1 November marks an important step for the competitiveness of the Belgian economy. After fifteen years of demands, the energy standard is now concretely entering into force. Driven by federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, this reform mobilises €944 million over the legislature to reduce electricity costs, support investment and preserve industrial employment in Belgium.
In a context of heightened international competition, our companies cannot indefinitely bear energy costs that put them at a disadvantage against their European competitors. For the Mouvement Réformateur (MR), defending our industry means defending our prosperity, our jobs and our ability to create wealth.
Three levers to strengthen our competitiveness
The energy standard is based on three complementary measures.
The first part provides for a structural reduction in electricity transport tariffs for eligible industrial companies, according to the criteria set by the regulator, CREG. This measure represents around 55% of the overall budget and aims to durably ease part of the energy costs for companies whose consumption profile meets the criteria established by the regulator.
The second part involves a reduction in excise duties on electricity, for both households and businesses. It complements the targeted support to industry with broader tax relief. A choice that reflects a liberal approach: reducing the tax burden and giving more room to those who produce, invest and consume.
Finally, €425 million is being transferred to the Regions to support electro-intensive companies under the European CISAF framework. These funds are meant to help strengthen their competitiveness while encouraging investment in energy efficiency and industrial decarbonisation.
Choosing industry and employment
This reform answers a long-standing demand from industry and employer federations. It reflects an essential conviction of the MR: the energy transition must allow our economy to remain competitive, not accelerate its deindustrialisation.
Electrifying industry requires considerable investment. To make this happen in Belgium, companies need favourable economic conditions, controlled taxation and a predictable framework. The energy standard helps bring these conditions together.
“Belgium must remain an industrial country. With the energy standard, we are creating better conditions so that our companies can keep investing, producing and growing here,” says Mathieu Bihet.
After fifteen years of waiting, we are moving from demands to results. The MR is choosing a Belgium that produces, invests and creates jobs.