The European solution is brandished each time by the energy crisis. Without it, we cannot cope?
Everything else is unfortunately peripheral. Because the bills are around 4,500 euros for families, it goes up to 30,000 for certain professions… And so it’s not 50 or 100 euros that will make the substantial difference.
What should be achieved at European level (an agreement was reached on Friday, it still needs to be implemented, Editor’s note)?
The European Union should not just freeze prices. It must also make a levy on surplus profits. From the moment the benefits become staggering, these means should be taken in part or totally and reinjected via the Member States to lower the bill for citizens.
Why do it automatically at European level and not at Belgian level?
But we don’t know how to do otherwise! Imagine that Belgium does it alone, it would be overtaken by the producers. Producers will sell elsewhere and could very well turn off the tap. And we would end up with catastrophic situations.
Is it possible to turn off the tap for us?
Of course ! This is the reason why we must plead for a public authority which, precisely, can prohibit private companies from acting as they see fit. But the European Union has opened up the market. We were, in each Member State, obliged to transpose the European directives, otherwise there were fines. But I believe that is a mistake. Both energy and water are fundamental goods for citizens. There is work to be done for the Member States to reclaim authority. I don’t necessarily say trade, but authority over these distributors, these electricity producers, as far as we are concerned in Belgium.
Can Wallonia do more than it has already announced?
We don’t have a lot of resources, we don’t want to increase the Walloon Region’s debt, which is already very high. Because if we increase it, the whole system collapses. If the Walloon Region is bankrupt, nothing is possible. On the other hand, we are looking for ways to redirect certain budgets. It’s all the work that started this Thursday afternoon.
Is the blocking of rents under consideration?
For the most vulnerable households, […]
➜ Find the entirety of this great interview by clicking HERE.
➜ His daily actions to reduce its consumption, Walloon measuresthe “risk” of loss of competitiveness Walloon companies: read the full interview HERE.