium has been criticised for incorrectly implementing EU rules on price reductions. These rules are intended to ensure a high level of consumer protection and harmonise national regulations for the benefit of the internal market. According to the Commission, Belgian legislation exceeds the scope set by the directive by applying to services as well as goods, which conflicts with the directive on unfair commercial practices.
