135 The Shift members call on decision makers to stay on course after elections

In a remarkable show of unity, 135 businesses, civil society and academic organisations, all members of The Shift, have signed an open letter urging future government leaders in Belgium and Europe to continue on the path towards a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable economy. They stress the social and economic benefits of the European Green Deal and make it clear that procrastination is not an option. 

The European Green Deal

Over the past 5 years, the European Green Deal has enabled progress in terms of policy regulations. But also companies have jumped on the train that set the Green Deal in motion. For example, 150 Belgian companies - half of which are BEL 20 companies - have since drawn up Science Based Targets: climate plans based on science. The Belgian Alliance for Climate Action - 91 members of The Shift - is taking the lead in this. Similarly, 25 companies worked within the Biodiversity in Action programme to set relevant actions to protect biodiversity.

"Sustainability is a business case and should be considered as such. Since our sustainability strategy, we experienced continuous sustainable growth." - Peter Garré, Managing Director Bopro 

One way forward

Since 2015, The Shift operates as the Belgian sustainability network, unique in its kind because of the diversity of its members: businesses, civil society, academic and public institutions. By bringing these various actors together, The Shift harnesses the power of the whole society to tackle the complex sustainability issues that one cannot solve within one's own four walls.

Businesses and civil society share a need for bold and coherent policies to tackle these challenges. They need back-up to further facilitate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable economy and make it the obvious choice for all.

"The European Union's objectives of health and well-being for all are at the heart of the Cancer Foundation's missions. The political world must relentlessly support social and economic players in this transition towards a more sustainable society." - Bruno Colmant, Director General of the Fondation contre le Cancer 

They expect a policy framework that makes ecological choices and investments the most obvious and cheapest ones. A government that removes barriers, provides legal certainty and supports the transition to a sustainable economy.

There is only one way forward. The EU Strategic Agenda for the next legislature should continue on the course set with an Industrial Deal (Antwerp Declaration) aligned to it. It should enable a transition that is fair and does not overlook anyone.

Now's the time

The signatories also point out that long-term policies take time. Not acting would cost the Belgian economy €5-10 billion a year. At the same time, the National Bank of Belgium calculated that the macroeconomic costs of the transition are manageable.

Together, the 135 signatories thus send a strong, positive signal in support of a continuation of the EU Green Deal and an aligned Industrial Deal.