Brussels, April 2, 2025 – Belgium is on the brink of a major energy policy shift as lawmakers take the first steps to scrap the country’s long-standing nuclear phase-out law.
A bill approved by the Federal Parliament’s Energy Committee signals a historic departure from the 2003 legislation that mandated the shutdown of nuclear reactors and banned the construction of new ones.
The proposed amendment is expected to pass a final vote on April 22, ushering in a new era for Belgium’s energy sector. The legislative push, confirmed by Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR), marks a significant policy realignment.
“This decision reflects our new Federal Government’s commitment to lifting the blockades of the past to ensure a future-proof energy policy for Belgium,” Bihet stated.
A Paradigm Shift in Energy Policy
The nuclear phase-out law, championed by the previous ‘Vivaldi’ coalition government, had been strongly supported by the green parties Groen and Ecolo.
However, the newly formed ‘Arizona’ Government—comprising the Francophone liberals (MR) and Flemish nationalists (N-VA), but excluding the greens—has reached a consensus on reversing the ban.
By eliminating restrictions on nuclear power, the government aims to foster a diversified and autonomous energy mix.
“By opening the door to new nuclear reactors, we want to guarantee competitive and sovereign energy production based on diversification and strategic autonomy,” Bihet added.
Although the bill does not immediately authorize the construction of new reactors or the extension of existing ones, it lays the groundwork for regulatory changes that could facilitate such initiatives in the future.
The shift is being described as a move away from an adversarial energy policy, with Bihet emphasizing that “energy forms are no longer being pitted against each other, but should complement each other pragmatically.”
Broad Political Support with Some Opposition
The Energy Committee’s approval of the bill has been met with broad support, with only limited opposition. Federal MP Bert Wollants (N-VA) underscored the significance of the shift, stating, “This text turns a law against nuclear power into a law for nuclear power.”
CD&V’s Federal MP Phaedra Van Keymolen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the government “must do everything possible to keep our existing power plants open and to build small modular reactors over time.”
Opposition parties Vlaams Belang and Open VLD indicated they would back the proposal, while the far-left PTB-PVDA announced its intention to abstain. Notably, no representatives from Groen-Ecolo were present during the committee’s deliberations on Tuesday.
Next Steps: A Final Vote on April 22
A second reading of the bill will take place at the request of the Francophone socialist PS party, but approval in the final vote on April 22 remains highly likely. If passed, the bill would mark the first official step toward redefining Belgium’s long-term energy strategy.
While the immediate impact of the legislation remains limited, experts suggest that the move could open the door to future investments in nuclear technology, including the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
For now, Belgium appears poised to embrace nuclear energy once again, with policymakers signaling that a balanced and pragmatic approach will be at the heart of the country’s energy future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
