Text · Report parliamentary committee draft
On the proposal for a Council regulation on establishing the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304
Full title
On the proposal for a Council regulation on establishing the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304
Document ITRE-PR-786679 · COM(2025)0594 – C100217/2025 – 2025/0594(NLE)
- Kind
- Report parliamentary committee draft ITRE-PR-786679
- Date
- 19 March 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
- Rapporteur
- Sophie Wilmès
- Dossier
- 2025-0594
More facts (3)
- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- RDT, NUCL, RECH
- Reference
- COM(2025)0594 – C100217/2025 – 2025/0594(NLE)
In short
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The rapporteur's draft report approves the Commission proposal for the Euratom research and training programme 2028-2032, as amended. It raises the budget to EUR 7 806 000 000 and sets shares for ITER, fusion, fission and the JRC. It asks for more funding for nuclear fission research, new fission objectives, and synergies with Horizon Europe. It also wants Parliament consulted at all steps and the programme adopted by the ordinary legislative procedure. The amendments add rules on nuclear skills and training, security of research infrastructures, advanced fuels, gender equality and young researchers.
Position. The rapporteur strongly supports the programme's general objective and approves the Commission proposal as amended. She proposes a higher budget, more funding for nuclear fission research, new fission objectives, synergies with Horizon Europe, and amendments on skills, infrastructure security and advanced fuels.
Key points
- Parliament approves the Commission proposal as amended and calls on the Commission and Council to take account of its amendments.
- A new recital says Parliament should be consulted at all relevant steps and that the programme should be adopted by the ordinary legislative procedure.
- The programme should pursue synergies with Horizon Europe and other Union programmes through joint and coordinated actions, co-funding and cross-eligible calls for innovative nuclear fission research.
- The programme should strengthen the Union's competitiveness, strategic autonomy and decarbonisation, in line with the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe.
- A new specific objective is added to advance fission research, support cutting-edge European fission technologies, first-of-a-kind small and advanced fission plants, start-ups and the nuclear fission supply chain.
- The indicative financial envelope for 2028-2032 is set at EUR 7 806 000 000 in current prices, with 50,7% for ITER, 17,7% for fusion indirect actions, 21,8% for fission indirect actions and 9,8% for JRC direct actions.
- Decommitments from the programme or its predecessors are to be re-used in the following financial year and recommitted to the same or another budget line of the programme.
- The programme should encourage the involvement of young researchers and prioritise the development and retention of nuclear skills through training, mobility and access to research infrastructures.
- The security of nuclear research infrastructures should be a priority in view of geopolitical uncertainty.
- The programme should stimulate innovation in nuclear fission, including small and advanced modular reactors, to contribute to carbon neutrality, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
- Euratom advanced nuclear fuel projects should strengthen the security of nuclear fuel supply and reduce dependence on Russian fuel, including for the 19 VVER reactors in operation.
- The programme should enhance international cooperation in nuclear science and technology and continue collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency.
Who is affected
- Nuclear research organisations, industry and start-ups in the Union, which would receive more funding and wider fission research objectives.
- Students, researchers and professionals in nuclear science, who would benefit from training, mobility and access to research infrastructures.
- The European Joint Undertaking for ITER, which would receive 50,7% of the programme's financial envelope.
- The Joint Research Centre, which would receive 9,8% of the financial envelope for direct actions.
- The Council and the Commission, which are asked to alter the proposal and to notify or consult Parliament again if they depart from the approved text.
Figures and deadlines
- EUR 7 806 000 000 in current prices, the indicative financial envelope for 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032.
- 50,7% as a contribution to the European Joint Undertaking for ITER.
- 17,7% for indirect actions in fusion.
- 21,8% for indirect actions in fission.
- 9,8% for direct actions by the JRC.
- 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032, the period covered by the programme.
- 19 VVER reactors currently in operation, for which fully European fuel alternatives are not yet widely available.
- EUR 241 billion in current prices, estimated total investment needs, split between EUR 205 billion for new large-scale reactors and EUR 36 billion for lifetime extensions.
Legal basis. Article 7 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community.
