Our country currently imports 100 percent of its uranium, gas and oil from abroad. For oil, Belgium is about 30 percent dependent on imports from Russia, for uranium that is 20 percent and for gas 4 to 6 percent, explains Van der Straeten. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having an impact on energy prices, which were already at a high level due to the revival of the global economy after corona.
The geopolitical situation is therefore also a cause for concern in this area. Although it is currently limited to a price crisis for citizens and companies, Van der Straeten emphasizes. In terms of supplies, there will be no problem in the short term, even if the Russian import were to dry up completely. “But we are preparing for all scenarios,” says the minister.
The task force will pool all insights and submit a note to the government on the geopolitical impact in the short, medium and long term on the supply and price of gas, uranium and oil. It will also include opportunities to completely reduce dependence on Russian imports and fossil fuels. Measures must be taken for this this year in preparation for the winter of next year, says Van der Straeten.
In the meantime, the Green Minister reiterates her plea to the European Commission to coordinate the approach to energy prices and to freeze the gas price in Europe.
The war in Ukraine is nestled in the middle of the debate about the nuclear phase-out, which the federal government must settle on March 18. Government parties Open Vld and CD&V have already called for the geopolitical situation to be taken into account. For Van der Straeten, energy dependency must also be considered in addition to price and security of supply, she said earlier.
Also see: Studio conversation with Minister Van Der Straeten about gas prices and nuclear exit