Wednesday, the Concertation committee will meet to discuss the energy crisis and possible measures to counter rising energy prices. As it approaches, however, expectations are already tempered. “If there was a magic solution, we would have decided on it a long time ago,” said a government source.
But today, Flemish Minister Zuhal Demir seems to be completely lowering already limited expectations. According to her, each government is perfectly capable of taking measures within the framework of its competences. “It would be very strange if we only took action today. Since the beginning of the year, we have been taking decision following decision,” says Zuhal Demir. At 24 hours from the Committee, Flanders has thus granted one billion euros in support for families who want to carry out renovations in their homes and thus save money on their bills.
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“Each government should make up its own mind and do what is necessary instead of talking and putting on endless shows,” she said dryly. “Flanders is doing it. This is blocking at two other levels”, adds the Minister of N-VA.
It points the finger at the federal and European levels. For example, the federal government should decide to “extend as many nuclear power plants as possible for at least 20 years”. And Europe also makes mistakes, she explains. According to Mrs. Demir, Europe should intervene on the price of CO2. “The European price of CO2 is currently very high, but Europe has all the keys in hand to bring this price down drastically by freeing up additional emission rights”, she says.
According to Ms. Demir, Flanders is monitoring the situation and if additional Flemish measures are necessary, “we will do so within the government, not in a consultation committee”, she concludes.
