Brussels: Belgium has become a full member of the European "nuclear alliance," Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet announced on Monday. Until this month, the country had only observer status in the alliance, which promotes nuclear energy initiatives at the European Union level.
According to Emirates News Agency, the pro-nuclear alliance was established in February 2023 on France's initiative. It initially included 11 countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Finland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden, all aiming to strengthen their energy cooperation. Belgium initially signed on as an observer instead of a full member later in 2023.
Bihet emphasized that Belgium is now committed to leaving behind decades of uncertainty to take a leading role in European nuclear energy. He stated that Belgium aims to be a "driving force for the development of nuclear energy in Europe." The country plans to collaborate within the alliance to create a European framework that supports the development of nuclear energy, the establishment of new nuclear infrastructure, and access to financing, including private investments.
Nuclear energy is considered a key component of Belgium's federal energy policy. The government plans to extend the operational life of its current nuclear reactors and facilitate the construction of new ones.