Index Commentary

Good upwards movement to rank 13 was driven by Belgium’s energy performance. Substantial improvements in energy security were driven by an increased wholesale margin on gasoline and a decrease in energy consumption, reversing last year’s positive growth rate. Belgium’s environmental performance also increases driven by reduced emissions from electricity and heat generation and a better air and water quality. However, these positive tendencies are partly offset by a small drop in social equity driven by a deterioration in providing high quality and affordable electricity. Contextual performance remains strong with small increases in all dimensions. Economic strength remains the weakest dimension (rank 38).