Von der Leyen Calls Europe’s Shift Away From Nuclear a ‘Strategic Mistake’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday that Europe’s decision to move away from nuclear power was a “strategic mistake,” as concerns about the bloc’s energy vulnerability resurface amid global instability. Speaking at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, von der Leyen advocated for a renewed investment in atomic energy, emphasizing the European Union’s support for “innovative nuclear technologies.”
Energy Independence and Security
“It was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emission power,” von der Leyen said during the summit. She highlighted the vulnerability created by dependence on fossil fuels, which are subject to volatile prices and geopolitical pressures.
The recent conflict in the Middle East, involving US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks, has disrupted global energy and transport sectors, significantly impacting activity in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. While EU officials indicate the situation hasn’t reached the crisis levels seen after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the events have reignited the debate surrounding the EU’s external dependencies and high energy costs.
Renewed Focus on Civilian Nuclear Power
Von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly called on European countries to increase their utilization of civilian nuclear power to secure the continent’s energy independence. According to reports, Macron echoed this sentiment, stating that nuclear power is crucial for achieving both energy sovereignty and carbon neutrality.
Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of combining nuclear energy with renewable sources, stating, “We have home-grown low-carbon energy sources: nuclear and renewables. And together, they can turn into the joint guarantors of independence, security of supply, and competitiveness – if we get it right.”
Broader Shift in EU Foreign Policy
This call for increased nuclear energy investment comes as von der Leyen also advocates for a more pragmatic and interest-driven EU foreign policy. Speaking to EU ambassadors on Monday, she suggested the EU needs to reassess whether its postwar institutions are still effectively serving its interests in the current global landscape. She argued that the EU can “no longer be a custodian for the old-world order” and must prioritize a foreign policy grounded in realism and the protection of European interests.
Ursula von der Leyen is the current President of the European Commission, the first woman to hold the office. More information about her role can be found on the European Commission website.