Latest news with #UniversitéLibredeBruxelles
Euronews
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Why nuclear energy is making a comeback across Europe
Several countries across Europe are pivoting or have made U-turns over the use of nuclear power, as governments seek greater energy security. Belgium was in the spotlight earlier this month when its parliament voted to repeal a 2003 law that stipulated the gradual phaseout of nuclear energy. The motion it adopted on 15 May allows for the possibility of reviving the country's atomic industry in the future, including building new power stations. Belgium's original plan to phase out its seven nuclear reactors by 2025 was pushed back by a decade in 2022 due to energy uncertainty caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The current conservative-led coalition government, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, came into power in February, and decided that the shift was necessary to meet its energy challenges. "We know that it's a low-carbon energy source, which means we can meet our European climate targets, but it's also an abundant energy source," said Belgium's Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet. "We have three objectives that are shared by our European partners. They are security of supply, a controlled price and low-carbon energy. And nuclear power meets all three criteria," he added. Belgium is far from alone — other EU member states such as Germany, Denmark, and Italy are reconsidering their stances on nuclear power. "I think it's obviously due to the current situation, with enormous geopolitical uncertainty and dependence on gas, which is still very strong," said Adel El Gammal, professor of energy geopolitics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). "So, quite naturally, anything we can do to make ourselves more independent of gas, we have to do. Nuclear power is one way," El Gammal, who is also secretary general of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), told Euronews in an interview. The EU has around 100 nuclear reactors in 12 countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden). Almost a quarter of the electricity produced in the EU comes from nuclear power, according to the latest data from Eurostat. Nuclear plants release few pollutants into the air, which have made them an option as nations around the world seek clean energy to meet climate change targets. However, their construction and demolition produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. Opponents have for decades cited the challenges involved with processing long-lived radioactive waste to lobby against new plants. Climate activists also say that relying on nuclear power risks slowing the rollout of renewable energy sources. Germany in 2011 committed to phasing out nuclear power, thereby reinforcing its status as the leading voice of the anti-nuclear movement within the EU. This was achieved in April 2023 with the closure of the country's last three power stations. During the German election campaign at the start of this year, then-candidate and now Chancellor Friedrich Merz, had promised to look into reviving the sector. While Merz said in January that reopening the country's nuclear plants would "most likely not be feasible", his campaign vow marked a significant ideological shift in the German political landscape. Just last week, Merz's government indicated it would stop blocking efforts to treat nuclear power on par with renewables in EU legislation, the Financial Times reported. Italy is also considering reintroducing nuclear power.** At the end of the 1980s, Rome decided to put an end to nuclear power. But Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has set 2030 as the target date for returning to nuclear power, according to the country's energy security minister. The coalition government argues that this resource will help to ensure the country's energy security and achieve the environmental objectives of decarbonisation. For similar reasons, coal-dependent Poland has embarked on a vast nuclear programme. Warsaw decided in 2022 to build its first power station, with the first reactor scheduled to be operational from 2033. Earlier this month, EU renewables darling Denmark said it was considering lifting a 40-year-old ban on nuclear energy, and that it would analyse the potential benefits of a new generation of nuclear power technologies. And just last week, Sweden passed a law to fund a new generation of nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, in Spain, the government is under pressure to reconsider phasing out nuclear power following the giant blackout that hit the country at the end of April. El Gammal of the EERA suggested two strategies for a return to nuclear power, which are not exclusive but very different in their development. "The first is to extend existing facilities as far as possible. And here, I would say that if it can be done under well-established safety conditions, it should be done as far as possible. It's a no-brainer," he explained. "On the other hand, relaunching a new nuclear industry or relaunching the construction of new reactors is much more complicated, because first of all, the budgets involved are extremely large," El Gammal added. "Then there's the time it takes to build a power station. It takes around ten years." "Given the urgent need for strategic autonomy and climate change, this is a major problem", he said. All the more so as "renewable energies are coming on stream much more quickly". Building an atomic energy industry means taking a long-term view, and anticipating the cost of different energy resources over an extended period of time. However, as El Gammal pointed out, renewable energies are based on a logic of decreasing costs and increasing technology, "whereas in mature technologies, such as nuclear power, the costs are highly dependent on raw materials, i.e. cement, steel, in other words, raw materials whose cost is tending to increase." But nuclear and renewables are not contradictory strategies; they can go hand-in-hand, he stressed. To try and bring certainty to the industry, Belgium's energy minister Bihet suggested setting up joint projects and multi-state investments, which he said "will bring down costs and also stabilise investment to give companies confidence".
