A group of 25 MEPs from the Renew Europe and European People's Party groups has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing for concrete implementation measures following the EU executive's March 2026 strategy on small modular reactors (SMRs). The MEPs, led by Sophie Wilmès (Renew), are seeking clarity on timelines, financing, and legislative proposals to ensure Europe does not lose its competitive edge in the emerging SMR sector.
The question, dated 11 June 2026, references Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's 10 March 2026 statement at the IAEA summit, where she called Europe's past turn away from nuclear energy a 'strategic mistake' and announced a EUR 200 million top-up to the InvestEU programme until 2028 to support private investment in innovative nuclear technologies. On the same day, the Commission adopted a dedicated SMR strategy aiming for operational deployment by the early 2030s.
first, what concrete actions and timelines the Commission envisages to implement the SMR strategy's objectives; second, how the EUR 200 million InvestEU support will be operationalised and what level of private investment it is expected to mobilise; and third, whether the Commission will propose a legislative initiative to facilitate pre-licensing and licensing processes for SMRs, guarantee wide access to financing—including from the multiannual financial framework (MFF)—and ensure technological neutrality in existing legislation.
The question signals a push by centrist and centre-right MEPs to accelerate EU support for nuclear innovation, particularly SMRs, which they see as a low-carbon technology that can complement renewables. The MEPs' focus on licensing and financing suggests concern that bureaucratic hurdles and lack of dedicated EU funding could slow deployment. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answers will indicate whether it plans to move beyond strategy into binding legislative or financial measures.
EU nuclear industry and SMR developers stand to benefit from clearer licensing rules and dedicated funding, potentially reducing time-to-market. EU energy consumers could gain from a diversified low-carbon power source, though costs remain uncertain. National regulators may face increased workload if pre-licensing harmonisation proceeds. Environmental NGOs may oppose expanded nuclear support, citing waste and safety concerns.