Belgium

Major Developments in 2022

In response to the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFID) (Directive 2014/94/EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, Belgium has developed a policy framework regarding alternative transport fuels/infrastructure. The Federal Public Service of Economy and the Federal Public Service of Mobility & Transport (federal government of Belgium) coordinated the national development of the Belgian policy framework. However, the regions of Belgium (i.e., Flemish region, Walloon region & Brussels-Capital region) are responsible for most aspects of Directive 2014/94. On 14 July 2021, the European Commission presented a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, known as the Fit for 55 package. The package included the proposal to revise the 2014 Directive on alternative fuels infrastructure. The Commission proposed to repeal the directive and replace it with a regulation (AFIR), suggesting that the change of instrument is needed to ensure “swift and coherent development” of the infrastructure network across the EU. In September 2022, a new portal has been launched by Department of Mobility (MOW) so that EV drivers can order a public charging station in their area if certain conditions are fulfilled (“charging point follows electric car”). Some cities decided to coordinate the rollout of public charging infrastructure themselves and have set up their own portal, which can all be found on the Flemish Government website. In the first 6 months, more than 1,200 requests were submitted.

Outlook

Belgium continues to support electrification of transport in the country with a suite of incentives to boost adoption.