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Isabelle Grippa Leads Belgium's Economic Mission to Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: As Belgium looks to renew its economic ties with Kuwait, one person is quietly but confidently leading the way: Isabelle Grippa, CEO of With a calm energy and a clear sense of purpose, she's heading a delegation of 44 Belgian companies across a wide range of sectors, all eager to open new doors in Kuwait. Grippa's career has always been about connecting people and possibilities. After earning her degree in International Relations from ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and completing her Master's at the Institute for European Studies, she moved into public service, working on initiatives that bridged business and society. From advising senior leadership in Brussels to coordinating employment programs, her focus has consistently been on creating opportunities that last. Since taking the reins at in 2018, she's helped countless startups and SMEs think beyond local borders, encouraging them to dream bigger and compete globally. That same spirit is woven into this economic mission, organized in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). For Grippa, this mission isn't just about business deals. It's about making introductions that could grow into real, long-term partnerships — and showing a side of Belgium that goes far beyond the well-known chocolate and waffles. Belgian companies across sectors like healthcare, engineering, sustainability, education, and technology are here to show how innovation and creativity run deep Over two full days of forums, B2B meetings, and networking events, the delegation hopes to plant seeds for collaborations that will grow in the years to come. And at the heart of it all, Grippa's steady leadership ensures that this visit feels personal, meaningful, and forward-looking. Belgium's renewed outreach to Kuwait carries the promise of new beginnings and with Isabelle Grippa at the helm, it feels like the start of a very genuine journey
Globe and Mail
10-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Oncolytics Biotech® and Pelareorep Discussed During Recent H.C. Wainwright Key Opinion Leader Event on Oncolytic Immunotherapies in Breast and Pancreatic Cancers
SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, AB , /CNW/ -- Oncolytics Biotech ® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, was discussed by field-leading key opinion leaders (KOLs) during a recent event hosted by H.C. Wainwright. Martine Piccart, M.D., Ph.D., an Honorary Professor of Oncology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Scientific Director of Oncology at the Institut Jules Bordet , in Brussels, Belgium , offered a detailed overview of the HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer landscape and emphasized the need for new treatment innovations, such as pelareorep, that work to activate the immune system to recognize and kill cancer. Alexander Eggermont , M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical & Translational Immunotherapy at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands and Board Member of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich of the Technical University Munich and the Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany , provided insights on the current standards for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer type known for its resistance to treatment, and the potential impacts that an immunotherapy such as pelareorep might have on the field. A replay of the full conversation can be found by clicking here. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 and 2 studies in pancreatic cancer. It acts by inducing anti-cancer immune responses and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype -- turning "cold" tumors "hot" -- through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Pelareorep has demonstrated promising results in two randomized Phase 2 studies in metastatic breast cancer and Phase 1 and 2 studies in pancreatic cancer. Pelareorep has demonstrated synergies with multiple approved oncology treatments. Oncolytics is currently conducting and planning combination clinical trials with pelareorep in solid malignancies as it advances towards registrational studies in metastatic breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, both of which have received Fast Track Designation from the FDA. For further information, please visit: or follow the company on social media on LinkedIn and on X @ oncolytics. Company Contact Jon Patton Director of IR & Communication jpatton@ Investor Relations for Oncolytics Mike Moyer LifeSci Advisors +1-617-308-4306 mmoyer@ Media Contact for Oncolytics Michael Rubenstein LifeSci Communications mrubenstein@