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Draft european parliament legislative resolution
–having regard to Article 7 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C100217/2025),
2.Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community;
3.Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;
4.Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) The European Parliament should be consulted at all relevant steps during the implementation and evaluation of the Programme. The Council asked the European Parliament for its opinion on the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032. However, since the ordinary legislative procedure does not apply under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, the European Parliament is not considered to be on an equal footing with the Council when adopting legislation relating to atomic energy. Given the European Parliament’s role as a co-legislator regarding budgetary matters and in order to ensure the coherent design and implementation of the Union´s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the Euratom research and training programme should also be adopted by means of the ordinary legislative procedure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) In order to ensure the continuity of research in the nuclear field at the Community level, it is necessary to establish a Community research and training programme (the ‘Programme’) and, as the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (the ‘Euratom Treaty’) limits the length of its research and training programmes to 5 years, the Programme should cover the period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032. The Commission would present a new proposal to implement the remaining budget of the last 2 years of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework2 . | (3) In order to ensure the continuity of research and innovation in the nuclear field at the Community level, it is necessary to establish a Community research and training programme (the ‘Programme’) and, as the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (the ‘Euratom Treaty’) limits the length of its research and training programmes to 5 years, the Programme should cover the period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032. The Commission would present a new proposal to implement the remaining budget of the last 2 years of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework2 . |
| 2 Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2025/NNN of DD MMMM 2025 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2028 to 2034 (OJ L NNN, DD.MM.YYYY, p. N, ELI: ). | 2 Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2025/NNN of DD MMMM 2025 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2028 to 2034 (OJ L NNN, DD.MM.YYYY, p. N, ELI: ). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) The Programme should be tightly connected with the European Competitiveness Fund (the ‘ECF’) established by Regulation [establishing the ECF]3 and Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034 (‘Horizon Europe’) established by Regulation [establishing the Horizon Europe Framework Programme]4 by placing research and innovation at the heart of the Union’s economy and investment strategy. | (4) The Programme should be tightly connected with the European Competitiveness Fund (the ‘ECF’) established by Regulation [establishing the ECF]3 and Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034 (‘Horizon Europe’) established by Regulation [establishing the Horizon Europe Framework Programme]4 by placing research and innovation at the heart of the Union’s economy, competitiveness and investment strategy. |
| 3 Regulation [establishing the ECF] | 3 Regulation [establishing the ECF] |
| 4 Regulation [establishing the Horizon Europe Framework Programme] | 4 Regulation [establishing the Horizon Europe Framework Programme] |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) The Union should, furthermore, aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality between men and women, as well as to combat discrimination in accordance with Article 8 and Article 10 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. | (5) The Union should, furthermore, aim to eliminate inequalities and to promote gender equality, as well as to combat discrimination in accordance with Article 8 and Article 10 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) There are areas where joint actions between the Programme and Union programmes can be of greater benefit to Union citizens than having actions under the Programme alone. For this reason, the Programme should seek synergies with Horizon Europe and other Union programmes. | (6) To maximize the benefits for Union citizens, the Programme should pursue synergies with Horizon Europe and other Union programmes through joint and coordinated actions. Co-funding and cross-eligible calls between the Programme and Horizon Europe should enable appropriate financing for innovative nuclear fission research projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for more flexible multiannual financial framework and spending programmes. To that effect, and in line with the objectives of the Programme, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and the Union’s priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, European Parliament resolutions and in Council conclusions, while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget’s implementation. | (7) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for more flexible multiannual financial framework and spending programmes. To that effect, and in line with the objectives of the Programme, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs, as well as the potential impact of extraordinary or unforeseeable events and the Union’s priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, European Parliament resolutions and in Council conclusions, while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget’s implementation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9a) Significant decreases in the budget of the Euratom research and training programme allocated to fission energy research over the last decades, as well as early power plant closures in certain Member States alongside reduced investment in nuclear technologies more broadly in the Union, have led to a loss of competencies in the nuclear field and a decrease in nuclear energy capabilities. Despite this, Europe remains one of the major global players in nuclear energy. However, this disinvestment has led other parts of the world to progressively take the lead in new constructions and cutting-edge innovations. In 2023, 410 nuclear reactors were in service in more than 30 countries. By the end of 2024, 101 reactors were still active in the Union while 63 new reactors were under construction world-wide, representing a total capacity of 71 GWe. Amongst those reactors, 33 GWe and 29 reactors were under construction in China, mostly of Chinese design. Russia has become the leading exporter of nuclear technology, building 23 GWe of nuclear reactors in six countries.1a The United States and the United Kingdom are investing billions into new nuclear technologies such as small and advanced modular reactors. China is expected to host the first operational SMR in 2026 and Canada will be home to the first SMR in the OECD. | |
