Making Nuclear Energy Future Proof: Liberals Taking Stock

Attendance by invitation only.

‘Techno-Sustainability’

Instead of a Green utopia, liberals should advocate for a techno-sustainable future as outlined in the European Liberal Forum’s Techno-Sustainability Series. The European Union’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions within 30 years through the ‘Fit for 55’ package and other initiatives will be achieved only by acknowledging the central role of technological innovation and a diversified approach beyond traditional strategies. Highlighting the significance of cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and IoT, we can combat environmental challenges, enhance energy efficiency, and foster economic growth.

A pragmatic, technology-driven strategy should support environmental, economic, and social sustainability, favouring market-based solutions to climate change and avoiding making citizens the market instrument of this transition.

There are many “Roads to Net Zero”, and integrating nuclear energy as a transitional zero-carbon source is essential for balancing renewable energy fluctuations and advancing towards a sustainable future. This way, Europe can lead in achieving realistic and inclusive climate goals.

About the Event

On 21-22 March, the first ever Nuclear Energy Summit will take place in Belgium, co-organised by
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium.

Throughout all party programs in the EU, we find stand standpoints on Nuclear Energy, although it
lacks a clear position from liberals throughout Europe. That’s why we want to use this opportunity
to organise a roundtable with liberal stakeholders (hybrid form) from the parliaments to create a
liberal framework with a position paper that we can use to support liberal organisations in Europe
when tackling this issue.

An event organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF). Co-funded by the European Parliament. The views expressed herein are those of the speaker(s) alone. These views do not necessarily reflect those of the European Parliament and/or the European Liberal Forum.

Programme

10:00 Welcoming Remarks

Francesco Cappelletti, Senior Policy and Research Officer, European Liberal Forum
Christian Leysen, Federal Member of Parliament for Open Vld, chair of the energy committee.

10:10 Conclusions on the French Commission on Energy Independence and the agenda for the Energy
summit

Atione Armand, Member the Assemblée Nationale, France [online]

10:30 Presentation on the first ever Nuclear Energy Summit

Skander Nasra, Diplomatic advisor to the Prime Minister of Belgium

10:50 Coffee break
11:10 Presentations and discussions on the current state of Nuclear Energy In Europe