The two overriding objectives of the European Union’s future energy policy should be to secure supplies and ensure environmental sustainability. It is currently in danger of failing in both. The Russian–Ukrainian gas dispute has reminded us of our dependence on Russian gas. The EU is also missing its Kyoto targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a wide margin.

If Europe is serious about meeting both goals, it will need a new energy mix – one that would include both nuclear and alternative energy sources, combined with policies to encourage energy efficiency. While nuclear energy is not the answer to all our energy problems, it has to be part of any answer. The scientific and strategic case for a return to nuclear energy in the EU is overwhelming.