Speaking at the International Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe made a “strategic mistake” by turning away from nuclear energy. She said the EU aims to make Europe the global center of next-generation nuclear power and announced a new strategy to develop small modular reactors by the early 2030s.
Von der Leyen said affordable electricity is crucial for European industry and living costs, stressing that nuclear and renewable energy together can ensure energy security. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also highlighted nuclear power’s importance, noting that about 70 percent of Ukraine’s electricity currently comes from nuclear energy.