An MEP has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission regarding small modular reactors (SMRs) and the US-based company TerraPower, seeking clarity on EU engagement with advanced nuclear technologies. The question, filed on 28 April 2026, targets potential implications for EU energy security, industrial competitiveness, and regulatory alignment.
The MEP asks whether the Commission has held discussions with TerraPower or US authorities on SMR deployment in Europe, and what steps are being taken to ensure EU safety standards are upheld. The question also probes whether EU funding mechanisms, such as the Euratom Research and Training Programme, could support SMR projects involving non-EU partners.
Policy orientation: The MEP appears to favour exploring SMRs as a low-carbon energy source but insists on rigorous safety oversight and European technological autonomy. The question implies a cautious openness to transatlantic cooperation, provided it does not undermine EU regulatory frameworks or create dependency on foreign suppliers.
Expected follow-up: The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the EU executive's stance on SMRs and its willingness to engage with US firms like TerraPower, potentially shaping future energy policy and research priorities.