The Mouvement Réformateur (MR) is putting offshore wind power back on track. Having had the courage to halt a procedure that offered neither the legal guarantees nor the necessary economic conditions, the government is today adopting a new, solid framework to relaunch the deployment of wind turbines in the Princess Elisabeth zone. This responsible choice finally secures investments, provides visibility for industry players and puts Belgium back on the path to new projects in the North Sea.
This reform fully reflects the MR's approach: less complexity, more competition and better protection for taxpayers. The new tender is simplified, unnecessary administrative constraints are removed, the market regains its full role in setting prices, and the support mechanism is clarified to guarantee both investor security and cost control for consumers and public finances.
The MR has also secured that projects will now be assessed primarily on their economic soundness and their ability to offer the best price, rather than on administrative criteria that could slow down or even hinder competition. By removing several barriers to entry and simplifying the rules, more companies will be able to compete, which will encourage more competitive offers for the benefit of consumers.
The agreement also strengthens our strategic autonomy. By applying the new European requirements on industrial resilience, it reduces dependence on non-European suppliers for critical infrastructure, while supporting the development of a stronger and safer European industrial sector.
Finally, by setting a clear timetable for connecting the energy island and enabling the parallel development of the grid and new wind farms, the government provides investors with the essential visibility while limiting the risks of delays and additional costs that would ultimately have been borne by consumers.
This reform illustrates the liberal vision: developing renewable energy, yes, but within an economically responsible, legally robust framework that favours private investment and guarantees rigorous use of public money.