nuclear-news

Belgian state is not prioritising safety in its nuclear policy

 Bart De Wever surprised friend and foe with the announcement that the
Belgian state wants to take over the entire nuclear park in Belgium from
the French utility company Engie. This change of course is special in
several ways. It is remarkable that a center-right government is
nationalizing energy supplies. And it is extra special that she wants to do
so in times of austerity and concern about a blood-red budget.

But the way
in which the Belgian government is now intervening in the nuclear sector is
really unprecedented. There is no historical precedent for this in Belgium.
The enthusiasm to pump a lot of money into the nuclear industry is clearly
there. But if the reactors become the property of the Belgian state, is
there also similar enthusiasm to invest in expertise on safety, independent
regulations and waste disposal? Such nationalization seems to be less of a
priority under the De Wever government.

 De Morgan 2nd May 2026

May 8, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized