Belgium is back at the forefront of European energy policy. On 29 October, in Luxembourg, the federal Minister for Energy, Mathieu Bihet, chaired a ministerial meeting of the Nuclear Alliance for the first time. A strong signal for a country that has chosen to turn the page on hesitation and make nuclear power a pillar of its energy strategy.
Until February 2025, Belgium was only an observer in this Alliance, launched at France's initiative to defend the role of nuclear power in decarbonisation and European energy policies. Under the impetus of Mathieu Bihet, it is now a full member and is actively involved in shaping European orientations.
A technologically neutral approach
A choice that meets economic and industrial imperatives. To guarantee competitive energy, strengthen our security of supply and support Europe's reindustrialisation, we must be able to mobilise all decarbonised technologies. Nuclear power and renewable energy are complementary: pitting them against each other would deprive us of essential levers for ensuring our energy independence.
This is precisely the approach championed by the Alliance, which brings together 14 Member States and the European Commission. The aim is to secure full recognition for nuclear power's contribution, in line with technological neutrality, so that energy choices are based on their effectiveness and their capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses.
“Belgium has regained its credibility on the international stage when it comes to nuclear power. After years of hesitation, our country is once again a partner that matters and that intends to influence European energy choices,” stresses Mathieu Bihet.
Influencing Europe's energy choices
This new position within the Alliance illustrates a change of direction. By making nuclear power a lever for sovereignty, decarbonisation and competitiveness, Belgium intends to have a say in European decisions and to help build an energy policy equal to the economic and geopolitical challenges.
For the MR, it is about guaranteeing the conditions for competitive energy for businesses, safeguarding purchasing power and giving European industry the means to invest, produce and create jobs. Energy independence cannot be decreed. It is built through pragmatic choices, a long-term vision and the mobilisation of all decarbonised energy sources.
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