EU Commission Pushes Energy Union in Belgium

On September 25, European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič started his second part of the Energy Union Tour to Belgium, this time with a special focus on cities.

Šefčovič is expected to meet Federal Minister for Energy, the Environment and Sustainable Development Marie-Christine Marghem, Mayor of Tournai and Minister-President of the French-speaking Community Rudi Demotte, Mayor of Kortrijk Vincent Van Quickenborne, and other local politicians and business representatives.

In their discussions, they will focus on Belgium’s new Energy Pact, which will track Belgium’s ongoing transition to clean energy, as well as the National Energy and Climate Plan that will show how the country is meeting the Energy Union’s goals. They will also discuss the importance of adequate investments, including at the local level.

"I congratulate the towns of Tournai and Kortrijk for setting good examples of clean energy cooperation at a regional level,” Šefčovič said ahead of his visit. "They are also both aiming to become Smart Cities that make full use of digital tools to serve their residents. In addition, they are active members of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, which is demonstrating how much can be achieved at a local level in the fight against climate change,” he added.

Šefčovič said noted that the European Commission is a major supporter of this initiative. "We are also providing funding to help cities in their clean energy transition, such as the European structural and investment funds. The contributions of Tournai and Kortrijk will be crucial in helping Belgium achieve its 2030 climate and energy targets, especially in energy efficiency,” he said.