Nuclear Illustrative Programme

Background

According to article 40 of the Euratom Treaty, the European Commission is required to periodically publish a Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC).

The PINC provides a comprehensive overview of investment needs in nuclear energy, both fission and fusion, and encompasses all stages of the nuclear lifecycle. It also feeds the debate on the role of nuclear energy in achieving carbon neutrality in the EU by 2050. In line with the highest level of nuclear safety, the PINC supports the EU competitiveness, energy security and affordable energy prices.

The 8^th PINC was published on 13 June 2025. In the document, the Commission points out that nuclear energy requires significant investments, of around EUR 241 billion until 2050, both for lifetime extensions of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale reactors. The Commission also says that additional investments are needed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and microreactors and in fusion for the longer-term future.

Safety remains a key concern to Europe’s civil society and this is why the EESC has been working in particular on nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.

Key points

The EESC:

• considers that dialogue with civil society is pivotal in building trust, ownership and societal acceptance;
• calls for enhanced regulatory cooperation among Member States;
• recommends taking into account the role played by nuclear energy in stabilising the grid.

Additional information

Section: Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN)

Opinion number: TEN/856

Opinion type: Optional

Referral: COM(2025) 315 final

Rapporteur: Dumitru Fornea (Group II - Romania)

Co-rapporteur: Alena Mastantuono (Group I - Czech Republic)

Date of adoption by section: 12 November 2025

Result of the vote: 63 in favour, 15 against, 3 abstentions

Date of adoption in plenary: 3-4 December 2025

Result of the vote: 187 in favour, 45 against, 33 abstentions

Contact

Marco Pezzani

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 2 546 9793 | Mob: +32 470 881 903

E-mail: marco.pezzani@eesc.europa.eu

Albert Precup

Administrator

Tel.: +32 546 9326

E-mail: albert.precup@eesc.europa.eu