Nuclear energy summit: U. von der Leyen wants "the SMR technology to be operational by the early 2030s"

"After years of declining investment [in the nuclear], we need more to turn the tide. This is why today we are presenting a new European Strategy for Small Modular Reactors. We want this new technology to be operational in Europe by the early 2030s, so that it can play a key role alongside traditional nuclear reactors", declared Ursula von der Leyen, on 10/03/2026.

The President of the European Commission spoke at the 2^nd World Nuclear Energy Summit, held by the French Government in Paris.

"While in 1990 one-third of Europe's electricity came from nuclear, today it is only close to 15%. This reduction in the share of nuclear was a choice, I believe that it was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emissions power".

"Europe has been a pioneer in nuclear technology and could once again lead the world in it. Next-generation nuclear reactors could become a European high-tech high-value export".

Through the new strategy, Ursula von der Leyen is proposing three sets of measures :
• Simplification and cross-border alignment of the rules…