Belgian heat wave fuels political clash over climate response

A severe heat wave sweeping Belgium, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 °C and red alerts issued for Liège and Limburg, has ignited a political dispute over the country’s climate strategy. Federal climate minister Jean‑Luc Crucke has called for urgent coordination among 21 ministries to improve resilience, proposing measures such as public cooling centres, upgraded heat alerts, additional drinking‑water points and the possible deployment of the army.

The Flemish government has pushed back, saying the request adds bureaucratic complexity and noting that the region already operates its own “Warmteactieplan” and a 2023 health‑climate plan. Meanwhile, the federal cabinet did not include a dedicated heat‑wave item in its recent meeting, maintaining the existing strategy and advising citizens to follow standard B‑Alert recommendations.

Ecolo co‑president Marie‑Colline Leroy criticised the federal majority for shifting responsibility onto individuals, urging the activation of a national “plan fraîcheur” with short‑term measures for schools and workplaces. At the municipal level, Ecolo‑Groen councillors in Ixelles demanded a local “Plan Fraîcheur,” citing inadequate action from the communal majority and proposing immediate steps such as misting devices, shaded areas and support for vulnerable residents.

A follow‑up meeting of federal and regional authorities is scheduled for 1 July to improve coordination for future heat waves.