Nuclear Reality Hits Europe as Belgium Reverses Its Energy Retreat

Europe’s energy reversal is no longer theoretical. Belgium, once committed to scrapping nuclear power entirely, is now moving in the opposite direction as fiscal pressure, energy security fears and the reality of supply all collide. Michael Heaver looks at Belgium’s dramatic U-turn after its credit rating was cut and ministers admitted the country has no money left. He explains how Belgium has shifted from planning to take nuclear reactors out of service to seeking nationalisation of nuclear assets, with talks involving seven reactors. The move follows a wider European pattern, from Italy delaying coal plant closures, to the Netherlands reconsidering coal shutdowns, to Germany’s chancellor calling the nuclear phase-out a serious strategic error.