Belgium and eight other European Union countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in the offshore wind energy sector amid rising global costs and geopolitical uncertainties.
Under the co-chairmanship of Belgium’s Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR), the nations signed the Ostend Declaration last week, pledging to make the North Sea the “heart of Europe’s sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy supply.”
“The fact that this consultation is taking place in Ostend – Belgium’s offshore hub par excellence – underlines our country’s central role in this alliance,” said Bihet in a press release.
The partnership, known as the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), includes Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom, along with the European Commission. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, NSEC remains the leading European platform for regional offshore energy coordination.
Pressure on the Offshore Wind Sector
The renewed declaration comes at a challenging time for the global offshore wind industry. In the United States, investment uncertainty has slowed development, while Europe faces dependency on Chinese-manufactured turbines and components.
Many North Sea countries — including France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands — have experienced failed tenders or cost overruns, and Belgium is no exception.
“Every North Sea country faces similar challenges,” Bihet explained, citing limited maritime space, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the need for a balanced sharing of costs and benefits.
As NSEC co-chair, Belgium pushed to address these issues and pursue concrete, collaborative solutions. “We must not only work together but also make decisions faster and smarter, with a pan-European vision,” Bihet said.
Priorities of the Ostend Declaration
The Ostend Declaration highlights priorities such as predictable project planning, fair financing models, and closer cooperation with transmission operators, regulators, and the European Investment Bank.
Partnership with the United Kingdom will continue under an existing memorandum of understanding, while new efforts will promote European production and innovation through the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act.
“If we coordinate our planning, investments, and ambitions now, the North Sea can become Europe’s beating heart of sustainable energy,” Bihet added.
Belgium’s Energy Island
Belgium remains focused on advancing its Princess Elisabeth Energy Island project, a key hub for future offshore wind capacity. Following a government review, the tender process for its first development phase will be relaunched by early 2026.
To reduce financial risks, the government has paused investment in the island’s direct current component, saving an estimated €3 billion.
Through the Ostend Declaration, the North Seas Energy Cooperation sends a strong message: regional collaboration is vital to ensuring Europe’s energy independence, industrial strength, and a fair, affordable energy transition.
