In Xavier Bettel's National Day speech, he said that Luxembourg requires more ambitions in terms of climate change, and the government would need to become more active in reducing CO2 emissions and using "green tax" politics.
As far as ambitions go, Luxembourg is already one of the most ambitious EU members, as confirmed by the European Commission following an analysis of the Grand Duchy's climate and energy plans. However, there is a "but" in the Commission's statement, as Luxembourg needed to provide more details and plan more stages.
According to Dieschbourg, these plans are indeed being revised. Luxembourg sent new figures and goals to Brussels, concerning the climate emergency, or more specifically, CO2 emissions.
Luxembourg has one of the highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions in the EU on a per capita basis, with more than 64% of these produced by mobility. Dieschbourg emphasised the need for a new attitude towards mobility - fewer cars, more public transport, encouraging car-shares and electric vehicles.
Full taxation should not be forgotten here, such as fuel sales and so-called "tank tourism". In general though, the government has not yet begun concrete discussions on ecological taxation.
Carole Dieschbourg said she was convinced that Luxembourg can reach the climate and energy goals it has set itself. The will was certainly there, even though there is much work to be done.
Video in Luxembourgish
