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Von der Leyen calls Europe’s nuclear phase-down a “strategic mistake” and announces EU support for new nuclear technologies

First covered Tuesday, March 10, 2026Science & ClimateWell-covered

The Facts

  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said reducing Europe’s nuclear energy sector (or turning away from nuclear power) was a “strategic mistake.”
  • Von der Leyen made the remarks at a nuclear energy summit/event in or near Paris.
  • Von der Leyen said nuclear provided about one-third of Europe’s electricity in 1990 and that the share has fallen to about 15% today.
  • Von der Leyen said Europe is “completely dependent” on imported fossil fuels that are “expensive and volatile,” and that this dependence creates a disadvantage compared with other regions.
  • Von der Leyen linked Europe’s energy vulnerability to the ongoing Middle East conflict/war involving Iran, which has contributed to an energy crunch and/or rising prices.
  • Von der Leyen said the EU would support investment in “innovative nuclear technologies” with a €200 million guarantee.

Context

What did von der Leyen say was the strategic mistake?

She said Europe’s political choice to reduce the share of nuclear power—turning away from what she described as a reliable, affordable, low-emissions source of electricity—was a “strategic mistake.” Reuters Reuters

What figures did she cite about nuclear power’s role in Europe’s electricity mix?

Von der Leyen said nuclear generated about one-third of Europe’s electricity in 1990, but that the share has fallen to around 15% today. Reuters Bloomberg Business

What concrete EU support did she announce for nuclear technology?

She said the EU would create a €200 million guarantee to support investment in innovative nuclear technologies, including efforts related to small modular reactors. timesofmalta.com Anadolu Ajansı

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The receipts — all 95 sources

Wire services (4)

APThe TelegraphEU chief says cutting nuclear power was a 'strategic mistake...
ReutersInvesting.comReducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was 'strategic mista...
ReutersReutersReducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was 'strategic mista...
ReutersReutersDecision to turn back on nuclear was a strategic mistake, EU...

Independent coverage (50)

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Chosun.comGerman Chancellor Merz Calls Nuclear Phase-out Strategic Mis...
Pravda ENVon der Leyen acknowledged the EU's complete dependence on e...
H2 ViewEU nuclear push opens door for more pink hydrogen
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The European Times NewsEurope's Energy Shock Reopens Nuclear Debate - news
Business DayVon der Leyen says Europe's nuclear retreat was strategic mi...
Euronews EnglishBrussels backs mini-nuclear power plants to secure low-carbo...
RTEU admits nuclear blunder -- RT World News
Dnevni list DanasĐedović Handanović u Parizu: Želimo da budeo deo nuklearne r...
Irish ExaminerReducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was 'strategic mista...
Beta News AgencyMinistarka energetike Srbije na Nuklearnom samitu u Parizu: ...
YahooGermany's phase-out of nuclear energy 'irreversible,' says M...
dpa InternationalGermany's phase-out of nuclear energy 'irreversible,' says M...
REPUBLIKAGovor srpske ministarke slušali Makron i Fon der Lajen: Evro...
www.theepochtimes.comEU Sets Strategy to Deploy Small Modular Nuclear Reactors by...
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anewsReducing nuclear energy a strategic mistake: EU chief
Telegraf.rsMinistarka Đedović Handanović pred Makronom i Fon der Lajen:...
Pravda EN"Strategic mistake": Ursula von der Leyen made a sensational...
World Nuclear News (WNN)Von der Leyen: It was strategic mistake to turn against nucl...
InformerEvo kada Srbija dobija nuklearnu elektranu: Ministarka Đedov...
bdnews24.comReducing nuclear energy a 'strategic mistake', EU chief says
TRT WorldMideast war exposes Europe's energy vulnerability: EU chief,...
ESG NewsEU Chief Calls Europe's Nuclear Phase-Down A Strategic Mista...
South China Morning PostEU eyes nuclear energy again as oil prices soar
BGNES: Breaking News, Latest News and VideosVon der Leyen: Europe's Turn Away from Nuclear Power Was a S...
Terra DailyCiting 'strategic mistake' EU pivots back to nuclear energy
NEWS.amUrsula von der Leyen: Decision to reduce nuclear energy's sh...
Pravda ENVon der Leyen: abandoning nuclear power plants was a strateg...
Pravda ENBrussels suddenly saw the light: the abandonment of nuclear ...
The Independent Global Nuclear News AgencyVon Der Leyen Sets Out EU SMR Strategy With €200M Guarantee ...
Novinite.comBulgaria Seeks Next EU Cash: Acting PM Tells von der Leyen W...
RTL TodayCiting 'strategic mistake' EU pivots back to nuclear energy
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