Reference no: EM133194157 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages

Assignment Task: Please provide details for each point:

The European Union should:

1. Support the role that nuclear energy can play in the transition towards decarbonisation and sustainability, where this is the choice of a member state. Concerned member states should keep the nuclear option open by supporting the lifetime extension of existing nuclear power plants as well as new plants, based on a technology-neutral and consistent approach in EU strategies, legislation and financing mechanisms.

2. Support a broader spectrum of research, development and demonstration on advanced concepts and small modular reactors, including for heat production for industrial uses and co-generation, integrating flexible nuclear and renewable sources and progressing towards harmonisation and standardisation, as well as the development of common approaches for licensing.

3. Promote better synergies between the research programmes under Euratom and the TFEU, in particular on cross-cutting topics, to increase the effectiveness and impact of the funds. Ensure that financing mechanisms for innovation are open for nuclear-related demonstration projects.

4. Work with EU member states on the proactive development of plans for the final repository of high-level nuclear waste, notably at regional level, as permitted under the Waste Directive of 2011, to accelerate their implementation in a cost-effective way.

5. Foster international co-operation with non-EU countries and entities, where appropriate, in particular for the use or construction of scarce large nuclear research infrastructure, including fusion research.