Commission unveils support for investment in Small Modular Reactors
Brussels, 11 March 2026: Yesterday, the European Commission issued two key strategies aimed at supporting investment in clean energy and, in particular Small Modular Reactors (SMR). These two documents (one dedicated to SMRs and the other to Clean Energy Investments) show the Commission’s support for the deployment of SMRs in Europe. At the same time, questions still remain over EU support for investment in existing nuclear technologies.
“The publication of the SMR strategy is a clear recognition of the important role which SMRs will play in Europe.” states Emmanuel Brutin nucleareurope Director General. “We welcome, in particular, the proposal to establish an additional temporary InvestEU top-up of €200 million to further support the deployment of the initial commercial units of innovative nuclear technologies. However more financial support will be needed given the investments required in all nuclear technologies, including lifetime extension and new large reactors.”
The SMR strategy puts significant emphasis on the need to:
- Build an industrial SMR ecosystem
- Develop a competitive European SMR supply chain
- Strengthen industrial capacity and
- Create skilled jobs across the EU.
It also puts forward a structured framework to accelerate the deployment of the first SMR projects in the early 2030s. Furthermore, the strategy recognises the key role played by the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs (of which nucleareurope is a partner) as a platform to coordinate industry efforts and accelerate concrete projects.
With regards to the Clean Energy Investment Strategy, nucleareurope welcomes the recognition that significant investment is needed in Europe. In this respect, we fully agree with the assertion that EU funds serve as a strategic tool in leveraging private finance. Nevertheless, there is some ambiguity as to how nuclear can benefit from such support in the same way as other clean technologies. We therefore call for all existing and future EU funds and financing mechanisms (including InvestEU) to be open to nuclear.
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 companies 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
