The abandonment of nuclear power was a strategic mistake for Europe. It led to the loss of a reliable and affordable source of energy with low emissions. This was stated by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, reports Bloomberg.
Speaking at the nuclear summit in Paris, the head of the European Commission noted that while in 1990 a third of Europe's electricity was generated by nuclear power plants, today this figure has decreased to 15%. She stressed that nuclear energy is important for the transition to a zero-emission economy and the abandonment of Russian fossil fuels.
This issue is becoming especially relevant against the backdrop of the conflict in Iran, which has triggered a surge in oil and gas prices, exposing 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 be operational in Europe by the early 2030s. The technology is intended to replace fossil fuels and ensure the stable operation of energy networks when solar or wind generation is insufficient.
To support private investment in this sector, the EU will allocate €200 million in guarantees through the emissions trading system.
Germany's reaction
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported von der Leyen's statement, expressing regret over the previous government's decision to close nuclear power plants. At the same time, he noted that this process is irreversible, so Berlin is now focused on expanding networks and increasing the available energy supply.
In contrast, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has spoken out against reviving the nuclear program. He called the idea of building new reactors a “dead end” and said that the country has become much safer since abandoning nuclear power.