| 1a J Kopecky, S., Albora, G., Georgakaki, A., Mountraki, A., Piela, K. et al., Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Nuclear Power in the European Union - 2025 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2026, https://data.europa.eu/ doi/10.2760/5077071, JRC144653. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9b) According to the 8th Nuclear Illustrative Programme adopted in June 2025 by the European Commission and updated in March 2026, assuming lifespan extensions, nuclear production of current plants could decrease to 50 GWe by 2050. However, new nuclear plants could increase installed nuclear capacity in the Union in 2050 by to up to 144 GWe, with a base case of 109 GWe. Moreover, the same document estimates total investment needs at EUR 241 billion (in current prices), split between new large-scale reactors (205 billion euros) and lifetime extensions (36 billion euros), excluding additional investment required for the development of European Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9c) Recent geopolitical developments have led to a reassessment of the role of nuclear technologies and nuclear energy in the Union. In this context, there is renewed interest among Member States and at Union level in strengthening investment in nuclear research and innovation. This is reflected, inter alia, in the creation of the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors and the adoption, on 10 March 2026, of the Commission Communication on a Strategy for the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9d) The proposed overall budget increase is welcomed and constitutes a positive signal to the nuclear sector. However, a further increase in the allocation is necessary, in particular for research in nuclear fission, in order to support the development of cutting-edge European fission technologies, accelerate the transition from science and theory to engineering and construction, foster a competitive and innovative nuclear fission industry and supply chain within the Union, and support the emergence and scale-up of start-ups and innovative concepts enabling the deployment of first-of-a-kind small and advanced fission power plants in the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9e) Initiatives already undertaken at Union level demonstrate commitment, but insufficient and uneven investment as well as a lack of coordination risk undermining Europe’s leadership in nuclear technologies. Strengthening nuclear research and innovation, through appropriate funding, better alignment of national and Union efforts, and faster deployment of innovative technologies, is essential for energy security, decarbonisation, and industrial competitiveness. In this context, the launch of “moonshot” projects at Union level, notably under Horizon Europe and in close connection with the Competitiveness Fund, should accelerate the transition from research to demonstration and deployment by mobilising funding from Union, national, public and private sources. Such an approach should cover both fusion energy and innovative nuclear fission technologies, including small modular reactors, advanced modular reactors and advanced fuel cycles. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9f) Euratom advanced nuclear fuel projects contribute to strengthening the security of nuclear fuel supply in the Union by supporting the development, qualification and deployment of safe, reliable and European fuel solutions. This is particularly important in view of the Union’s continued dependence on Russian nuclear fuel for a significant number of reactors, notably the 19 VVER reactors currently in operation, for which fully European alternatives are not yet widely available. By fostering cooperation between industry, research organisations and nuclear operators, these projects play a key role in enhancing technological sovereignty, diversifying supply chains and reducing strategic dependencies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) The Programme should ensure the effective promotion and protection of values and principles of the European Research Area and the Pact for Research and Innovation5 , notably ethics and integrity in research and innovation, freedom of scientific research, science for policy, gender equality and equal opportunities, non-discrimination, open science and the promotion of attractive research careers and mobility. In particular, the Programme should ensure the effective promotion of equal opportunities for all and the implementation of gender mainstreaming, including the integration of the gender dimension in R&I content. It should aim to address the causes of gender imbalance. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring, to the extent possible, gender balance in evaluation panels and in other relevant advisory bodies such as boards and expert groups. | (14) The Programme should encourage the involvement of young researchers in the fields covered by the Programme. It should ensure the effective promotion and protection of values and principles of the European Research Area and the Pact for Research and Innovation5 , notably ethics and integrity in research and innovation, freedom of scientific research, science for policy, gender equality and equal opportunities, non-discrimination, open science and the promotion of attractive research careers and mobility. In particular, the Programme should ensure the effective promotion of equal opportunities for all and the implementation of gender mainstreaming, including the integration of the gender dimension in R&I content. It should aim to address the causes of gender imbalance. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring, to the extent possible, gender balance in evaluation panels and in other relevant advisory bodies such as boards and expert groups. |
| 5 Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/2122 of 26 November 2021 on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, OJ L 431, 2.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2122/oj | 5 Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/2122 of 26 November 2021 on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, OJ L 431, 2.12.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2122/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) Recognising the need for a highly skilled workforce in nuclear science and technology, the Euratom research and training programme 2028–2032 shall prioritise the development and retention of nuclear skills and competences across the Union. In response to growing workforce shortages, the Programme will support students, researchers and professionals through specialised training, mobility opportunities and improved access to research infrastructures, in synergy with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and other Union programmes. It will also contribute to maintaining and upgrading key nuclear research infrastructures and promote cross-border cooperation, strengthening knowledge exchange and sustaining Europe’s nuclear expertise. