Lawmakers Call for Clear Rules and Investment
MEPs from the European People’s Party are urging the EU to treat nuclear fusion not just as a research topic, but as a real opportunity to secure Europe’s energy future. On Tuesday, they released a declaration calling for a “clear, predictable regulatory framework” to attract private investment, noting the enormous costs involved in developing fusion technology.
“Fusion has reached a turning point. European industrial capability and private investments are converging toward deployment,” the declaration states. Lawmakers including Tsvetelina Penkova (Bulgaria), Hildegard Bentele (Germany), and Pascal Arimont (Belgium) emphasized that fusion could strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, provide a safe and reliable energy supply, and turn scientific leadership into industrial power.
Defining Fusion Regulations Across Europe
The MEPs are asking the European Commission to guide EU countries while allowing them flexibility in licensing, safety standards, and permitting for fusion power plants. They also stress that fusion should be regulated differently from fission, covering radiation protection, waste management, decommissioning, and liability. The goal is to give investors confidence and accelerate the rollout of fusion technology across Europe.
The Commission has confirmed that a fusion strategy is in the works, though no timeline has been set. Lawmakers hope this approach will help Europe become a global leader in the next generation of clean energy.
Why Fusion Matters
Fusion, the same process that powers the sun, generates energy by merging small atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen, releasing massive amounts of power. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms and produces radioactive waste, fusion is cleaner and safer—but still under development.
Recent breakthroughs, such as the 2022 “ignition” milestone at the US National Ignition Facility, show fusion is moving closer to practical energy production. In Europe, Germany is leading the way with a €7 billion agreement with RWE to build a pilot plant by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to create a regulatory framework for fusion in Germany and across the EU, criticizing past closures of nuclear plants and emphasizing the need for Europe to stay at the forefront of energy innovation.
