Climate Coalition Protests Energy Minister's Inaction Amid Crisis

The Climate Coalition staged a protest in Brussels, highlighting the absence of Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet amid the energy crisis. They criticized his failure to meet deadlines, particularly for the relaunch of the Princess Elisabeth offshore wind farm, which could supply up to 16% of Belgium's electricity by 2031.

The coalition pointed out that Belgium's energy policies lag behind neighboring countries like Spain, where renewable energy investments have led to significantly lower electricity prices. A national survey indicated that 78% of Belgians are concerned about climate change, with a strong demand for more ambitious policies. The coalition calls for an urgent commitment from Bihet to prioritize offshore wind and formulate a comprehensive energy strategy focused on efficiency and social equity.