When energy prices skyrocketed last year as Russia launched a war in Ukraine, Belgian glassblower Christophe Genard had no choice but to close for three months.
The 45-year-old’s monthly gas bills run as high as 6,000 euros ($6,500).
Facing the prospect of giving up his beloved 20-year glassblowing career, he was forced to adapt to survive by using a smaller oven to produce his glassware.
“When I was shut down between July 2022 and September 2022, I thought about how I could continue to make a living, so I just changed the tools I was using,” Genard said at his studio in Liege, where he Courses are hosted there.
Genard told AFP that he now uses a propane cylinder to light his small oven a few days a week.
“About 3,000 euros a month, half the cost, but I don’t work every day anymore,” Genard said, adding that he was producing half as much as before.
Late last year, the Walloon regional government announced measures worth around 175 million euros to support businesses with rising energy costs, but some fear this may not be enough.
“We will see if the amount is sufficient,” Olivier de Wasseige, president of the Walloon Companies Union, said in an interview with LN24 channel on January 22.
He called on the Belgian federal government to develop a “structural energy policy” that matches that of its neighbours, and to take serious steps, including a transition to renewable energy.
According to a study published in November by the Bruegel think tank, Belgium has allocated just 4.3 billion euros, equivalent to 0.8% of its gross domestic product, to help households and businesses cope with the energy crisis.
That was the fourth-lowest level in the 27-nation bloc, well behind other countries such as the neighboring Netherlands, which spent 43.9 billion euros, or more than 5 percent of GDP, on such aid.
Even smaller economies spend a larger proportion of their GDP on such aid, with Romania earmarking €8.5 billion (3.5%).
– Enterprises feel the heat –
Genard is one of many independent business owners in Belgium who have been forced to change the way they work to meet soaring energy costs, even if it means reducing production.
The Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEB) warned this month of rising costs for businesses due to rising energy prices and inflation-linked wage increases.
The FEB said the first half of 2023 would be “extremely difficult” for Belgian companies, as fixed contracts for gas and electricity prices were terminated during this period.
“They will face energy costs that are three to seven times higher than usual,” the federation warned, adding that this would cost businesses an additional 1-25 billion euros.
Another survey published last month showed that more than 76% of Belgian retailers fear they will go out of business, citing threats such as rising energy bills.
Three-quarters of retailers surveyed said they had reduced store heating, while 66 percent said they turned off neon signs outside of business hours.
– no more stress –
Genard said he wanted to keep prices the same “because the purchasing power of most people is already declining,” he said, surrounded by gold-flecked glass apples and vibrant glass hens.
A decorative glass apple costs 60 euros, the same price as in 2022.
“I want to keep making work and welcome people into my studio,” Genard said.
He added that he tried not to think about what might happen in the future.
“I find it hard to look too far. When we think too much about the future, we get into uncomfortable situations, with fear and anxiety,” he said.
But the changes weren’t all bad for glassblowers.
“I no longer feel the constant pressure to make a profit. I have more time to design, create, and think about ways to grow partnerships.”
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