The ENEF is the discussion forum on nuclear energy, addressing opportunities as well as risks linked to its development. Born in 2007 from a declaration of the Council of the European Union, it aims at reviving the dialogue on the implementation of Euratom, founding treaty of the EU, when nuclear energy is so key on climate action.
However, after Fukushima incident in 2011, the work related to the initiative nearly stopped.
In 2018, the civil society NGOs present, anti-nuclear only, Nuclear Transparency Watch and the European Environmental Bureau, withdrew from the consultation process. The 2020 and 2021 editions were canceled due to Covid.
So, 2023 is the year of responsibility, for the climate, for the environment, but also for the political future of the European Union and therefore a year of necessary renaissance for the nuclear industry.
This year all actors were integrated, (civil society (until today, solely opponents), Members states, officials, institutions, regulators, nuclear industry and beneficiaries. Thanks to the Voices of Nuclear for the first time the non-hostile European citizens were representing at the event.
Many topics need to be addressed, including the level-playing field for all low carbon energy sources, included access to financing. Furthermore a rigorous technology-neutral communication form all European organizations. targeted especially academia, inclusion of European sovereignty and jobs as criteria.
