Electricity prices for industrial consumers in Belgium remain significantly higher than in neighbouring countries.
According to a study commissioned by Febeliec, which represents large energy consumers, Belgian businesses are not protected from any potential price hikes in Europe. This is in contrast to their German and French counterparts.
By 2024, Belgian companies consuming electricity incessantly will pay between 10% to 21% more than the average price in Central and Western European countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany), Febeliec elaborated. These firms are also subjected to the highest taxes, primarily due to regional levies.
"Not only do Belgian businesses suffer a critical competitive disadvantage compared to neighbouring countries, but they also grapple with considerably lower energy costs in large parts of the rest of the world," Febeliec warned. Such structural drawbacks continue to challenge the growth of the industrial sector in Europe, leading to job losses, reduced value-addition and declining prosperity.
As a result, Febeliec is urging authorities to take the necessary measures to restore the price competitiveness of electricity for the Belgian industry.
