Belgium is a federal state composed of regions and communities, the matters that concern the energy sector and the energy transition are divided between these different levels of competence. Energy affects all areas of society's functioning. In addition to the involvement of the federal and regional levels, the energy sector is also very much influenced by European and international directives but is also at the intersection of various other sectors such as the industrial, building and transport sectors.  

Belgium has for a long time been able to rely on the extraction of coal from its mines located mainly in the south of the country. Since the closure of these mines in 1992, Belgium produces little energy and is dependent on third countries. In order to meet the 0-carbon objectives, the federal government and the regions are implementing various policies aimed at promoting and expanding renewable energy.  

This transition requires a strong social dialogue on all issues related to the transformation of work in the energy sector, but also in the other sectors impacted by the transition. According to the social partners in the electricity sector, social dialogue has become more complex since the liberalization of the gas and electricity market. Indeed, these major transformations have impacts on the various components of the economy, including employment and training, and require the protection of certain work groups.  

This research report is a part of the project “REJEnerAXion - Energy for a just and green recovery deal: the role of the industrial relations in the energy sector for a resilient Europe”, a European Union co-funded research project (101052341/SOCPL-2021-IND-REL).