The federal government has approved the European Commission's proposal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, Climate Minister Jean-Luc Crucke announced on Monday.
According to Crucke, “this is a first: never before has the Belgian federal government expressed a formal opinion on a European climate target”.
However, Belgium has set some conditions. It expects “concrete guarantees” in terms of competitiveness, social justice and feasibility. In particular, it is calling for a credible transition plan within the year, aimed at energy-intensive companies (steel, cement, chemicals); a revision of the European budgetary framework to provide better support for countries that meet their targets; and early implementation, before 2036, of the international flexibilities proposed by the European Commission to overcome the reluctance of certain countries, but which environmental associations are denouncing.
The Minister described a “balanced position” that will enable Belgium to play “a constructive and influential role within the majority of Member States supporting the European proposal”. The decision comes just a few weeks ahead of the extraordinary Environment Council meeting on September 18, 2025, which is due to ratify the European Union's climate trajectory.
"Europe has to live up to its commitments, while giving its companies the means to succeed. This decision is a strong signal that Belgium is ready to do its part", added Crucke.
