An alliance of pro-nuclear countries has called on the European Commission to deliver “a paradigm shift” in the bloc’s energy policy by fully recognising the role of nuclear energy, alongside renewables, for the future of an integrated energy system.

The European Nuclear Alliance met on 15 October with ministers and high-level representatives from 14 members states, including the upcoming Polish presidency and representatives of the commission.

After the meeting, held in the margin of the Energy Council in Luxembourg, the alliance said in a joint statement* that in a changing global geopolitical context, the upcoming 2024-2029 commission’s mandate must ensure climate-neutrality by 2050 and address the “existential challenge” that Europe is facing in the form of climate change.

The statement noted that a recent report on Europe’s competitiveness by former prime minister of Italy Mario Draghi said nuclear is an essential component of the bloc’s energy mix and can help accelerate decarbonisation in a cost-efficient way.