Response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Strategy

EEB and NTW warn that the EU’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) strategy is risky, costly, and undemocratic.

The organisations argue that SMRs remain unproven, expensive, and burdened with serious safety, waste, and supply-chain challenges. They highlight the push for regulatory shortcuts, the risk of hidden subsidies, and the lack of transparency and public participation in EU nuclear decision-making; contrary to Aarhus principles.

Instead of funnelling public money into high-risk nuclear projects that may not deliver before 2040, the paper urges the Commission to prioritise proven climate solutions: renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, and demand-side measures. It calls for strict safety standards, full financial accountability for developers, independent research, and a genuinely open democratic debate.