European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked on Tuesday that the European Union's decision to reduce the share of nuclear energy in its electricity production was a strategic mistake. Speaking at an event in Paris focused on nuclear energy, she noted that while nuclear energy constituted about one-third of Europe’s electricity in 1990, its current share has dropped to 15%. This drastic reduction has made Europe increasingly dependent on imported oil and gas, whose prices have surged in recent days.

Von der Leyen emphasized that this dependence on expensive and unstable fossil fuel imports places Europe at a disadvantage compared to other regions. She pointed out that the conscious choice to decrease the reliance on nuclear energy has led to the elevation of fossil fuel dependency, which she believes is a fundamental error for the continent. Her statements come at a pivotal time as the EU grapples with energy security and economic challenges exacerbated by recent geopolitical tensions.

In response to these challenges, Von der Leyen announced that the EU plans to encourage the uptake of small modular reactors, which are seen as a viable solution to enhance nuclear energy's role in meeting Europe’s energy needs sustainably and affordably. This shift in policy could potentially revitalize the nuclear sector in Europe, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the EU's climate goals. The implications of these changes are significant as they may reshape the energy landscape across Europe in the coming years.