Enviro News Asia, Brussel — The European Commission has adopted the 2026–2027 Work Programme under the Euratom Research and Training Programme, committing €330 million to accelerate fusion energy development and strengthen nuclear technologies across Europe.
The programme aims to enhance the European Union’s energy independence, competitiveness, and technological leadership while supporting its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It complements broader EU initiatives, including Horizon Europe and aligns with key policies such as the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Small Modular Reactors strategy.
A significant portion of the funding, €222 million, will focus on advancing fusion energy, which is seen as a potential long-term source of clean, safe, and affordable power. The EU plans to connect its first commercial fusion power plant to the grid in the future.
The programme includes the establishment of a European public-private partnership to accelerate the commercialization of fusion technologies, support for start-ups through innovation funding instruments, and investment in research infrastructure and workforce development.
In addition, €108 million is allocated to nuclear fission research, focusing on safety improvements, radioactive waste management, radiation protection, and the development of advanced reactor technologies and fuels.
The initiative also supports innovation in nuclear medicine, aiming to strengthen the EU’s capacity to produce medical isotopes for advanced therapies.
To build expertise, the programme will invest in talent development through research grants and expand access to more than 230 nuclear research facilities across Europe. It will also promote international collaboration, including the integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European research ecosystem.
The Euratom programme operates alongside EU energy and research strategies, reinforcing efforts to develop clean technologies, ensure energy security, and maintain Europe’s leadership in nuclear innovation. (*)
