N-VA votes against unrealistic European climate law: “Do we want to be left with an industrial graveyard?”

The European Parliament voted today on the revised European Climate Law. The agreement with the member states introduces a new, interim and binding target to cut CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2040. Citing concerns about its economic feasibility and the impact on industrial Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness , the N-VA delegation voted against what it considers to be far-reaching and disruptive targets.

“It is simply irresponsible to pile additional pressure on our industry and businesses—especially on the eve of a European summit aimed at restoring the EU’s weakened competitiveness,” said Johan Van Overtveldt, head of the N-VA delegation in the European Parliament.

An industrial graveyard

While N-VA supports the ambition of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, it stresses that current technological capabilities and the investment climate are insufficient to deliver a 90% emissions reduction as early as 2040.

“Jobs are disappearing, companies are relocating. Is this really how we want to meet our targets? Only to end up with an industrial graveyard?” asked MEP Kris Van Dijck, member of the Committee on Industry. “The focus now must be on productivity, competitiveness and innovation.”

A realistic climate pathway

N-VA is therefore calling for a realistic climate pathway—one that accelerates innovation and technological progress, safeguards competitiveness, keeps jobs and strategic production in Europe, and does not financially suffocate households and businesses.

“Flemish industry has been investing heavily for years in clean and future-oriented production, while competing globally with players that are not bound by the same climate standards. The European Union accounts for only around 6% of global emissions. We are quite literally pricing ourselves out of the market,” the MEPs concluded.