Europe is reverting to nuclear power

On 15 May 2025, the Belgian Chamber of Deputies approved the repeal of the 2003 law that imposed the progressive phase-out of nuclear power, paving the way for the construction of new nuclear power plants and aligning with the current European energy policy. The decision was supported by Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, who highlighted the low emissions, abundant availability, and relative price stability of the option. According to media reports, a strategic rethink of European energy policy would be driven by the need to reduce dependence on gas (particularly Russian), strengthen industrial sovereignty, and meet decarbonisation objectives in the medium and long term. Today, the European Union has approximately 100 active nuclear reactors across 12 member states. Nuclear power provides almost a quarter of the electricity produced in the EU. Even countries historically opposed to nuclear power are re-evaluating their position, including Italy, Germany, and Spain. Meanwhile, Poland has announced the construction of its first nuclear power plant, which is scheduled to commence operations in 2033. Denmark has passed legislation to reintroduce nuclear power, while Sweden has announced plans to strengthen its nuclear industry.