Belgium chairs first ministerial meeting of the Nuclear Alliance

Belgium has assumed the chairmanship of the Nuclear Alliance, an informal group of European Union member states advocating for a larger role for nuclear power in European energy and climate policy. Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet led the ministerial gathering in Luxembourg, held on the sidelines of the EU energy ministers’ Council meeting.

The alliance, originally launched in 2023 at the initiative of France, seeks to promote technology neutrality, ensuring nuclear energy is treated more equally alongside renewable sources in EU policy. Member states are advocating for clearer rules and easier access to European financing for nuclear projects to support supply security, decarbonization, and industrial competitiveness.

This chairmanship marks a significant shift in Belgian national policy. After previously voting to phase out nuclear power over twenty years ago, the current government has embraced nuclear energy as a central component of its strategy. Belgium transitioned from an observer to a full member of the alliance in February 2025.