European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the decision to reduce the share of nuclear energy in energy production in the European Union a "strategic mistake" during the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris.
"This reduction was a choice, but I think it was a strategic mistake for Europe, because it turned its back on a reliable, affordable and low-emission energy source," said Von der Leyen.
She recalled that in 1990 nuclear energy accounted for a third of electricity in the EU, while today this share has fallen to only about 15%.
The European Union is aiming to develop small nuclear reactors (SMRs) to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Commission has earmarked a €200 million fund to support investment in this technology, the amount of which will be provided by the EU Emissions Trading System.
"We are witnessing a global return to nuclear energy and Europe wants to be part of this process. We aim to have this technology operational in the early 2030s," she added.
The Commission President also stressed that the rise in energy prices due to conflicts in the Middle East is a "harsh reminder" of Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports, underlining the need to increase energy production from renewable sources and nuclear reactors.
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