European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for the Green Deal Frans Timmermans has said he is "deeply disappointed" by Flanders' attitude to the EU's recently-approved carbon tax, which makes fossil fuels more expensive.
From 2027, the prices for petrol, diesel, heating oil and gas will go up as the EU will introduce a carbon price. This will mean that those who pollute will have to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions. The system is already in place for the electricity sector and for industry but will soon be expanded.
Speaking on Flemish radio, Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) criticised the policy, saying that it would hit Flanders residents who would "end up paying more than what we will get out of it". She calculated the region's net loss to be €400 million and argued that this will be an unfair deal for taxpayers: "I think that climate policy should be social. Someone pays the bill and that also deserves some attention."
In Flanders' own interest
Responding on VRT's 'Terzake' television programme on Wednesday evening, Timmermans stressed that he is "deeply disappointed" by Demir's attitude. "I do not understand that she is saying something like that, especially if you reason from the Flemish interest. Yes, Flemish people contribute. But they also pay for other policies because Flanders benefits from them. That is also social, because you help the weakest."
He insisted that the investment will pay off: "I see bills going down for many people who have the money to invest in, for example, solar panels and electric cars. If we act quickly that the bill will go down quickly."
The commissioner stated that by doing nothing, the cost to consumers will continue to rise and will still end up being paid by people who cannot afford it.
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"The people who are most affected by the energy crisis are people who have already lost a large part of their income anyway get energy," he said. "That is why there will also be a social fund to help them."
"We will see what Belgium's position is but it would be nice if Demir would come to the Council once in a while," Timmermans added. "Then her colleagues – and not just the media – could hear her thoughts. Those who do not join the conversation, do not participate either. Unfortunately, that has been the position lately."
