The European Commission has adopted the 2026-2027 Euratom Work Programme, a strategic roadmap designed to accelerate nuclear innovation and secure the bloc’s technological leadership in the race for carbon neutrality.
The programme, which complements Horizon Europe, aligns with the EU’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while reducing reliance on external energy suppliers.
A central pillar of the new Work Programme is a €222 million (£185 million) investment into fusion energy. The EU aims to transition fusion from experimental laboratories to the power grid through several key initiatives:
- Public-private partnership: A new European PPP will be established to develop commercially viable technologies and build a robust domestic supply chain.
- Start-up support: The European Innovation Council will provide instruments to help emerging fusion start-ups mature their technology and attract private capital.
- Skills and research: Funding will be prioritised for fundamental research and the cultivation of a “fusion-ready” workforce.
With EU electricity demand expected to double by 2050, the Commission is allocating €108 million (£90 million) to nuclear fission. This research will focus on:
- Safety & waste: Enhancing the long-term operation of existing plants and the safe management of radioactive waste.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Advancing the development of SMRs and next-generation nuclear fuels.
- Nuclear medicine: Improving the EU’s autonomy in supplying medical isotopes for advanced cancer therapies.
The programme also seeks to address the “nuclear skills gap” by attracting global talent through Marie Skłodowska-Curie grants. Furthermore, it will facilitate open access to over 230 research facilities across the member states and continue the integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European Research Area.
This two-year extension of the Euratom programme ensures alignment with the EU’s long-term budget, providing a stable framework for the Clean Industrial Deal and the Net-Zero Industry Act.
