Signature of an agreement between BNF and GIFEN on nuclear energy

On Tuesday 2 September 2025, the Belgian Nuclear Forum (BNF) and the Groupement des Industriels Français du Nucléaire (GIFEN) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing the sharing of information, experiences and best practices, as well as promoting exchange and cooperation between the respective members of the French and Belgian nuclear industries.

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.

France has launched a comprehensive new nuclear program involving the extended operation of existing nuclear facilities (reactors and cycle plants) with the aim of achieving an output of 400 TWh/year by 2030, the construction of new nuclear reactors (6 EPR2 + 8 optional), projects involving innovative reactors, and investments in cycle plants in order to continue the treatment-recycling policy beyond 2040.

Belgium, a pioneer and hub of expertise in nuclear technology, is experiencing a true nuclear revival. The “Bihet Law” replacing the nuclear phase-out law (2003), has reopened up a range of possibilities for nuclear again. In addition to a genuine desire to revitalize the development of nuclear energy, the Belgian nuclear sector must also strengthen its supply chain. The Belgian government's objective is to build new reactors (SMR and/or large scale) in order to reach an additional 4GW of nuclear capacity, while working at the same time on the extensions of several existing reactors.

Given this shared vision of the future development of nuclear energy, BNF and GIFEN, which jointly represent companies in this sector, will strengthen their cooperation by implementing several concrete actions in the coming months, including:

• Information-sharing sessions on French and Belgian nuclear programs 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
• Alliances to strengthen the path towards nuclear development at European level

Olivier Bard, General Delegate of GIFEN: "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."

Serge Dauby, Managing Director of the Belgian Nuclear Forum: "Last July, Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet and his French counterpart Marc Ferracci signed a declaration of intent aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of nuclear energy. This cooperation agreement between sector federations, the BNF & GIFEN, is a logical next step, as it is ultimately the industrial players who must put it into practice. 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."