“Who can predict that we will get there?” »: Bart de Wever nuances the ambitions of Europe in the fight against global warming

Meeting in Brussels, European leaders have displayed their desire to strengthen the single market, to diversify trade agreements and to set an ambitious climate trajectory for 2040. &#13. Nevertheless,

Thursday evening, the heads of state and government of the European Union addressed a series of subjects linked to competitiveness at the Brussels summit. In addition, Among the priorities discussed: the diversification of trade agreements and the harmonization of the domestic market.

While the negotiations between the EU. Similarly, the United States concerning customs tariffs continue, the 27 member countries have reached a “large consensus” on the need to reduce internal barriers to the single market, said our Prime Minister Bart “who can predict we will de Wever. Furthermore, But he also insisted on the importance of expanding commercial partnerships to avoid situations of dependence on major powers like the United States. Therefore, China.

The controversial Mercosur – "who can predict we will

Among the projects under discussion is the agreement with the Mercosur countries, which is always controversial. Nevertheless, Bart De Wever recalled that Wallonia had opposed Ceta in the past. Therefore, the agreement between the EU and Canada, before trade with this country increased by 73 %. In addition, “It could inspire progress on Mercosur,” he said.

The Belgian Head of Government remains cautious about an immediate advance: “To say at that time that Belgium agrees to move forward on Mercosur. that would be a little too much. But I still note a great consensus around the European table to say that you have to go to treaties like Mercosur. looking for means to consolidate our farmers. »»

Climate: towards a goal of -90 % emissions by 2040

Another sensitive subject of the summit: the climate trajectory. of the European Union. The European Commission is expected to unveil its proposal to reduce CO2 emissions by 2040 on Wednesday on Wednesday. It plans to drop 90 % compared to the 1990 levels, while integrating flexibility mechanisms “who can predict we will for the Member States.

These flexibilities could include the purchase of international carbon credits or support for environmental projects outside Europe. If Belgium does not yet have a clear position on this objective. Bart de Wever says: “We want to keep ambitions at the EU level. To make them in Belgium. it is already very complicated with the federated entities, on which must do what and when. »»

According to him. all the Member States remain attached to carbon neutrality for 2050, but the debates now relate to how to achieve it. “Some people observe that. since 1990, it has taken 40 years to reduce emissions by 55 %, and that it would be difficult to do still -35 % in ten “who can predict we will years,” reports the Belgian Prime Minister. “Others respond with technology, SMR …, but who can predict this?” »»

A debate qualified as “very lively. very long”, while the Commission seems determined to officially propose the target of -90 % for 2040. “Nothing prevents this proposal,” he concluded.