Since the beginning of 2025, the SNETP Secretariat has submitted six position papers to the European Commission as part of the association’s continued commitment to supporting the development of EU policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the civil nuclear research and innovation community.

These contributions were prepared in response to several ongoing consultations and calls for evidence that will shape future EU strategic frameworks, including the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and major policy initiatives such as the Net Zero Industry Act and the European Strategy for Research Infrastructures.

The position papers reflect SNETP’s collective input and long-standing engagement with European institutions, highlighting the essential role of nuclear technologies in achieving the EU’s climate, energy, and industrial goals.

Overview of the SNETP Position Papers

  1. Contribution to EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy Consultation
    SNETP highlights that European nuclear startups face major challenges in accessing funding, navigating fragmented regulations, and securing research infrastructure, and urges the EU to enhance funding, simplify rules, and strengthen collaboration to boost innovation and competitiveness.r.

  2. Nuclear Illustrative Programme – Call for Evidence
    SNETP’s feedback on the updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) urges the European Commission to fully recognize nuclear energy’s strategic role in achieving net-zero goals by supporting advanced technologies, expanding R&D funding, modernizing infrastructure, and growing a skilled workforce. It emphasizes the need for sustained, coordinated investment and technological neutrality to maintain Europe’s competitiveness and energy sovereignty.

  3. EU Funding for Education, Training, and Civil Society
    This paper calls for sustained EU investment in nuclear education and training to address workforce challenges, promote cross-border collaboration, attract new talent, and leverage digital innovations for a resilient and competitive nuclear sector.

  4. EU Funding for Competitiveness
    SNETP calls for increased EU funding in the Competitiveness Fund to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs, strengthen energy security through long-term reactor operation and fuel autonomy, and support nuclear startups by simplifying regulations to enhance Europe’s industrial competitiveness and sustainability.

  5. European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures – Call for Evidence
    SNETP recommends enhanced investment in nuclear research infrastructures and proposes measures to ensure their integration into broader European and international networks.

  6. Net Zero Industry Act Consultation
    This paper presents SNETP’s feedback on the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act, emphasizing nuclear energy’s role in achieving net-zero goals. It advocates for the inclusion of advanced nuclear components, materials, and digital technologies, and highlights the need for continued R&D, stronger supply chains, and standardization, particularly for advanced and small modular reactors.

Reinforcing the Nuclear R&I Community’s Voice in Europe

Through these submissions, SNETP aims to ensure that the nuclear research and innovation sector is fully considered in the EU’s future funding and policy landscape. The association’s responses are based on extensive internal consultation and reflect the collective expertise of its members across industry, research, and academia.

The position papers are now available for consultation by the wider community. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the documents and consider how these contributions may support broader advocacy and engagement efforts.

SNETP remains committed to actively contributing to EU policy development processes and ensuring that nuclear technologies continue to play a central role in delivering on Europe’s strategic objectives.

For more information, please contact the SNETP Secretariat at secretariat@snetp.eu