The 2026–2027 Euratom Research and Training Work Programme outlines more than €330m in funding to support nuclear power innovation as Europe prepares for rising electricity demand and long-term decarbonisation targets.
The initiative forms part of a broader policy framework tied to the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality goal and aligns with recent industrial and energy strategies, including efforts to scale up clean technologies and reduce reliance on external energy sources.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, explained: “The EU wants to lead the world in innovative nuclear technologies, which will be key to securing our energy independence, competitiveness, and decarbonisation.
“That is why we are working closely together with researchers, industry, startups, and regulators on small modular reactors (SMRs) safety and to accelerate fusion energy, with the ambition to be the first to take fusion from lab to grid.
“For that, we need to ensure that our excellent science transforms seamlessly into innovation and industrial deployment.”
Focus on fusion energy development
A central pillar of the programme is the acceleration of fusion energy, widely viewed as a potential long-term solution for clean and stable power generation. The Commission has allocated €222m to move fusion research closer to commercial deployment.
The plan includes the creation of a European public-private partnership (PPP) designed to bridge the gap between experimental research and industrial application. This structure is intended to strengthen supply chains and reduce fragmentation across member states.
In parallel, early-stage companies working on fusion energy will gain access to funding through existing innovation instruments. The goal is to help startups scale technologies that remain largely confined to laboratory environments and attract private capital into a sector still considered high-risk.
Skills and infrastructure
Beyond funding, the programme prioritises workforce development and access to research infrastructure. Efforts will focus on training specialists in fusion-related disciplines while expanding collaboration across Europe’s network of nuclear research facilities.
Strengthening nuclear energy systems
While fusion represents a future-oriented investment, the programme also addresses immediate needs within existing nuclear energy systems. Around €108m has been earmarked for nuclear fission research.
Key areas include the long-term safety of operating nuclear power plants and the development of next-generation reactors, such as SMRs and advanced designs. Research will also focus on improving radioactive waste management and radiation protection.
These priorities reflect the expectation that nuclear energy will continue to play a significant role in Europe’s energy mix, particularly as electricity demand is projected to increase substantially by mid-century.
Materials and fuel innovation
The programme also supports innovation in nuclear materials and fuels, areas considered critical for improving reactor efficiency and extending operational lifespans. This includes research into new fuel cycles and enhanced material resilience under extreme conditions.
Expanding applications in nuclear medicine
Beyond power generation, the work programme includes provisions for nuclear technologies in healthcare. Funding will be directed toward securing the supply of medical isotopes used in diagnostics and treatment, an area where Europe has faced supply constraints in recent years.
Advancing isotope production capabilities is expected to strengthen the EU’s autonomy in nuclear medicine and support the development of new therapeutic applications.
Talent development and international collaboration
A shortage of skilled professionals remains a structural challenge for the nuclear sector. The programme addresses this through targeted training initiatives and research grants, including those under established EU mobility schemes.
Access to more than 230 nuclear research facilities across Europe will be expanded, enabling greater collaboration among scientists and engineers. The plan also includes measures to integrate researchers from partner countries, including Ukraine, into the European research ecosystem.
Strategic context for EU nuclear energy
The 2026–2027 programme reflects a dual-track strategy: maintaining and upgrading existing EU nuclear infrastructure while investing in emerging nuclear technologies, such as fusion energy.
As Europe seeks to balance energy security, industrial competitiveness, and climate commitments, nuclear energy – both fission and fusion – is positioned as a key component of the transition.
The success of this programme will likely influence how quickly these technologies move from research to deployment in the coming decades.