The Minister of Energy, Mathieu Bihet, is pleased to announce that Belgium has been a full member of the Nuclear Alliance since 18 February 2025. Under his impetus, our country thus leaves behind its mere observer status, inherited from the previous government, to fully commit to this European project.
Created at France's initiative in February 2023, the Nuclear Alliance brings together European countries seeking to promote nuclear energy as a pillar of the energy transition alongside renewable sources. It aims to strengthen Europe's energy sovereignty, accelerate decarbonisation and achieve the European Union's ambitious climate objectives.
A renewed ambition for Belgium
By fully joining the Nuclear Alliance, Belgium confirms its determination to play a driving role in the development of nuclear energy in Europe. This membership marks a genuine paradigm shift in Belgian energy policy, recognising nuclear power as an essential component of our energy mix to ensure massive, dispatchable and affordable electricity production, without relying on fossil fuels.
In line with the government agreement, Belgium is therefore determined to actively contribute to the work of the Nuclear Alliance. This approach reflects a desire to develop partnerships between European countries and thus benefit from an international approach.
Concrete projects and prospects
In concrete terms, Belgium plans to cooperate on projects within the Alliance, focusing on:
- Developing a European framework favourable to the development of nuclear energy;
- Developing new nuclear infrastructure and deploying the associated value chain;
- Access to both public and private funding, as well as to European financing instruments;
- Developing skills, expertise and qualifications;
- Strengthening industrial collaboration as well as research and innovation partnerships.
Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet: “By turning the page on decades of hesitation, Belgium is today choosing to be a leading player in European nuclear energy. This membership reflects our determination to strengthen existing partnerships with our European neighbours and to position our country as a key player in achieving the European Union's energy and climate objectives. Without delay, we are putting all our expertise and ambition at the service of reliable and sustainable energy.”