Simple Sweden submits plan on time for social climate fund

The EU’s social climate fund of over 86 billion euros was established as part of the Green Deal and is intended to cover higher costs resulting from the energy transition for the most vulnerable consumers between 2026 and 2032. The fund is financed through the sale of emission rights.

A distribution key was established to determine how much money each member state is entitled to – for Belgium, this amounts to 1.66 billion euros. Member states must submit national plans outlining the measures they will take. The deadline for submission was the end of June 2025, but only Sweden has met it, according to the Commission on Tuesday.

Twenty-six member states – including Belgium – are therefore late, although several member states have already submitted preliminary versions. There are no legal consequences for missing the deadline, but if member states are late, the funds can only be allocated later. The Commission gives itself five months to evaluate the plans and prepare everything.

Belgian Federal Minister for Climate Jean-Luc Crucke reported on Tuesday that there is still no agreement in Belgium between the federal government and the regions. The expectation is that an agreement will be reached among the various Belgian climate ministers before the parliamentary summer recess. Based on that agreement, each competent entity will further develop its own measures.

The competent Flemish minister Melissa Depraetere stated on Wednesday that the Flemish share is finalized and has been discussed with the European Commission. According to her, they are still waiting for the federal implementation of the plans and the finalization of the distribution of resources. She also mentioned that the discussions are progressing constructively.