The Council of the European Union is proposed to authorise Lithuania and Poland to become parties to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) and its 2026 Amendment, according to a Commission proposal published on 16 July 2026. The decision would require both countries to declare that relevant EU internal rules on jurisdiction and recognition of judgments continue to apply among EU Member States party to the CSC, ensuring respect for the EU's exclusive external competence.
The CSC establishes a worldwide nuclear liability system with a minimum national compensation amount and additional public funds from Contracting Parties if that amount is insufficient. On 13 January 2026, the CSC Amendment was adopted by consensus, removing the requirement for States with no nuclear reactors to contribute public funds; it will enter into force when all current Contracting Parties ratify it. Poland plans to build several nuclear power plants starting April 2027 under its 2020 Polish Nuclear Power Programme, and joining the CSC increases legal certainty for investors and suppliers. Lithuania signed the CSC on 30 September 1997 before EU accession and requested authorisation following discussions on 13 November 2025.
The proposal's legal basis is Article 218(6) TFEU together with Article 81(2) TFEU, and the Council shall act by qualified majority after obtaining European Parliament consent. Denmark is not taking part in adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it.
Impact on stakeholders EU nuclear industry: Positive. The authorisation provides legal certainty for Poland's nuclear investments and for suppliers operating across EU borders, reducing liability risks. EU consumers: Indirectly positive, as clearer liability frameworks may lower financing costs for new nuclear capacity, potentially affecting electricity prices. EU Member States: Mixed. Those with nuclear reactors benefit from a harmonised global liability regime, while non-nuclear states are no longer required to contribute public funds under the Amendment. EU regulatory bodies: The declaration ensures continued application of Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 on jurisdiction and recognition of judgments, preserving the EU's exclusive competence in judicial cooperation.
Institutional follow-up The European Parliament must give its consent before the Council can adopt the decision by qualified majority. Once adopted, Lithuania and Poland will deposit their instruments of accession to the CSC and its Amendment, making the required declaration on EU internal rules.