FP: Europe’s energy crisis sparks renewed nuclear push

A column by Anchal Vohra in Foreign Policy analyses how escalating tensions in the Middle East are reshaping Europe’s energy debate, with renewed momentum behind nuclear power despite persistent economic, political and technical challenges.

Following Iranian attacks on energy-rich Gulf states and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments—oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Europe, already grappling with high energy costs, has been among the hardest hit.

The crisis has revived concerns first exposed after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, when the European Union abruptly reduced its reliance on Russian fossil fuels. With gas and oil prices again rising—by 50% and 27% respectively—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc has incurred nearly $3.5 billion in additional costs in just the first 10 days of the latest conflict, describing it as the “price of dependency.”

Against this backdrop, policymakers are increasingly framing nuclear energy as essential to achieving energy security. Speaking at a nuclear summit in Paris, von der Leyen called it a “strategic mistake” that nuclear power’s share of Europe’s electricity mix has fallen from about one-third in 1990 to roughly 15% today.

France is leading this renewed push. As the EU’s largest nuclear power producer and a major electricity exporter, it is positioning itself at the center of efforts to expand nuclear capacity, including through the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). The EU has pledged €5 billion to support SMR research, aiming to create a new high-value export sector.

However, experts caution that nuclear energy is not a short-term solution. Teva Meyer of the Institute for International and Strategic Relations noted that SMRs remain largely conceptual and will require years of investment before becoming operational. Even if deployed successfully, they would not eliminate Europe’s dependence on external suppliers, particularly for uranium.

Russia remains dominant across the nuclear fuel cycle, controlling nearly half of global uranium enrichment capacity and significant portions of conversion infrastructure. In 2023, EU utilities relied on Russia for 22% of uranium conversion and 38% of enrichment services. Several EU countries also operate Soviet-designed reactors dependent on Russian fuel, complicating efforts to sever ties.

This dependence helps explain why the EU has not sanctioned Rosatom. Any disruption to fuel supplies could significantly impact electricity generation in countries such as Slovakia and Hungary.

Analysts including Ben McWilliams warn that it could take at least a decade before new nuclear capacity, including SMRs, becomes commercially viable. In the meantime, the EU would need to invest heavily in its own nuclear supply chain—from uranium sourcing to enrichment facilities—to achieve genuine independence.

There are also technical and strategic concerns. Nuclear energy may not integrate easily with renewable sources such as wind and solar, which require flexible generation systems. A 2025 report for the German parliament suggested that nuclear technologies may struggle to complement intermittent renewable output.

Politically, the issue remains sensitive. While countries like France are pushing expansion, public opposition persists, particularly in Germany, which shut down its last nuclear plants in 2023. Yet signals from Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggest a possible shift in tone at the European level.

Critics argue that the renewed focus on nuclear energy risks diverting attention from renewable alternatives. Roger Spautz warned that safety concerns, unresolved waste disposal issues and geopolitical risks remain significant obstacles.

The analysis concludes that while the current crisis has strengthened the case for nuclear energy, Europe faces a complex path forward. Achieving energy security through nuclear power will require long-term political commitment, substantial investment and a clear strategy to address both supply chain vulnerabilities and public concerns.

By Tamilla Hasanova