Europe made 'strategic mistake' abandoning nuclear energy – Von der Leyen
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that abandoning nuclear energy was a strategic mistake for Europe, as it led to the loss of a reliable and affordable low-emission energy source, according to Bloomberg.
Speaking at a nuclear summit in Paris, the head of the European Commission noted that in 1990 about one-third of Europe’s electricity was generated by nuclear power plants, while today that figure has fallen to 15%.
She stressed that nuclear energy is crucial for the transition to a net-zero economy and for phasing out Russian fossil fuels.
The issue has become particularly relevant amid the conflict in Iran, which triggered a surge in oil and gas prices and exposed the vulnerability of the European economy.
New EU strategy
The European Commission is preparing a strategy for the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). They are expected to begin operating in Europe in the early 2030s.
This technology is intended to replace fossil fuels and ensure stable power grid operations when solar and wind generation are insufficient.
To support private investment in the sector, the EU will allocate €200 million in guarantees through its emissions trading system.
Germany’s response
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported von der Leyen’s statement, expressing regret over the previous government’s decision to shut down nuclear power plants.
However, he noted that the process is irreversible, so Berlin is now focused on expanding power grids and increasing energy supply.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider opposed reviving the nuclear program. He called the idea of building new reactors a “dead end” and said that after abandoning nuclear power, Germany became significantly safer.
Earlier, the European Union emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine creates critical risks for nuclear safety and hinders the stable work of IAEA monitoring missions.
Moscow’s policy is viewed as a direct threat to international standards for oversight of nuclear facilities.
