Energy prices in Belgium have been bouncing around over the last year, driven by volatility in gas markets that crippled businesses and left households cold.
And though energy bills aren't nearly at the stupefying peaks still too close for comfort, Brussels as a region managed to cut gas consumption by almost one fifth – an impressive chunk of energy saved, though at what cost?
Whilst basic measures such as turning down thermostats in government buildings and dimming lights on monuments sent a message of solidarity, the real battle to avoid using gas was fought at home. Though not forlorn of government assistance in the form of energy premiums, most of these are now phased out.
It's one thing to ask for prudence when opening windows in the workplace, but quite another to not be able to cook dinner (if you can even pay for the ingredients). And though the capital's administration is keen to consign the privations of previous months to the history books, it will need to go much further than matronly advice about wearing woolly socks.
Aside from the mentioned energy premiums, Brussels (and all of Belgium) needs to double down on energy efficiency rather than simply celebrating energy saving. Doing less with less is obvious; the real aim is doing more with less. To this end, the protections for tenants that have made rent increases contingent on energy performance certificates have been key. Likewise, the subsidies offered for energy-saving renovations are also a step in this direction.
Finally, efforts to sever Belgium's dependency on the volatile fossil fuel that is natural gas can only be meaningfully addressed when considered in the context of the country's energy mix as a whole. The reductions in gas consumption stand for little if they aren't offset by an alternative source – preferably with a far lower environmental cost. And whilst Europe's enthusiasm for renewables has seen grand projects unveiled, these are still a way off.
Which points to one clear solution to the question of energy sovereignty: nuclear. But this being a long-standing fault line in Belgium's fractured political landscape, recent progress on extending Belgium's two youngest nuclear reactors will likely be shaken in next year's national elections. Until then best wrap up warm.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Which building was voted the ugliest in Brussels?
While the city is known for its parks and gardens, the Art Nouveau houses or hidden treasures, the website Bruxelles Secrète asked its readers, "What do you think is the ugliest building in Brussels?" Read more.
2. Brussels energy-saving measures cut gas consumption by 19%
The energy-saving measures taken in the Brussels-Capital Region during the energy crisis that followed the Ukraine war did not miss their mark, with gas consumption now shown to have dropped by over 19% in new figures released by Energy Minister Alain Maron. Read more.
3. Cowboy rides to the rescue as Dutch e-bike competitor goes bust
After days of uncertainty, the Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof has been declared bankrupt by the Amsterdam court. Read more.
4. 'We are killing ourselves': Brussels cafés plead for government help to avoid collapse
Brussels' hospitality sector has issued a desperate plea to the Federal Government for further support as soaring costs push many cafés and restaurants in Belgium's capital city to the brink of financial ruin. Read more.
5. Bankruptcies in Belgium soar to highest levels since 2018
Flanders was especially badly hit, with bankruptcies in the country's Dutch-speaking region reaching their highest levels since October 2013. Read more.
6. Belgium's image revived by architectural innovation
Belgium, once criticised as the "ugliest country in the world," has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Montaigle
It is one of the most impressive ruined castles in Belgium. Perched on a rocky summit near the village of Falaën, Montaigle looks down on the winding River Molignée. You reach it up a steep path that begins at a little cottage where they sell tickets. Read more.
