Zuhal Demir to the European Environment Council: “Do not pass the cost on to families”

“All regions in this country want to make a claim on the fund.” Flemish Minister of the Environment Zuhal Demir delivered a clear message to the European Environment Council. It had previously become known that the European Commission wants to allocate the whole 68 million euros from the Just Transition Fund for Belgium to the Walloon province of Hainault. In the Environment Council, Minister Demir represented all the federal states of Belgium. “I intend to perform this task properly and will formulate the positions as agreed with my colleagues.”

Interests of Flemish families

Zuhal Demir pointed out that the European Commission must not interfere with the internal Belgian distribution. “Belgium is a country with different democracies. I represent all federal states, the whole country. I intend to perform this task properly and will formulate the points of view as agreed with my colleagues. But rest assured: I will always defend the interests of Flemish families and jobs in this matter. Because all too often their ability to pay is disregarded. As Flanders, we do not want to make that mistake.”

Raising targets unilaterally

During the European Council, Zuhal Demir did not speak regarding the EU Climate Law, as Belgium has not yet adopted a position in the matter. But as a Flemish Minister, she is clear: “In our capacity as Flanders, we are very concerned about this. If Frans Timmermans wants to change the Flemish climate objectives for 2030, then he must stand for election in Flanders. With the draft climate law, the European Commission wants to raise our 2030 target unilaterally, without taking into account the cost for our families. We will not surrender to this. That is really not the way to conduct a broad-based climate policy.”

Greta Thunberg speaks

At the outset of the Council, the floor was also briefly given to activist Greta Thunberg. “We all know the opinions of Miss Thunberg, and I respect her for them. And she can be as rude as she wishes. But I am not going to take part in this Council with a feeling of guilt after a show-proposal. I won’t be talked into that. But instead I do have a feeling of duty. Greta is putting a lot of people off the climate issue, and her approach clearly isn’t working. I do not find it sensible to continue to invite her to attend political forums. You breed deniers, but actually we need everyone to tackle the challenges.”