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Belgium Moves to Nationalise Nuclear Power Plants

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Belgium is planning to take full control of its nuclear power plants by acquiring them from Engie, in a major policy shift aimed at strengthening energy security. Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the government intends to carry out a complete takeover of the country’s nuclear fleet, which includes seven ageing reactors.

The move marks a reversal of Belgium’s long-standing plan to phase out nuclear energy, originally introduced in the early 2000s over safety concerns. Currently, only two reactors—located in Doel and Tihange—remain operational, with licences recently extended until 2035. Plans to dismantle the other five reactors, shut down between 2022 and 2025, will now be put on hold as the government reassesses its nuclear strategy.

Officials say the takeover is part of a broader effort to ensure stable, affordable, and sustainable energy while reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports. The government and Engie aim to finalise an agreement by October, with ambitions not only to extend the life of existing reactors but also to explore new nuclear capacity. However, the reactors remain controversial due to past safety concerns, which have previously triggered protests and alarm in neighbouring countries.

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Austria Approves Fuel Price Relief Measures

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Austria’s lower house of parliament has approved draft legislation aimed at easing rising petrol costs, triggered by heightened tensions in the Gulf. Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, coupled with Iran’s threat to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed global oil prices higher, prompting the government to act.

The ruling three-party coalition plans to return extra revenue from higher fuel prices to consumers through tax cuts on petrol and diesel, alongside capping profit margins for refiners and petrol retailers. The government estimates these measures could initially lower fuel costs by around 10 euro cents per litre starting next month.

The opposition Greens supported the bill, giving the government the necessary two-thirds majority, but cautioned that the measures may be ineffective if retailers simply raise prices further. Greens leader Leonore Gewessler stressed that the government must improve the plans to genuinely bring fuel prices down.

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Trump Grants Hungary One-Year Exemption from Russian Energy Sanctions

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President Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, marking a diplomatic win for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The decision, confirmed by a White House official, follows Orban’s visit to Washington, where he argued that his landlocked nation faced severe energy supply challenges without Russian imports. Trump acknowledged Hungary’s unique position and noted the difficulty of finding alternative sources of oil and gas.

The exemption comes just weeks after the US imposed harsh sanctions on major Russian energy companies, warning of penalties for nations continuing trade with them. As part of the deal, Hungary agreed to purchase several hundred million dollars’ worth of US natural gas, though the arrangement is expected to unsettle many European capitals critical of Orban’s pro-Russia stance. The move underscores the close personal and political ties between Trump and Orban, who share similar right-wing populist views.

During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump hinting at future peace talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban reiterated his belief that Ukraine cannot win the conflict without a “miracle,” arguing that only the United States and Hungary genuinely seek peace. Despite tensions with the European Union, Trump praised Orban as a strong and pragmatic leader and urged Europe to accord him greater respect.

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