Similar to the Urgenda case in the Netherlands, the Klimaatzaak -- "climate case" -- was brought by an organization of concerned citizens arguing that Belgian law requires the Belgian government's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to be more aggressive. Specifically, they call for reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 87.5% below 1990 levels by 2050.
From February 2019 through March 2020, the parties submitted their main conclusions and final conclusions. In their main conclusions, the plaintiffs seek a Court injunction directing the government to reduce emissions 42 to 48% in 2025 and at least 55 to 65% in 2030. Oral arguments were heard from March 16 to 26, 2021. According to news reports, a decision is expected before summer.
Case Documents:
| Filing Date | Type | File | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/01/2014 | Summons | Download | In French |
| 12/01/2014 | Summons | Download | In Dutch |
| 02/01/2019 | Not Available | Download | Main Conclusions of the Brussels-Capital Regional Government (in French) |
| 02/01/2019 | Not Available | Download | Main Conclusions of the Walloon Regional Government (in French) |
| 06/28/2019 | Not Available | Download | Main Conclusions of the plaintiffs (in French) |
| 12/16/2019 | Not Available | Download | Final synthesis conclusions of the plaintiffs (in French) |
| 12/16/2019 | Not Available | Download | Unofficial English summary of plaintiff's arguments |
| 03/16/2020 | Not Available | Download | Final synthesis conclusions of the Brussels-Capital Regional Government (in French) |
| 03/16/2020 | Not Available | Download | Final synthesis conclusions of the Walloon Regional Government (in French) |