The “transition”, yes, but how?

Without any apparent transition, but still due to the proximity of the elections and a clearly irrepressible desire on the part of the political world not to want to upset anyone, important decisions are being postponed at will. The list is certainly not exhaustive, but in a few weeks, at European level, we have just shelved the Reach regulation (which regulates the use of chemical substances dangerous to health and the environment), and postponed the entry into force of the new Euro 7 depollution standard from 2025 to 2030, and very recently, again, due to lack of agreement within EU members (and effective pressure from lobbyists), to postpone from 10 years the ban on the use of glyphosates. Our city councilors, with open mouths, nevertheless use the word “transition” all the time.

What is the link between these postponed measures and the necessary reduction of our debt? It is obvious: the lack of political courage and the growing incapacity of Europe in general, of Belgium in particular, to face the long-term challenges, essential to confronting the climatic, demographic and digital transitions. Belgium’s obvious lack of resources is a colossal obstacle to carrying out these transitions. With the consequences that one can imagine on our ability to ensure the future of our economic, social and health policies…”Room to reform and invest“: the government has been promising it since the start of the legislature. The Minister of Finance repeated it again in these terms in the House this Thursday. This margin remains limited to a bare minimum. And that is worrying.