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) Nuclear research infrastructures are pivotal assets for the Union, providing essential tools and equipment to advance research in science and technology. The development, integration and financial sustainability of such research infrastructures of Union interest should ensure operational excellence and continuous accessibility to European researchers, enabling collaborative and cross-border research while complementing Member States’ capabilities. | (15) Nuclear research infrastructures are pivotal assets for the Union, providing essential tools and equipment to advance research in science and technology. In view of geopolitical uncertainty and developments, the security of such infrastructures should be a priority. The development, integration and financial sustainability of such research infrastructures of Union interest should ensure operational excellence and continuous accessibility to European researchers, enabling collaborative and cross-border research while complementing Member States’ capabilities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (22) Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 lists nuclear amongst net-zero technologies and acknowledges that innovation will be a crucial factor in ensuring the Union’s competitiveness. | (22) Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 lists nuclear amongst net-zero technologies and acknowledges that innovation will be a crucial factor in ensuring the Union’s competitiveness. The Programme should stimulate innovation in the nuclear fission field, which will contribute directly to the objectives of carbon neutrality, competitiveness and strategic autonomy in the short, medium and long term. It should foster the development of new European nuclear technologies and related supply chains, such as small and advanced modular reactors, in line with the Union strategy on small and advanced modular reactors, and contribute to the competitiveness of European technologies with regards to non-European technologies. |
| 12 Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 (OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1735/oj | 12 Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 (OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1735/oj |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. In line with the general and specific objectives of the ECF and Horizon Europe, the Programme shall strengthen the Union’s competitiveness and decarbonisation while protecting people and the environment by advancing research and training in nuclear science and technology in synergy with Union programmes. | 1. The Programme shall strengthen the Union’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy and decarbonisation while protecting people and the environment by advancing research and training in nuclear science and technology in synergy with Union programmes and in line with the general and specific objectives of the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) advance fission research, supporting the development of cutting-edge European fission technologies, accelerate the evolution from science and theory to engineering and construction, foster the development of an innovative nuclear fission industry and supply chain within the Union, support the emergence and scale-up of start-ups and innovative concepts for enabling first-of-a-kind small and advanced fission power plants in the Union; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) advance research on nuclear safety, security and safeguards, non-proliferation, radiation protection, nuclear data, the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel and the innovative use of ionising radiation including in the medical sector; | (c) advance research on nuclear safety, advanced closed fuel cycles, security and safeguards, non-proliferation, radiation protection, nuclear data, the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel and the innovative use of ionising radiation including in the medical sector; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ea) enhance international cooperation in the field of nuclear science and technology. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The indicative financial envelope of the Programme for the period 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032 shall be EUR 6 682 000 00028 in current prices. | 1. The indicative financial envelope of the Programme for the period 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2032 shall be EUR 7 806 000 000 28 in current prices. |
| 28 That indicative financial envelope includes the Programme’s contribution to Fusion for Energy | 28 That indicative financial envelope includes the Programme’s contribution to Fusion for Energy |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. The indicative distribution of the amount referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be: | |
| a) 50,7% as a contribution to the European Joint Undertaking for ITER | |
| b) 17,7% for indirect actions in fusion | |
| c) 21,8% for indirect actions in fission | |
| d) 9,8% for direct actions by the JRC. | |
| In accordance with Article 15(3) of the Financial Regulation all decommitments stemming from this Programme or its predecessors shall be re-used in the financial year following the year of decommitment. Those funds shall be recommitted to the same budget line or another budget line of the Programme than the budget line under which the commitments were originally made. Such appropriations shall be made available to those budget lines in addition to the usual budgetary allocations foreseen in the annual budgetary procedure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) a single co-financing rate per action; | (c) a single funding rate per action; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Specific objective 2(ba) | |
| (i) foster Union cutting-edge technological leadership in nuclear fission; | |
| (ii) continue collaboration with international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency; | |
| (iii) support research and innovation to close the key technology gaps standing in the way of the realisation of innovative Union fission power plants such as first-of-a-kind small and advanced modular nuclear reactors; | |
| (iv) exploit existing fission facilities and contribute to the design and development of future facilities in the Union, including large-scale fission infrastructures necessary for next generation reactor deployment; | |
| (v) support an effective involvement of industry, aiming to develop cutting-edge fission technologies, to advance mature innovative technologies towards market readiness, to create business opportunities and to consolidate a European nuclear fission supply chain; | |
| (vi) support European fission startups to scale up and attract private investments in the Union; | |
| (vii) build competence and skills on innovative fission power technologies in the Union and implement a focussed and coordinated education and training programme in addition to activities mentioned under specific objective 2(d); | |
| (vii) support scientific and technological collaboration in the framework of Euratom’s international bilateral agreements and other relevant international cooperation schemes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Safety of reactor systems and fuel cycles in use in the Community and for reactor types and their fuel cycles which may be used in the future, while ensuring R&I in a resilient nuclear supply chain and security of nuclear supplies, including the development of alternative fuels and spare parts; | Safety of reactor systems and fuel cycles in use in the Community and for reactor types and their fuel cycles which may be used in the future, such as advanced closed fuel cycles, while ensuring R&I in a resilient nuclear supply chain and security of nuclear supplies, including the development of alternative fuels and spare parts; |
Back matter, 1
Parts that accompany the text rather than belong to it: explanatory statement, annexes, opinions appended by other committees. Collapsed.
