Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet travelled to Paris this Wednesday, 23 July, to sign, alongside his French counterpart Marc Ferracci, a declaration of intent marking a new step in cooperation between Belgium and France in the field of nuclear energy.
This declaration continues the relaunch of the nuclear sector in Belgium, confirmed by the amendment of the 2003 law and the announcement of the return of nuclear power to our energy mix. It reflects our country's determination to work hand in hand with its European partners on long-term strategic issues: supply security, energy sovereignty, decarbonisation and innovation.
“Having opened up the field of possibilities by repealing the 2003 law, we are now moving to a new stage: the concrete building of cooperation. With this declaration, we are sitting down with France, a friendly country, a major industrial partner and a pioneer of civil nuclear power in Europe,” said Mathieu Bihet.
This joint commitment also marks a major political step, at the crossroads of two realities: a shift in Belgium's energy paradigm, and a European drive to reaffirm strategic sovereignty amid geopolitical instability.
In concrete terms, the protocol of intent aims to strengthen exchanges between the two governments in key areas such as:
- the extension of existing reactors;
- the development of new projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs);
- research and innovation;
- strategic supply chains;
- training and skills.
These thematic areas of cooperation will be the subject of individual projects and specific working groups.
The partnership is based on a shared ambition: to make nuclear power a strategic lever for a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe. It reflects a determination to make nuclear power not just a transition tool, but also an industrial and scientific pillar for future generations.
“Nuclear power is an industry of the future at the heart of the energy transition. With France, we share a common vision: a Europe that produces, innovates and protects,” concluded the Energy Minister.
By reaffirming its nuclear course and joining forces with its natural partners, Belgium is taking on its role in building a robust, innovative and sovereign European energy mix.