Story perspectives

EU Urges Nuclear Revival Amid Energy Crisis at Summit

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged advancing nuclear technology at the Paris Nuclear Energy Summit.
She described Europe’s shift away from nuclear as a strategic mistake due to volatile fossil imports.
The EU will guarantee €200 million to support Small Modular Reactors, targeting deployment by the early 2030s.
Greece's Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Romania's Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan backed integrating nuclear energy into their plans.
Serbia aims to develop its nuclear capacity by 2040.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Three Mile Island accident significantly impacted nuclear energy perceptions in the U.S., leading to a decline in nuclear projects. In contrast, the European Union is now investing €200 million in Small Modular Reactors, with leaders like Ursula von der Leyen advocating for nuclear energy to enhance energy security amid fossil fuel volatility, potentially reshaping Europe's energy landscape by 2030.

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Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged advancing nuclear technology at the Paris Nuclear Energy Summit.
She described Europe’s shift away from nuclear as a strategic mistake due to volatile fossil imports.
The EU will guarantee €200 million to support Small Modular Reactors, targeting deployment by the early 2030s.
Greece's Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Romania's Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan backed integrating nuclear energy into their plans.
Serbia aims to develop its nuclear capacity by 2040.

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