Overall assessment
The 2010 version of the Climate Policy Tracker gave Belgium a rating of E. Since last year, the policy package has largely remained the
same. In June 2010, federal elections were held in Belgium. Since then negotiations on forming a new coalition have been ongoing. The absence of a federal government has impeded the development and introduction of new environmental policies. During that time only small changes, mostly budget cuts, have been made to existing policies.
Recommendations on most urgent actions
- The Belgian climate policy is established until 2012. There is a need for a comprehensivenational climate and energy strategy towards a zero carbon economy by 2050. See for example UK and Ireland.
- The support for energy efficiency of cars has not been adjusted since its introduction and should be adjusted for market and technology evolution. The efficiency of cars could be further improved, for example by further fiscal benefits for efficient new (company) cars. See for example the Netherlands or France.
- Belgium has relatively low tax levels for households, transport and industry. Higher energy taxes or a CO2 tax could raise energy efficiency. See for example the Netherlands and Denmark.
- Belgium strongly needs to tackle the