EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Europe's past decision to reduce nuclear power was a strategic mistake during a nuclear energy summit in Paris.
During a speech at the Nuclear Energy Summit on October 10 in Paris, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Europe's previous approach to nuclear power reduction, calling it a 'strategic mistake.' She emphasized the need for the EU to promote nuclear energy, highlighting that the proportion of nuclear energy in Europe has decreased from one-third in 1990 to about 15 percent today. von der Leyen pointed out that abandoning a reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy source was a significant error.
The shift in Europe's nuclear energy policy can be traced back to the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, which prompted countries like Germany and Belgium to adopt anti-nuclear stances. However, the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drastically reduced the supply of Russian natural gas to Europe, leading to chaos in the energy market and a resurgence of pro-nuclear movements across the continent. As a result, there has been growing recognition of the need to rethink energy strategies that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Von der Leyen's statements reflect a substantial shift in the EU's energy policy narrative, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions and the urgent need for energy security. By advocating for nuclear power, the EU aims to ensure a steady and sustainable energy supply while working towards carbon neutrality. This position may influence national policies regarding nuclear energy as Europe seeks to stabilize its energy market amidst ongoing challenges.
