Belgian Energy Chief of Staff Departs Amid Nuclear Talks

Gerben Croonenborghs, the chief of staff to Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet (MR), has left his position by mutual agreement, the minister’s office confirmed on Monday. The departure comes at a pivotal moment as the government engages in high-stakes negotiations with French energy giant Engie over the potential state takeover of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.

Croonenborghs, who joined Bihet’s cabinet in February 2025 when the minister took office in the De Wever government, brought extensive expertise in nuclear energy to the role, having previously worked in nuclear waste management and regulatory agencies. His departure was first reported by La Libre Belgique.

A Departure by Mutual Agreement

According to the minister’s office, the separation was not a resignation but a decision taken “d’un commun accord” (by mutual agreement). Minister Bihet stated: “We have ended our collaboration by mutual agreement. And this does not affect our personal relationship.”

Two names are circulating as potential successors, though no official replacement has been designated. The minister’s office has declined to provide further details on the reasons behind the departure, maintaining a “no comment” stance.

Critical Timing in Nuclear Negotiations

The departure is particularly significant given the timing. Bihet’s cabinet is currently engaged in delicate negotiations with Engie under Project “Aurora” — a potential state purchase of Belgium’s nuclear reactors at Doel and Tihange. The News Minimalist described the nuclear issue as “a complex matter with significant financial and geopolitical implications.”

On April 30, 2026, Belgium and Engie signed a letter of intent signaling the government’s intention to potentially bring the country’s nuclear assets under state control. The move has been controversial, with critics accusing the right-wing Arizona coalition of pursuing a “nationalization” of energy assets — a charge Bihet has vigorously rejected.

Background: A Rising Minister at the Center of Energy Policy

Mathieu Bihet, a rising star in the Mouvement Réformateur (MR), was appointed Federal Minister of Energy on February 3, 2025, as part of the five-party Arizona coalition government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA). According to his biography, the 34-year-old Liège native previously served as a federal deputy and local alderman before taking on the energy portfolio.

Bihet has been a central figure in Belgium’s dramatic reversal on nuclear energy. After decades of political debate over phasing out nuclear power, the current government has made it a cornerstone of its energy strategy. Prime Minister De Wever has publicly referred to Bihet as his “strijdmakker” (comrade in arms), underscoring the minister’s importance in executing the government’s nuclear vision.

A portrait published by La Libre Belgique on June 1 described Bihet as an “électron libre” (free electron) within his party, navigating between high-stakes nuclear negotiations, media scrutiny, and political pressure.

Implications and Open Questions

The departure of a chief of staff — the top administrative and political advisor to a minister — is a significant event in Belgian politics. Croonenborghs’ specialized nuclear expertise made him particularly valuable during the sensitive Engie negotiations, and his departure raises questions about potential knowledge gaps within the cabinet.

While both parties have denied any conflict, the timing has inevitably fueled speculation about whether there were disagreements over the nuclear strategy. Bihet has faced criticism from within his own party, notably from former Energy Minister Marie-Christine Marghem, about a lack of concrete results.

What to Watch For

The coming weeks will be crucial for Bihet and his team. The appointment of a new chief of staff — and whether that individual possesses comparable nuclear expertise — will be closely watched as an indicator of continuity or change in the minister’s approach. Meanwhile, the Aurora project negotiations with Engie continue, with significant financial and geopolitical implications for Belgium’s energy future.

Reporting based on information from La Libre Belgique, Le Soir, and News Minimalist.