Story perspectives

EU Leaders Push €230M for Nuclear Revival Amid Criticism

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted Europe’s nuclear decommissioning was a strategic mistake, citing high prices and imports.
At a Paris conference, she proposed a €230 million investment in small modular reactors to revitalize the sector.
French President Emmanuel Macron supported the initiative, highlighting nuclear power’s role in energy independence.
Jordan Bardella, a critic, criticized Germany’s anti-nuclear stance and urged reevaluating European energy-market rules to leverage France’s capabilities.

History

Historical Context

The Euratom Treaty, initiated by the European Union in 2000, aimed to promote peaceful nuclear energy use among member states, with France generating around 78.1% of its electricity from nuclear power. Following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, debates on energy independence intensified, leading to Ursula von der Leyen's acknowledgment of past mistakes and a proposed €230 million investment in small modular reactors to enhance energy security amid rising costs.

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Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted Europe’s nuclear decommissioning was a strategic mistake, citing high prices and imports.
At a Paris conference, she proposed a €230 million investment in small modular reactors to revitalize the sector.
French President Emmanuel Macron supported the initiative, highlighting nuclear power’s role in energy independence.
Jordan Bardella, a critic, criticized Germany’s anti-nuclear stance and urged reevaluating European energy-market rules to leverage France’s capabilities.

1 / 2