French, Belgian industry groups agree to enhance cooperation

"This agreement is part of a shared vision on the need to develop nuclear energy in order to meet the climate and energy sovereignty challenges facing both countries, as well as the European Union," the Belgian Nuclear Forum (BNF) said.

Under the agreement, BNF and Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Energie Nucléaire (Gifen) plan to strengthen their cooperation by implementing several concrete actions in the coming months. These include: information-sharing sessions on French and Belgian nuclear programmes and best industrial practices; exchanges between respective members to promote alliances and partnerships between the French and Belgian nuclear industries; joint actions to reaffirm the essential role of nuclear energy in contributing to the fight against climate change; and alliances to strengthen the path towards nuclear development at European level.

In 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the time was right for a nuclear renaissance in France, saying the operation of all existing reactors should be extended without compromising safety and unveiling a proposed programme for six new EPR2 reactors, with an option for a further eight EPR2 units to follow.

In May this year, Belgium's federal parliament voted by a large majority to repeal a 2003 law for the phase-out of nuclear power and banning the construction of new nuclear generating capacity.

In July, the energy ministers of France and Belgium signed a declaration of intent for the two countries to deepen their cooperation on nuclear energy. The declaration aims to strengthen exchanges between the two governments in key areas, including: the extended operation of existing reactors; the development of new projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs); research and innovation; strategic supply chains; training and skills.

"This cooperation agreement between sector federations, the BNF and Gifen, is a logical next step, as it is ultimately the industrial players who must put it into practice," said BNF Managing Director Serge Dauby. "Belgium and France can learn from each other and strengthen each other in various areas. Strategic cooperation such as this will be important in restoring nuclear energy to its rightful place at European level, where it can provide a response to long-term strategic challenges: security of supply, energy sovereignty and decarbonisation."

Olivier Bard, General Delegate of Gifen, added: "France and Belgium have historically been two of the driving forces behind the development of civil nuclear energy in Europe. The joint declaration signed in July by our two governments confirms a shared vision for the future of nuclear energy in our two countries and within the European Union. With today's signing of this agreement, the BNF and Gifen, as representatives of industry, are committed to implementing joint actions to promote the performance and development of nuclear companies."