In an opinion adopted at the December plenary session, the Committee says that nuclear energy plays and will continue to play a crucial role in decarbonising the European Union. This is particularly true given that the EU needs to consolidate its strategic autonomy in the fields of energy and technology.

The EESC opinion, drawn up by rapporteur Dumitru Fornea and co-rapporteur Alena Mastantuono, assesses the European Commission’s 8th Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC), published in June 2025.

According to the Committee, nuclear energy is a key element in diversifying the EU’s energy supply because it delivers safe, reliable, low-carbon electricity. This ensures that the grid remains stable most of the time, regardless of the weather or time of day, with less pressure on systemic costs.

Nuclear energy can therefore play an important role in supporting the EU’s overall industrial transition as it bolsters resilience against supply disruptions while complementing renewables and reducing dependence on imported fuels. 'The European nuclear industry sustains more than 1.1 million jobs in the EU and is a significant economic sector with a major footprint in terms of jobs, supply chain capacity and advanced R&D. It is a net-zero value chain based almost entirely in the EU’ said Mr Fornea. 'If we want to effectively move away from coal, we need accessible clean energy and funding for nuclear.'

In the opinion, the EESC regrets that the PINC does not propose any specific enablers, nor a real action plan, for the planned investment and urges the European Commission to include regulatory and financial measures. 'We call on the Commission to put forward concrete measures to make the investment planned under the PINC possible', said Ms Mastantuono. 'This is more necessary than ever given the geopolitical turmoil which is forcing the Union to develop EU-based capacities. For this reason, the nuclear value chain should be supported in terms of skills, research and the fuel supply chain.'

Dialogue with civil society remains pivotal in building trust, ownership and societal acceptance, and could be more prominently addressed in the PINC. On this matter, the EESC’s view is that decisions on new projects in the nuclear sector, including the development of new technologies, should be taken after broad and transparent dialogue with civil society on the technical, economic, social and environmental aspects. (mp)