Nucleareurope welcomes new Commission, insists on technology neutrality in upcoming mandate

Brussels, 27 November 2024: Nucleareurope welcomes the approval of the new College of Commissioners by the European Parliament, thus enabling the next EU mandate to commence.  Europe is facing a series of significant challenges – energy security, affordability and climate change – which require urgent attention.  The approval of the EC paves the way for the EU to move ahead with a strong – and technology neutral – policy framework capable of overcoming these challenges.

“Over recent years we have witnessed a shift in how policymakers view nuclear. Many now recognise the indispensable role which this European technology can play in ensuring energy sovereignty – and therefore security of supply – as well as in terms of decarbonising Europe’s economy” highlights Yves Desbazeille, nucleareurope Director General. “Already during the previous mandate positive steps were taken in support of nuclear, such as its inclusion in the EU’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, Net-Zero Industry Act and the creation of the European Industrial Alliance for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and we look forward to further progress during the next mandate.”

In this respect, there is still work to be done at EU level to ensure technology neutral policies which focus on goals.  Indeed, with the push to electrify and decarbonise Europe’s entire economy by 2050 – whilst still maintaining a strong European industry – Europe will need ALL decarbonised sources of energy. And, where possible, the EU needs to maximise output of energy in Europe in order to reduce dependence on third country imports.

Against this backdrop, nucleareurope calls on the next Commission to:

• Ensure a level playing field between net zero energy technologies (such as nuclear and renewables)
• Provide equal support for nuclear under all EU funds, EIB financing, and the upcoming Clean Energy Investment Strategy and allocate more funding for fission activities under the Euratom budget
• Support the creation of an IPCEI for nuclear (including relevant State Aid)
• Encourage further development of the European nuclear supply chain (eg fuel cycle) to reduce dependence and strengthen Europe’s autonomy
• Produce an updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) which includes the most up-to-date forecasts and concrete recommendations to support European nuclear projects
• Enable coordinated actions with other sectors to tackle both basic skill needs and STEM

About us: nucleareurope is the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe.
The membership of nucleareurope is made up of 15 national nuclear associations and through these associations, nucleareurope represents nearly 3,000 European companies working in the industry and supporting around 1,100,000 jobs.

More information:

• Jessica Johnson, Communications and Advocacy Director: jessica.johnson@nucleareurope.eu