At an energy summit in France, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the decline of nuclear power in Europe, from contributing one-third of electricity in 1990 to nearly 15% today, was a significant strategic error. She emphasized that this reduction was a conscious choice and, in hindsight, has led Europe away from a reliable and cost-effective source of low-emission energy.

To address these concerns, von der Leyen announced a new European strategy for small modular reactors (SMR), which are set to become operational in the 2030s. According to the Technical University of Denmark, SMRs are smaller, factory-built nuclear reactors that aim to be more economical and safer than their predecessors. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing Europe's energy landscape while transitioning to greener energy sources.

Von der Leyen insists that SMRs, alongside traditional nuclear reactors, must play a pivotal role in creating a "flexible, safe, and efficient" energy system in Europe. This shift in strategy reflects a broader acknowledgment of the necessity for nuclear power in achieving energy security and climate goals, signaling a potential shift in EU energy policy that may redefine Europe's approach to energy production in the coming decades.