Source: European Parliament
The Commission acknowledges the role of nuclear energy in contributing to energy security and decarbonisation. All zero and low carbon energy solutions are needed to decarbonise the energy system[1].
Projections show that decarbonised sources will generate over 90% of electricity in the EU in 2040[2], primarily from renewables complemented by nuclear energy.
The choice of the energy sources in the energy mix, including the decision to use or not use nuclear energy, remains within the remit of each Member State in accordance with the provisions of the EU Treaties[3]. The Commission does not intervene in such decisions.
The EU and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) legal frameworks do not empower the Commission to make any recommendations towards the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The EU supports and co-finances nuclear decommissioning programmes in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia.
- [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘Securing Europe’s 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 building a sustainable, just and prosperous society’ (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN).
- [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN.
- [3] Article 194 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).