Abstract. European Union member states have shown an increasing interest in
developing nuclear energy, a trend that accelerated with the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in 2022, which necessitated a reorientation of Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Two coalitions have recently emerged within the European Union: proponents and opponents of peaceful nuclear energy. The outcome of their discussions will determine the future of nuclear energy within the Union. Given this context, a comparative analysis was chosen as the methodological basis for the study. This approach allowed for a comparison of the positions of coalition members and their leaders, taking into account geopolitical factors, the level of technological and political readiness for launching new reactors, as well as energy dependence.
The author outlines possible directions for the EU member states’ approaches to nuclear energy development. It is expected that the projects already planned by EU countries will be completed, albeit with potential delays, while new initiatives involving Russia are likely to be reduced or abandoned. Central and Eastern European countries may expand their nuclear programs. A compromise may be reached in which nuclear and renewable energy sources could be perceived as complementary elements in achieving climate goals at the EU level.
Key words: energy security, European Union, energy crisis, nuclear energy, renewable energy, nuclear power plants.