Reclaiming Power: Nuclear Energy for European Autonomy

This event is accessible by invitation only.

Small Modular Reactors: Europe’s Energy Future workshop

About the event

The meeting aims at bringing together the liberal family around the topic of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The policy paper ‘SMRs: Europe’s Energy Future’ opened a new chapter in the debate on nuclear energy. The liberal family isn’t always speaking with one voice on the topic of nuclear. This is the perfect opportunity to enable some space for discussion between experts and policymakers focusing on the topic. The nuclear energy field stands at an unprecedented moment in time. For the first time in history, hundreds of start-up companies—backed by private investment—are emerging with innovative designs, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This surge in entrepreneurial activity comes at a crucial moment: public opinion on nuclear energy is becoming increasingly favourable, driven by the need for energy independence, ultra-low greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, and the potential for lower long-term costs. The European Union must not fall behind. Achieving legal and regulatory neutrality will be key to unleashing the benefits of free-market competition in the nuclear space over the coming decade.

Program

Friday, 24October 2025
12:30 Welcome lunch for participants
12:40 Opening remarks
Jan-Christoph Oetjen, ELF President and MEP, Renew Europe Group
12:50 Input from the authors of the ELF policy paper on SMRs
Speakers: Manuel Fernández-Ordóñez and Constantinos Saravakos
13:00 Roundtable discussion with participants moderated by Maartje Schulz, Policy and Research
Manager, European Liberal Forum
13:30 End of the event