Belgium Repeals 2003 Nuclear Phase-Out Law in Landmark Parliamentary Vote
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives reverses the longstanding nuclear exit policy, setting the stage for a new national energy strategy
On May 15, 2025, Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives voted decisively to repeal the 2003 nuclear phase-out law, marking a dramatic turn in the nation’s approach to energy policy. The original legislation required all seven of Belgium’s nuclear power plants to close and prohibited the development of new nuclear capacity, but the move to reverse course gained momentum through a coalition-backed proposal supported by opposition parties Vlaams Belang and Open VLD.
Debate over the nuclear future has been contentious, with the Ecolo-Groen party voting against the proposal and parties such as PS and PVDA-PTB choosing to abstain. These divisions highlight varying perspectives on energy security, climate goals, and economic stability within the country’s political landscape. Despite these disagreements, advocates for repeal argue that nuclear energy is essential for Belgium’s long-term energy supply and reduction of carbon emissions.
With the repeal now enacted, the government will reevaluate closure dates for existing nuclear plants and craft a new, comprehensive road map for energy policy. Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet described the decision as a milestone in Belgium’s energy history, signaling the beginning of a new era where nuclear power takes a central role in meeting the nation’s energy demands and addressing environmental challenges.
