From 2022 onwards, a wave of crises prompted Belgium’s political class to reconsider its fundamental choices regarding the sources it wishes to promote to ensure the country’s energy security. In 2003, the political class chose to discontinue the use of nuclear energy as a source, but over time, they began to realise that without nuclear energy, security of supply cannot be guaranteed. This idea directed the Belgian legislator to make a fundamental policy change. The contribution serves as a narrative illustrating how external societal needs and wants compel governments to modify public policies and legal frameworks. The contribution also addresses a number of questions concerning environmental impact assessment, contractualisation and the role of government. State capitalism is a phenomenon that has emerged more and more in recent years. However, in this context, it appears necessary to develop a public-private partnership.