As winter approaches, the global geopolitical context is raising major concerns about the cost of bills and the availability of energy resources.
Faced with tensions on the oil and gas markets, federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet gives a reassuring yet clear-eyed assessment of Belgium's security of supply, while calling for direct support for households.
Guaranteed security of supply for winter
The first observation is clear: at this stage, Belgium faces no direct risk to its supply. Thanks to its strategic geographical position at the heart of Europe, our country benefits from robust infrastructure that allows it to cope with international fluctuations.
The supply of natural gas is ensured in a diversified way through pipeline networks connected notably to Norway and the United Kingdom, as well as through liquefied natural gas deliveries.
As for oil products and heating oil, the country holds strategic reserves that meet European requirements, representing more than 90 days of imports.
This careful management ensures that Belgium currently remains sufficiently supplied despite the severity of the international situation.
Purchasing power: urgent measures to ease the burden on households
While the availability of resources is secured, price volatility remains a considerable burden on the budgets of families and workers. For the Mouvement Réformateur, the priority now is to protect citizens' purchasing power through targeted and effective measures.
This includes mobilising the social heating fund, strengthening support for electricity and gas, and introducing the reverse ratchet mechanism on fuel to cushion prices at the pump.
Setting course for energy independence and low-carbon energy
In the longer term, this crisis highlights the urgent need to strengthen our country's energy sovereignty. While fossil fuels still account for nearly 80% of final consumption in Belgium, the goal must be to break this dependence on global markets.
For Mathieu Bihet, this means accelerating the transition to a decarbonised energy mix, based on extended nuclear energy and the development of renewable energy.
This strategy aims to guarantee Belgium's independence, compliance with decarbonisation targets, and affordable prices for all consumers.
Watch the Energy Minister's 2 interviews here: