Our Belgian team, Henri Marenne, Jacques Marlot and me, Paul Bossens, are convinced the Nuclear Pride Fest in Brussels on April 28th is very important and will be a success.
Why?
- Nuclear is a hot issue in Belgium today as the government decided to phase out nuclear power in 2025. This is the law.
- However, as up to 70% of our electricity is coming from nuclear, phasing out in just five years is technically almost unfeasible. Belgium does not have any specific alternative power production in construction or at least planned. You can imagine that this creates a lot of tensions and discussions. This makes Belgium one of the most critical countries now, concerning the future of nuclear energy.
- Only one political party, NVA, dares to say that we need to keep at least a few nuclear reactors running to avoid blackouts. However, they have no support from the other parties.
Energy is a hot topic in Belgium
A few weeks ago, Michael Shellenberger of Environmental Progress was speaking pro-nuclear in an ecology event of this party, NVA. The days after, the media went crazy about his story.
Therefore, we are convinced that our Nuclear Pride Fest will make a major contribution to the debate on nuclear energy in Belgium.
The venue of our event, Carrefour de l’Europe in Brussels, also has a symbolic value: It is the place of the students on school strike, asking the government for more action to safe the climate. We’ll present them a solution in the very same place.
Most political parties in Belgium are against nuclear power. However, those people seem to be at least willing to listen to pro nuclear arguments.
On May 26th, there will be general elections. Most political parties avoid any discussion on nuclear now to not disturb their elections campaigns. We expect that they want to start the real discussion on security of power supply after the elections. So the timing of the Nuclear Pride Fest is perfect.
Come and celebrate the Nuclear Pride Fest together with us!
So, were are we in the preparations for the Nuclear Pride Fest?
- We have got the permission of the authorities.
- Tents will be hired.
- We will not be allowed to use music instruments or amplifiers, but we can sing loud.
- People from Belgium are already enthusiastic to come. By the way, the place is easy to reach by train. Carrefour de l’Europe is in front of the Brussels Central Station (not to be confused with the long-distance station Bruxelles-Midi, though). The famous Brussels Grand Place is 500 m away.
- Some politicians indicated they would come to visit our event.
So, please come to Brussels and show Belgium and Europe that we want more nuclear energy, because it is the best thing for the environment and for humanity!
What we need now, is your participation, expressing your nuclear pride: singing our songs, showing posters and signs, explaining what we are doing, just like we did in Munich last year. Oh, and of course we need our polar bear mascot Melty!
What’s the planning ?
Will there be lectures ?
Are there books available ?