Earlier this week, the European Commission, in its assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), acknowledged that Belgium has raised its ambitions, but that the country still needs to make additional efforts in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Belgium’s environmental protection spending rose to €18 billion in 2023, equivalent to 3% of GDP, according to the Federal Planning Bureau. This represents a 50% increase over the past decade, up from €12 billion in 2014.

Traditional environmental management

Most spending went to domestic environmental services, primarily waste management (47%) and wastewater treatment (about 25%).

Other environmental services, such as air pollution control, emissions reduction, soil remediation, and biodiversity protection, represented only 28% of total output, indicating that spending remains concentrated on traditional environmental management rather than transformational climate action.

Government environmental transfers increased from €2 billion in 2022 to €2.4 billion in 2023, with energy and water-related domains as the main beneficiaries.

Transfers to companies rose by one-third over the year, with Flanders accounting for 77% of this support. Environmental funding from abroad, including EU sources, also increased.

Regions

Regarding energy efficiency, Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR) referred to the regions. Regarding renewable energy, the Minister noted that the Commission responded positively to Belgium’s transposition of the Renewable Energy Directive and the associated procedures. “The share of renewable energy in final consumption will be revised upward once the conversion is completed,” Bihet explained in the Chamber.

The Directive aims to accelerate permit granting, in particular by identifying special zones, and should also simplify procedures. Finally, the Minister emphasized the importance of effective consultation between the federal level and the regions, given the division of powers in the energy sector.