The European Commission has launched a four-week public consultation to update its “Nuclear Illustrative Programme” (PNIC). The goal is to present a revised strategic document in the second quarter, outlining future investment needs in the European nuclear sector. The focus includes the construction of new reactors, lifetime extensions for existing plants, the management of radioactive waste, and the development of new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors and nuclear fusion. The backdrop to this initiative is the renewed interest in nuclear power among many EU member states.
Markus Buchheit, Member of the European Parliament from the ESN Group, comments:
“Even the European Commission – usually responsible for climate-ideological experiments like the Green Deal – is now backing the expansion of nuclear energy. Meanwhile, Germany continues on its isolated and ideologically driven path of phasing out nuclear power. This is not only disconnected from reality – it is extremely dangerous for our economic competitiveness.
The EU rightly recognizes that nuclear energy is an indispensable pillar for affordable, stable, and low-carbon electricity supply. New reactors, new technologies, more research, and targeted investments: other European countries are preparing for the future. And Germany? It is the only industrialized nation to completely shut down its functioning nuclear power plants – despite skyrocketing electricity prices, growing dependence on energy imports, and clear risks to energy security and the economy.
This ideological refusal to face reality harms not only the German people but also massively undermines our economic competitiveness. It is high time that Berlin wakes up: without nuclear energy, there can be no secure, independent, or future-proof energy supply – neither in Germany nor anywhere else.
We call on the German government to stop denying reality, reverse the nuclear phase-out, and finally act in a technologically open and responsible manner.”
