BRUSSELS

Belgium has increased its climate and energy ambitions for 2030, but further efforts are still required, particularly in renewable energy and energy efficiency, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

The commission released its evaluation of Belgium's final updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), providing country-specific guidance on implementation and additional steps needed to align with the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets.

While noting that Belgium raised its ambition compared to its draft updated plan, the commission stressed that gaps remain in key areas, including renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency measures.

The assessment said Belgium is on track to meet its 2030 commitments under the EU's “Effort Sharing Regulation” and is expected to exceed its targets under the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) framework, provided planned measures are fully implemented.

The commission also highlighted Belgium's efforts to strengthen energy security, citing diversification of gas supplies, stable consumption levels, and exploration of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen.

The country-specific assessment forms part of the commission’s broader EU-wide evaluation of last year’s final updated NECPs, which pointed to significant progress by member states toward the bloc's 2030 climate and energy goals.

The commission reiterated its call on Poland, the only EU member state yet to submit its final updated NECP, to do so without further delay.

It also vowed to continue supporting member states in closing remaining gaps, securing financing, and refining climate and energy policies.