Explanatory statement 10 blocks
The proposal establishes the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028–2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304. The European Parliament has been asked for its opinion by the Council.
Overall, the rapporteur strongly supports the Programme’s general objective of supporting nuclear research, innovation and training.
The rapporteur thereby regrets that the European Parliament is not on an equal footing with the Council when adopting legislation relating to atomic energy since the ordinary legislative procedure does not apply under the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community. While this issue goes much wider than the remit of this opinion, the rapporteur argues that the inclusion of the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community in the wider Framework Programme for Research and Innovation would provide synergies and simplification benefits.
Against this background, the rapporteur calls for the Programme to pursue synergies with Horizon Europe and other Union programmes through joint and coordinated actions. The rapporteur also encourages co-funding and cross-eligible calls between the Programme and Horizon Europe for innovative nuclear fission research projects.
The draft report further emphasises that, despite decreases in the budget of the Euratom Research and Training Programme allocated to fission energy research over the last decades, significant underinvestment, early plant closures and a loss of expertise, Europe remains an important global player in nuclear technologies with a solid industrial and technological base. While other regions have increasingly taken the lead in new builds and advanced technologies, the EU retains significant potential to strengthen its competitive position through renewed investment and innovation.
The 8th Nuclear Illustrative Programme indicates that, alongside lifetime extensions, new nuclear projects could help increase capacity by 2050 to up to 144 GWe. This will require substantial investment, estimated at 241 billion euros, with additional needs for SMR development.
In light of evolving geopolitical developments, nuclear energy is increasingly recognised again at both EU and Member State level as a strategic component of energy security, decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness, as reflected most recently in the adoption of the EU Strategy for the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors on 10 March 2026.
In this context, the rapporteur welcomes the proposed overall budgetary increase, which constitutes a positive signal to the nuclear sector. However, a further increase in the allocation is necessary and is proposed in the amendments. This is particularly true for nuclear fission research, which requires increased funding.
The rapporteur is strongly convinced that the Programme should stimulate innovation in the nuclear fission field, which will contribute directly to the objectives of carbon neutrality, competitiveness and strategic autonomy in the short, medium and long term. The Programme should support the development of cutting-edge European fission technologies, accelerate the transition from research to industrial deployment, foster a competitive and innovative nuclear fission industry and supply chain within the Union, and support the emergence and scale-up of start-ups and innovative concepts enabling the deployment of first-of-a-kind small and advanced fission power plants in Europe. The amendments thereby widen the scope of the proposed specific objectives to further encompass research in the nuclear fission field beyond safety.
Finally, several amendments emphasise the importance of advanced nuclear fuel projects, which contribute to strengthening the security of nuclear fuel supply in the Union, and underline that the Programme should encourage the involvement of young researchers in nuclear research and prioritise the development and retention of nuclear skills and competences across the Union. The security of nuclear infrastructures should also be a priority.
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European Parliament (2026). “DRAFT REPORT on the proposal for a Council regulation on establishing the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304”. Text, 19 March 2026. docId ITRE-PR-786679. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-PR-786679 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ITRE-PR-786679 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-itre-pr-786679,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{DRAFT REPORT on the proposal for a Council regulation on establishing the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2028-2032, complementing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and providing for the Community’s contribution to the ITER project, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-19},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-PR-786679}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ITRE-PR-786679},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId ITRE-PR-786679. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}