Full Breakdown
Italy Prepares for Possible Nuclear Power Referendum by 2028-2029
6/17/2026, 12:08:50 PM
Core Legislative Move Toward Nuclear Revival
The lower house of Italy’s parliament approved a delegation law on sustainable nuclear energy by a vote of 155 to 86, with eight abstentions. The bill authorises the government to draft implementing decrees within 12 months covering the construction and operation of new nuclear facilities, radioactive-waste management, fusion research and safety governance. The government plans to present all decrees by Christmas, ahead of the deadline set by the law. The legislation still requires Senate approval before it can become law.
Historical Context of Italy’s Nuclear Policy
Italy shut down its nuclear reactors after a 1987 referendum that followed the Chernobyl disaster. The current proposal marks the first parliamentary step toward nuclear power since that vote. Across Europe, the EU has begun classifying nuclear energy as a low-carbon investment, and France’s model—approximately 70 % of its electricity generated by nuclear plants—is frequently cited as a benchmark for energy security.
Key Political Actors and Positions
- Gilberto Pichetto Fratin – Environment and Energy Security Minister, leading the government’s nuclear agenda.
- Centre-right coalition – Supports the delegation law and the shift to small modular, advanced modular and micro-reactors.
- Centre-left opposition – Includes the Movimento 5 Stelle and factions of the Partito Democratico; they voted against the bill and warn that it could trigger a new referendum.
- Anti-nuclear campaigners – Organising petitions to collect the 500,000 signatures required to call a popular vote.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- Early June 2026 – Pichetto Fratin states a referendum is “taken for granted” for 2028 or 2029 (Turin conference).
- Mid-June 2026 – Chamber of Deputies passes the delegation law (155-86).
- Late June 2026 – Bill moves to the Senate; government expects Senate approval before the summer recess.
- By Christmas 2026 – Target date for issuing implementing decrees.
- 2035 (target) – Planned start of nuclear electricity production.
Data and Legislative Details
- Vote on delegation law: 155 yes, 86 no, 8 abstentions.
- Signature threshold for a referendum: 500,000 citizens.
- Government’s nuclear electricity goal: around 2035.
- EU classification: nuclear now considered a low-carbon investment.
Official Government Statements
The ministry emphasizes constitutional rights for citizens to initiate referenda and pledges “maximum clarity, transparency and answers” on nuclear policy. It frames nuclear revival as essential to meet decarbonisation targets, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and contain energy costs for consumers and industry. The government also highlights the focus on next-generation reactor technologies, which it describes as cheaper, more flexible and quicker to deploy, despite the absence of fully operational examples in Europe.
Opposition Criticism and Anti-Nuclear Mobilisation
Centre-left parties argue the legislation could provoke another referendum that would “derail the project just as happened in 1987.” Anti-nuclear activists are already gathering signatures, citing the risk of reviving a technology previously rejected by voters. Analysts note that the possibility of a citizen-initiated referendum may be driving the government’s accelerated timetable.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The bill’s final status remains uncertain pending Senate approval; no definitive date for Senate vote is provided.
- While the government promotes small modular reactors, no operational units of this type exist in Europe, leaving technical and regulatory details unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A new referendum on nuclear power? I take it for granted that there will be one in 2028 or 2029,” — Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Environment and Energy Security Minister
- “It is a right guaranteed by our Constitution (for citizens to be able) to participate in decisions.” — Gilberto Pichetto Fratin
- “I believe it is completely natural that, in a democracy, signatures can be collected for a referendum to be held.” — Gilberto Pichetto Fratin
- “The key thing is that we must all strive to provide the utmost clarity, to provide all the answers, and ensure maximum transparency” — Gilberto Pichetto Fratin
- “The governing centre-right parties backed the bill, while much of the centre-left opposition, including the Movimento 5 Stelle and sections of the Partito Democratico, voted against it, warning that the legislation risks triggering another referendum that could derail the project just as happened in 1987.” — Article narrative
What’s Next: Prospects for a Referendum and Implementation
The Senate is expected to vote before the summer recess, after which implementing decrees could be issued by year-end. If 500,000 signatures are collected, a popular referendum could be scheduled for 2028 or 2029, determining whether Italy proceeds with its nuclear revival plan.
