Wallonia's contribution to the Social Climate Plan, adopted this Thursday, sets out 5 measures to mitigate the effects of the new European emissions trading system (ETS2) on households and micro-enterprises.
The Social Climate Plan (SCP) aims to limit the effects of the implementation, from 2027, of the new European emissions trading system (ETS2), namely rising energy and fuel prices.
Wallonia has chosen to focus its action on five structural measures, designed to concretely address the needs of vulnerable households and fragile micro-enterprises.
Specifically, the Region intends to:
- Develop on-demand social transport;
- Introduce a mobility budget promoting multimodality;
- Support micro-enterprises in improving their energy performance;
- Increase the volume of energy renovation in public housing;
- Improve the energy performance of social housing in the German-speaking Community.
In line with European criteria, these five measures were defined following a process of technical characterisation and consultation with stakeholders.
Funding for these measures will be provided by the Social Climate Fund, which is allocated €65 billion at European level. Belgium could receive an estimated €1.659 billion over the period 2026-2032. Wallonia's exact share will be set as part of an interfederal agreement (so-called “burden sharing”), currently being negotiated.
The final adoption of the measures, and therefore of Wallonia's contribution to the SCP by the Government, will take place immediately following this agreement, allowing a precise budget to be allocated to each of these measures.
The German-speaking Community, which has been responsible for granting subsidies for renewable energy since 2019, will receive a share determined on the basis of its population.
Minister Cécile Neven, in charge of Climate and Housing: “Wallonia is choosing a series of targeted and structural actions to build a plan that is intended to be both a safety net and a lever for climate action. Wallonia's Social Climate Plan will form part of a comprehensive response for citizens facing the future impacts of ETS2. The Government will be committed to using available resources efficiently to support households facing fuel price increases driven by European measures.”
Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President: “Faced with the climate and social challenges ahead, Wallonia is taking responsibility. We are moving forward with method and determination, ensuring that the transition is fair, balanced and supported by funding commensurate with the challenges.”
Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister for the Economy: “This Social Climate Plan is an opportunity to turn climate challenges into economic levers. By supporting micro-enterprises in their energy transition, we strengthen their resilience, competitiveness and industrial future. Wallonia is supporting its businesses so that none are left behind in this essential transformation.”
François Desquesnes, Minister for Mobility: “Every measure in the Social Climate Plan must strengthen social justice and support the people of Wallonia most affected by the energy transition. We must build a resilient and united Wallonia, step by step, for its citizens.”