With the local elections on 13 October approaching, Belgium faces an uncertain landscape that could impact the transition towards electromobility.
Following the federal vote on 9 June, negotiations to form a new government have stagnated.
In this context, Naomi Cambien, Policy Expert in Transportation at Bond Beter Leefmilieu (BBL), stated to Mobility Portal Europe:
“At the national level, not much has changed. Negotiations are still ongoing, and an agreement will only be reached after the local elections.”
In this regard, changes are evident at the regional level.
According to the specialist, information has recently emerged regarding the introduction of charges for electric vehicles (EVs) in Flanders.
“It was clear that reform was necessary, as electrification is diminishing revenues,” Cambien asserts.
She argues that it could be beneficial not to treat all EVs uniformly, thereby allowing for a policy focus on smaller models.
Nevertheless, she adds: “In conjunction with the lack of ambition regarding electrification, this could also be a dangerous measure.”
In this sense, the new Flemish Government (N-VA) presents itself as “a cool lover of electric driving.”
Meanwhile, the phase-out of combustion engines has been postponed from 2029 to 2035, and the low-emission zones in Ghent and Antwerp won’t see further tightening.
What does the reform of the road tax entail?
It means that the new Administration will require EV users to contribute for road usage and congestion.
At the same time, this presents opportunities to encourage the use of lighter vehicles.
However, this reform will only yield social benefits if accompanied by a clear ambition for electrification and oversight that ensures a sufficient financial advantage compared to combustion vehicles.
“The fact that the new Flemish government aims for a favourable total cost of ownership for EVs by only 2029 is not very promising,” Cambien states.
In this context, she explains: “Measures to stimulate electric driving are required right now, not in 5 years. At the same time, it is a missed opportunity that this momentum is not used to introduce a fairer contribution by use (road pricing).”
Instead, the administration is proposing a “legally shaky” road vignette for foreigners.
The coalition agreement with CD&V and Vooruit does not include an air quality policy.
Moreover, in its negotiations with these parties, the social leasing of EVs has not survived, which the expert deems “disappointing.”
What is the situation in the rest of Belgium?
In Wallonia, the liberal party MR surpassed the socialist PS in the June elections, indicating a shift in the political dynamics.
MR and Les Engagés are expected to establish themselves in the south.
Against this national backdrop, the expert highlights as a positive aspect that there will be a fiscal shift and an action plan for the “serious” expansion of charging infrastructure, with a commitment to smart charging hubs.
Additionally, guidelines for zero-emission zones for urban logistics and a reform of road pricing for freight transport present opportunities to steer towards greater ecological sustainability.
The elections on 13 October will not only reorganise the political power maps among parties but also influence the agenda for negotiations concerning the federal government.
Parties achieving strong results will demand more at the discussion table.
The political climate in Belgium is influenced by EU demands
The appointment of the country’s last prime minister, Alexander De Croo, took 16 months.
What distinguishes this year’s formation process is the pressure exerted by Europe.
The European Commission has reprimanded Belgium for violating the continent’s budgetary rules, as the country faces a budget deficit of approximately 4.5%.
As a result, the new government will need to implement cuts amounting to 30 billion euros, which could directly affect the promotion of electromobility.
Like other member states, Belgium was required to submit its budget plans by 20 September.
However, following a request from the Belgian government, the European Commission has allowed them to postpone submission until the end of this year.
