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Condijts, Joan
3 articles of this author have been cited in the European Press Review so far.
Belgian nuclear phaseout rotten compromise
Belgium wants a nuclear phaseout by 2015. This was the agreement reached by Belgium's future governing coalition under Walloon Social Democrat Elio di Rupo on Sunday, upholding a law dating back to 2003. It's about time, the daily Le Soir writes, but remains sceptical about whether the phaseout will really happen: "Great. Over 3,000 days after it was passed, the people learn that the law will be 'retained'. And what does it stipulate? Let's recap: the gradual shutting down (between 2015 and 2025) of the seven Belgian reactors, the first three in 2015. In four years Doel 1 and 2 and Tihange 1 will be taken off grid. Or not, as the case may be. ... The schedule could be altered depending on the results of a study - the umpteenth - which has yet to be carried out. ... The 'agreement' reached on Sunday evening reeks of political rhetoric and shaky compromises. After eight years, Belgium still doesn't know what it's energy policy will look like."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Energy, » Belgium
Postponing the nuclear phaseout is the right thing to do
The daily Le Soir writes that it is sound practice for Belgium to maintain its current nuclear power facilities: "The agreement on postponing the nuclear phaseout is a good thing. Because three groups of experts from various areas have said repeatedly over a number of years that the nuclear option should be maintained and integrated into a multi-tiered production infrastructure, thus assuring the country's energy supply. ... Another reason is that the attempts to break the factual monopoly of [utility company] Electrabel have not been as effective as desired. ... [Electrabel's owner] GDF Suez has agreed to share out its nuclear pie. This will benefit the state and the citizens of Belgium, who will reap the benefits of the costly efforts to quickly amortise the nuclear power plants."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Energy, » Belgium
The GDF-Suez merger under criticism from Europe
Joan Condijts is concerned about the consequences of this merger for Belgium and notes that "The French president has nationalised Electrabel [Belgian electricity]. Or pretty much so, anyway. Such is his right too: by merging Gaz de France with Suez, the mother company of Belgian electricity, the Elysée's lodger has allocated himself 35% of the new ensembles' capital. Such, once again, is his right. The motivations that pushed him to this are however questionable. The French Republic has acted this way out of nationalism. The Italian electricity provider, Enel had threatened to raid Suez (with a French accomplice, Véolia). 'Aaaaghh', came the choking cry from the Elysée ... .The red white and blue French patriotism thus led to the black, yellow and red nationalisation of gas and electricity. ... Quick! a Belgian government and an energy policy..."
» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Domestic Policy, » Energy, » Corporations, » France, » Belgium
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