Empowering Europe’s Nuclear Innovation Through a Ready-to-Use Programme

There is no doubt that Europe needs to shift power generation towards secure, low-cost clean energy sources. The continent must strengthen its homegrown energy capacity so it can respond to the increasing appetite for electrification and to the urgent need for decarbonisation, while gradually weaning itself away from longstanding external dependencies. Energy sovereignty is no longer just an environmental aspiration; it is a cornerstone of economic resilience, industrial competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.

As Mario Draghi stated in his report, “decarbonisation must happen for the sake of our planet but also for it to become a source of growth for Europe.” This vision underlines the dual objective of the transition: protecting the climate while unlocking new industrial opportunities, innovation cycles, and jobs across the Union. Achieving this ambition cannot occur without robust research, continuous innovation, and a comprehensive range of investments stretching from basic research to full-scale deployment across markets and regions.

The Euratom Research and Training Programme

This is a core mission of the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the next programming period 2028–2032, with a financing of EUR 6.7 billion designed to anchor Europe’s leadership in the nuclear field. The Programme plays a crucial role in amplifying strategic investments in nuclear science, technology, and industrial capacity.

It is designed to complement Horizon Europe and its ambitious initiative for the development of the proposed ‘Moonshot Fusion’ project, which aims to overcome the scientific, engineering, and technological challenges that still stand in the way of the deployment of fusion energy on the EU grid. A key component of this effort is the continued financing of the ITER project, a global collaborative venture intended to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a viable large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.

Strengthening Innovation in Fission Technologies

Although fusion holds promise for transformative clean power, it remains a long-term endeavour and will not deliver immediate solutions. Consequently, Europe must also strengthen innovation in fission technologies, including the development of innovative reactor designs such as Small and Advanced Modular Reactors, as well as advancements in fuels and materials. Equally essential are safe and responsible solutions for the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, with specific emphasis on the entire nuclear fuel cycle and long-term stewardship strategies.

The Role of Start-ups and Industrial Partnerships

Beyond the large established companies that predominantly shape the market landscape, innovative start-ups have an important role to play in bringing agility, breakthrough ideas, and new business models to the value chain. Their participation can accelerate the development and uptake of nuclear technologies. Versatile and cross-border partnerships are therefore vital for strengthening European industrial ecosystems. 

In parallel, there should be a strong focus on the development and deployment of nuclear technologies for non-power purposes, including applications in the medical field, such as cancer diagnostics and therapy, as well as space exploration, agricultural innovation, and advanced industrial processes. These applications demonstrate the broader strategic value of nuclear science beyond electricity generation and contribute to societal well-being and technological sovereignty.

Skills, Infrastructure and International Cooperation

The deployment of nuclear energy and solutions requires a highly skilled workforce, strong competences, and accessible world-class research infrastructures. The Programme must therefore ensure that Europe continues to benefit from qualified experts, engineers, researchers, and technicians across all Member States. International cooperation will remain important, but partnerships should be pursued only with reliable and trusted partners who share Europe’s commitment to safety, security, and non-proliferation principles.

Simplifying Access to EU Funding

Last but not least, simplification of EU funding mechanisms is crucial to ensure better access to the Programme from the perspective of beneficiaries. Administrative procedures should be streamlined at all stages, from application to grant award, to enable participation from research institutions, industry, SMEs, and start-ups across Europe. The Programme must be easily accessible to all potential beneficiaries and designed to ensure strong synergies with other EU initiatives. To make these synergies truly viable, funding should be based on an outcome-oriented approach, with clear objectives, measurable impact, and full respect for the principle of technology neutrality.

Alena Mastantuono, Rapporteur for Opinion TEN/864 EURATOM – Research and Training Programme 2028-2032 and EESC Vice-President in charge of Budget.