A long-awaited breakthrough! On Thursday, the federal Parliament approved the bill on the energy standard put forward by Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet. With this text, the government aims to durably reduce the energy costs of our industry, strengthen its competitiveness and help maintain employment in Belgium.
For years, our companies, particularly electro-intensive industries, have faced higher energy costs than their competitors, in a context already marked by increased international and European competition. This situation directly weighs on investment, employment and our strategic value chains.
A clear and effective response was therefore needed!
“We have been talking about an energy standard for fifteen years. This government is taking its responsibility by finally putting in place an ambitious and legally robust mechanism to protect the competitiveness of our companies”, says Minister Mathieu Bihet.
This bill indeed establishes a clear and lasting framework to secure energy costs and strengthen the country's industrial attractiveness.
Substantial support
The government confirms a strong budgetary commitment, with nearly one billion euros allocated to the energy standard over the legislature. The majority of this envelope will be dedicated to this structural reform, while the rest will support additional measures, particularly in decarbonisation, in cooperation with the Regions.
“We combine immediate support with structural reforms. In doing so, we help companies today while strengthening their long-term position. Belgium must remain an industrial country, not a deindustrialised museum”, adds Mathieu Bihet.
Through this decision, the government sends a strong signal to the business world. In a demanding context, the aim is to create the conditions for our companies to hold their ground, grow and continue to anchor their activity in our territory.