Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002562/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D), Nicolás González Casares (S&D)
The Commission presented its eighth nuclear illustrative programme (PINC) on 13 June 2025. The plan estimates that around EUR 241 billion in nuclear investment will be needed by 2050 to extend the working life of existing reactors and build new large-scale reactors.
This projection is in contrast with the classification of nuclear energy in the EU taxonomy complementary delegated act, which considers it a transitional activity that is not fully sustainable and is permitted under strict criteria regarding safety, waste management and contribution to cutting emissions. In the taxonomy, nuclear is a temporary solution while cleaner renewable technologies are being developed. This transitional perspective is not consistent with the amount of long-term investment planned in the PINC.
Considering the above:
- 1.How does the Commission justify so much investment in an energy source that is classified as transitional in the green taxonomy?
- 2.What is the temporary or technical reason behind classifying nuclear as ‘transitional’ until 2050?
- 3.What guarantees are in place to ensure such investment would not divert resources away from renewable technologies, which actually are clearly in line with the EU’s long-term climate and economic targets?
Submitted: 25.6.2025