Rapid deployment of clean, homegrown energy key to industrial competitiveness

​Brussels, 12 February 2026: Today, nucleareurope calls on the Heads of State and Government present in Alden Biesen to rapidly support the deployment of clean, homegrown sources of energy. Such action is indispensable to tackle the current challenges which Europe’s industries are facing in terms of access to a constant, clean and affordable energy.   

“The EU needs to act now if it is serious about supporting the competitiveness of Europe’s industries” states Emmanuel Brutin nucleareurope Director General. “As recent events have demonstrated, we need to reduce our dependence on energy imports and ramp up the deployment of clean, European energy sources, namely nuclear and renewables.  This will only be achieved if Member States and the EU institutions work together on a long-term policy vision which creates investment certainty in Europe”.

In terms of concrete actions, we call for the following:

• Energy-related policies must provide equal support to all clean and sovereign energy sources to ensure security of supply and affordability.
• From a financing perspective, and in order to stimulate much needed private investment, EU financing and funding mechanisms must treat all clean technologies equally.
• EU trade policy should ensure that European technologies compete on an equal footing with those from other parts of the world.
• In order to ensure maximum added value for Europe’s economy (for example in terms of job creating and economic growth) the EU should support manufacturing basis and supply chains located in Europe (regardless of a company’s country of origin).
• Strong support should be provided to ensure the competitiveness of Europe’s industrial sectors, given their vital contribution to the EU’s economy.

Nucleareurope is a signatory to the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal.

About us: nucleareurope is the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe.

The membership of nucleareurope is made up of 17 national nuclear associations – active across Europe – and the companies that they represent, and 19 Corporate Members. Nearly 3,000 firms are represented, supporting 900 000 jobs, from Europe’s (and the world’s) largest nuclear utilities and nuclear fuel cycle companies, to other undertakings engaged in the transport of nuclear materials and the management of radioactive waste.

More information:

Jessica Johnson, Communications and Advocacy Director: jessica.johnson@nucleareurope.eu