At the second international summit dedicated to nuclear energy held in France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a new strategy aimed at increasing nuclear energy production in the European Union. She highlighted a global resurgence in nuclear energy, asserting Europe's desire to join this trend with the introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs) that could monitor and mitigate energy needs, especially in light of the ongoing energy crisis in the region.

The strategy includes the goal of having small modular reactors operational in the EU by the beginning of the next decade. These reactors, which have a capacity of up to 300 megawatts compared to the traditional 1000 megawatts of larger nuclear power plants, can be manufactured in factories for easier assembly and deployment. This shift to SMRs represents a significant change in how nuclear power can be approached, making it more feasible for different member states to integrate nuclear energy into their energy mix.

Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulations across the EU to foster the development of small modular nuclear power plants. This alignment is seen as essential for ensuring that SMRs can be effectively deployed throughout member states, thus contributing to the EU's overarching goal of energy independence and sustainability. The plans signify a crucial step for the EU's energy strategy as it addresses both the climate crisis and the need for more resilient and adaptable energy resources across Europe.