Belgian mutuals say Europe is ‘relegating’ climate in new legislative programme
A group of Belgian mutuals has accused Europe’s legislators of “relegating” climate, the environment and health issues to the backburner in its next programme of legislative reforms following elections in June.
The National Intermutualist College (CIN), which represents five mutual societies including Belgian health insurer Mutualités Libres, said a leaked version of European Union’s Strategic Programme for 2024-2029 does not even refer to climate, the environment and health.
“Belgian mutual societies are sounding the alarm,” the CIN said. “Europe does not seem to consider health, environment and climate as priority areas for the next legislature.” It said omitting these areas is “irresponsible” at a time when Europe needs greater co-operation to tackle these risks.
As the region marks Europe Day on 9 May, CIN said the leaked proposals for the next legislative agenda are alarming in their shortcomings.
“Health and a social policy on the environment and climate must remain at the top of the European agenda during the 2024-2029 legislature,” said Luc Van Gorp, president of the CIN, adding that “the time for a Green Deal 2.0 has come”.
Belgium’s mutual health insurer Mutualités Libres, a member of the NIC, is currently campaigning for improvements in air quality in Europe’s cities, arguing that air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to health.
