European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has admitted that Europe made 'a strategic mistake' by reducing its reliance on nuclear power, arguing that the shift left the continent more dependent on costly and volatile fossil fuel imports. Speaking in Paris, she noted that nuclear energy provided about a third of Europe’s electricity in 1990 but now accounts for only 15 percent, increasing exposure to surging oil and gas prices.

Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster was cited as a key turning point. While von der Leyen acknowledged the phaseout was a political choice, she said turning away from a reliable and low-emissions energy source weakened Europe’s competitiveness. Her remarks drew criticism from Germany’s environment minister, who defended renewable energy such as wind and solar as cleaner and safer alternatives.

The debate comes as Europe continues to grapple with high energy costs following Russia’s reduction of gas supplies after the invasion of Ukraine. Although renewable capacity has expanded rapidly, fossil fuels remain dominant in transport and heating. France, the bloc’s largest nuclear producer, has called nuclear power essential for energy sovereignty and industrial strength, while also seeking to diversify uranium supplies away from Russia.

Von der Leyen announced plans for a 200 million euro guarantee to support private investment in innovative nuclear technologies, funded through the bloc’s carbon market. While some countries have softened opposition to nuclear energy, others remain firmly against it, underscoring ongoing divisions over Europe’s long-term energy strategy.