Is Europe going to be forced to return to nuclear energy?

SOURCE: euronews.com  |  PUBLISHED: 21 March 2026 at 06:00

With the EU still importing over 50% of its energy and facing persistently high electricity bills, the debate over a nuclear revival to ensure independence and affordability has been reignited.

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AI Impact Analysis — Score: 8/10

The European Union’s continued dependence on imported energy — currently exceeding 50% of its total energy needs — is placing sustained pressure on household and industrial electricity bills across the continent. This reliance on external suppliers has exposed Europe’s vulnerability to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions, prompting renewed policy discussions about long-term energy security. Nuclear energy is increasingly being considered by some member states as a stable, low-carbon option capable of providing baseload power independent of fossil fuel imports. Countries such as France, which already derives a significant share of its electricity from nuclear power, may serve as a reference point for others reconsidering their energy mix. However, the debate remains deeply divided, with nations like Germany having recently committed to phasing out nuclear power entirely, reflecting strong domestic opposition in parts of Europe. The financial and logistical costs of building new nuclear infrastructure are considerable, with projects often running over budget and behind schedule. Globally, a European shift toward nuclear could influence energy policy discussions in other regions and affect uranium markets and related supply chains. For ordinary Europeans, the core question is whether nuclear energy could meaningfully reduce electricity costs and improve energy independence in the medium to long term. Any policy shift would likely unfold over decades, meaning near-term relief for consumers remains uncertain regardless of the direction chosen.

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