Nuclear priorities in the EU long-term budget for 2028–2034

The European Commission has presented a second package of sectoral proposals, completing the framework for the EU’s long-term budget (MFF) for 2028–2034. Among the key priorities in the field of nuclear policy and safety, three programmes have been highlighted.

Euratom Research and Training Programme

The Programme will receive €6.7 billion until 2032, with a total of €9.8 billion allocated under the next financial framework. Funding will support:

  • nuclear safety, security and safeguards;
  • management of radioactive waste;
  • radiation protection;
  • non-power applications of nuclear science, including in healthcare;
  • preservation of critical skills in the nuclear sector.

A major priority will be the development of fusion energy. More than half of the budget will be allocated to the EU’s contribution to ITER — the world’s largest research project aimed at proving the feasibility of large-scale, carbon-free energy generation based on the principle that powers the Sun and the stars.

Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and Decommissioning

In the new budgetary period, a dedicated Instrument with a budget of around €1 billion is foreseen. It will merge two existing mechanisms — the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and the Decommissioning Programme. Its purpose is to strengthen nuclear safety both within the EU and in partner countries.

Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Assistance Programme (Lithuania)

The Ignalina Programme will be continued under the next financial framework. It will assist Lithuania in the decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant, thereby contributing to nuclear safety, the protection of workers’ and public health, and the prevention of environmental damage.

The Commission’s proposals for the EU’s long-term budget will now be discussed by the Member States in the Council, which decides by unanimity, with the consent of the European Parliament. The programmes will subsequently be adopted under the relevant legislative procedures.