The Brussels-based industry association Nucleareurope said the nuclear sector should get equal support under all EU funds, European Investment Bank financing, and a planned clean energy investment strategy.
It called on the commission to allocate more funding for nuclear fission activities under the Euratom budget. Euratom is the European Atomic Energy Community, an organisation that promotes nuclear research, safety and the development of nuclear power.
Nucleareurope, which represents 15 national trade associations and nearly 3,000 European companies working in the industry, also called on the new commission to support the creation of what is known as an ‘Important Project of Common European Interest’ (IPCEI) for nuclear, which would allow EU countries to provide state funding for certain projects. The commission examines and approves IPCEIs under state aid law.
Nucleareurope said the bloc needs to see further development of the European nuclear supply chain, including the fuel cycle, to reduce dependence and strengthen Europe’s autonomy
It said the new commission should produce an updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme, or Pinc, which includes up-to-date forecasts and concrete recommendations to support European nuclear projects
It called for “coordinated actions” with other sectors to tackle both basic skill needs and expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subjects.
Nucleareurope welcomed the approval of the new commission after a months-long process that began with June’s European election.
The proposed commission team obtained 370 votes in favour, 282 against and 36 abstentions from lawmakers in Strasbourg, representing nearly 54% of all votes cast, the slimmest majority in history for a new commission.
