Europe accelerates on nuclear: 330 million euros for fusion and small reactors

Between 2026 and 2027, the European Commission will allocate a fund of 330 million euros to the Euratom program, focused on research and training in the nuclear sector. The main objective of the European executive is to give a strong boost to the future strategy related to fusion and the development of small modular reactors. Of this total amount, a majority share of approximately 222 million euros will be specifically used to facilitate the transition of fusion technologies from the laboratory phase to actual integration into the commercial electricity grid.

To achieve this ambitious goal, Brussels plans to create a new European partnership between the public and private sectors, entirely dedicated to fusion energy. The initiative also includes strategic and financial support for emerging start-ups in the sector through the tools provided by the European Innovation Council, along with targeted investments in fundamental research and the training of highly specialized talents.

The remaining part of the funding, amounting to 108 million euros, will instead be directed towards enhancing innovation and safety in the more traditional field of nuclear fission. These funds will support essential studies to ensure the long-term operation of currently operating plants, the development of advanced reactors, and research on new fuels. Special attention will finally be given to updating radiation protection measures and optimizing strategies for increasingly safe and responsible management of radioactive waste.