The European Commission has published two key documents shaping the Euratom Research and Training Programme (2026-2027):

Based on these publications, the Commission has developed the Working Programme 2026-2027, which outlines key research priorities and funding opportunities. The draft proposal, available here, draws on consultations with the Euratom Scientific and Technical Committee as well as the results of the interim evaluation of the 2021-2025 programme. This evaluation emphasized the need for continued focus on nuclear safety research and the importance of increasing private investment and industry involvement in fusion energy efforts.

The draft working programme for 2026-2027 will be presented to Member States on March 14. The Council’s adoption is necessary before the expected project calls in late 2025 or early 2026.

Euratom 2026-2027: What’s in the Proposal?

On 3 March 2025, the Commission proposed an extension of Euratom, supporting:

  • Safety research: Enhancing nuclear plant safety tools.
  • Stronger partnerships: Increased funding for radiation protection, waste management, and nuclear materials.
  • Fusion energy leadership: Public-private collaboration on fusion power plants.
  • Education & training: Mobility, infrastructure access, and workforce upskilling.
  • Nuclear security research: Safeguards, security, and non-proliferation.

The European Commission’s proposal is based on consultations with the Euratom Scientific and Technical Committee and the findings of the interim evaluation of the 2021-2025 programme, which highlighted the importance of nuclear safety research and adjusting fusion energy efforts with more private financing and industry expertise. The draft working programme for 2026-2027 will be presented to Member States on March 14, and project calls are expected after its adoption by the Council, likely by the end of this year or early next year.

EU Consultations: Have Your Say

The newly published documents offer valuable insights into the ongoing European Commission consultations, which will shape future EU policies and funding priorities. The SNETP community is actively utilizing these documents to contribute effectively to the discussions and shape the outcomes.

Key Consultations & Deadlines

  • EU Start-up & Scale-up Strategy: Deadline 17 March 2025 – Focuses on identifying and addressing barriers to nuclear innovation.
  • EU’s Next Long-Term Budget – Competitiveness: Deadline 6 May 2025 – Define the EU funding providing financial support to hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, including research and technology organisations, small and medium/sized businesses, startups and scale-ups, educational and research institutions, industry clusters, and many others.
  • EU’s Next Long-Term Budget – Education, Training, and Civil Society: Deadline 6 May 2025 – Define the next EU financial support to a wide range of beneficiaries across the EU – including universities, regions, towns, civil society organisations, businesses, farmers, students, scientists, cultural stakeholders and many others.

By participating in these consultations, SNETP plays a crucial role in shaping discussions around nuclear energy, ensuring that the sector’s importance is recognized and that policies are tailored to foster innovation, investment, and growth. Through its active involvement, SNETP, along with its member organizations and other key actors in the field, can have a significant impact on the direction of nuclear energy research and development in Europe.