The Belgian government agreed in principle on Thursday to close its nuclear power plants by 2025, but left open the possibility of extending the life of two reactors if it could not otherwise ensure energy supply.

The seven-party coalition has wrestled for months with the topic, with the Greens adamant that a 2003 law setting out a nuclear exit be respected, while the French-speaking liberals favoured extending the life of the two newest reactors.

Belgium’s two nuclear plants, with seven reactors in total, are operated by French utility Engie and account for almost half of the country’s electricity production. After talks through the night, ministers settled on a compromise whereby the last existing nuclear plant should close in 2025, joining countries like Germany that are also phasing out the technology.