Europe’s Nuclear Power Shift: A Strategic Error

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recently acknowledged that Europe’s rapid move to dismantle its nuclear power plants was a significant “strategic mistake.” This shift has now created challenges that need addressing.

According to a report from the Nuclear Energy Conference in Paris, Europe’s high energy prices are detrimental to both consumers and industrial competitiveness. The decline of the nuclear sector has left the continent heavily reliant on costly gas and oil imports.

Von der Leyen, who previously served in Angela Merkel’s government that opted to phase out Germany’s nuclear energy—indeed, she voted in favor of scrapping the nuclear program—seems to have come to grips with the implications of these past decisions.

“The reduction of nuclear power was a choice. I believe it was a strategic mistake for Europe to overlook a reliable and affordable low-emission energy source,” von der Leyen stated at the conference. Interestingly, she did not address her role in this decision or mention Germany’s prominent stance against nuclear power.

Currently, nuclear energy makes up only about one-sixth of Europe’s energy mix, down from one-third in 1990, with few new nuclear plants on the horizon, raising concerns about further declines.

She emphasized the impact of high energy costs, explaining, “Affordable energy is crucial not just for citizens’ living expenses, but also for maintaining industrial competitiveness. Europe is not rich in oil or gas.” The continent heavily relies on imports that are both costly and unstable, a situation that poses significant risks, especially amid geopolitical upheaval.

Von der Leyen described nuclear energy as a “reliable source” that could be part of Europe’s future energy landscape alongside renewables. Yet, funding for nuclear energy in the EU faces hurdles, as some nations remain opposed. She did, however, announce a new investment initiative for small modular reactors (SMRs) to help invigorate the sector.

Still, the proposed investment is modest, with only $230 million earmarked for private initiatives in SMRs.

At the same conference, French President Emmanuel Macron showed strong support for boosting Europe’s nuclear capabilities, noting that France remains the EU’s last significant civil nuclear power. Many observers believe this could benefit France’s state-owned nuclear company, EDF, particularly as Europe moves away from dependence on Russian energy sources.

Macron framed his support in broader terms, stating, “Nuclear energy is essential for achieving energy independence and carbon neutrality. Relying too heavily on hydrocarbons can lead to pressure and destabilization.” His emphasis on energy sovereignty reflected national interests, albeit couched in diplomatic language.

Marine Le Pen’s potential successor, Jourdan Bardera, also weighed in, criticizing Germany’s anti-nuclear stance and the Greens’ resistance to nuclear energy, which he views as an effective zero-carbon solution. He called von der Leyen’s acknowledgment of this “strategic mistake” not only overdue but a historic blunder that wasted time, reduced competitiveness, and weakened purchasing power.

Bardera suggested that this realization demands a comprehensive reevaluation of European energy regulations, which currently limit France’s utilization of its nuclear capacity.

Germany has long held an anti-nuclear position dating back to mid-20th-century anti-nuclear movements, which intensified after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. This led to a sense of crisis in confidence, propelling the country to denuclearize rapidly.

Officials had originally anticipated that natural gas from Russia would smoothly transition Europe to renewable energy. However, the reality has proven more complex and costly than expected. Germany’s denuclearization continued despite political debates, just recently phasing out its final nuclear plant in 2023.

This misstep wasn’t unnoticed at the time; Friedrich Merz, then the opposition leader, labeled the nuclear phase-out as a “dark day” for Germany, highlighting how it contradicted national interests amid an energy crisis driven by the Ukraine conflict.

The EU’s leading commissioner had pleaded with Germany to extend the lifespan of its nuclear plants, while Poland even offered to lease their nuclear facilities to prevent closures. In 2024, it was revealed that the German government understood the potential downsides of closing plants but proceeded with the decision for political reasons.

While Germany is the most prominent example, it’s not the only nation to dismantle its nuclear capabilities. Spain, which has significant uranium resources and once had a robust nuclear sector, is also shutting down its last remaining plants under a left-leaning government.

As Spain and Portugal faced widespread blackouts last year, Spain turned to its remaining nuclear facilities to maintain power. However, even this evident need did not sway the government to alter its course.