Lawmakers Call for Clear Rules and Political Backing
Members of the European Parliament from the European People’s Party say nuclear fusion has reached a moment where it can no longer be treated as a distant science project. In a declaration released Tuesday, they urged the European Commission to create a clear and predictable regulatory framework to help attract private investment into fusion energy, which is expected to require vast funding to move from research to real-world use.
The lawmakers argue that fusion could become a key pillar of Europe’s future electricity supply and a driver of industrial competitiveness. With the Commission preparing to unveil a dedicated fusion strategy, MEPs say strong political support and clear rules are now essential to unlock private capital and accelerate development.
From Scientific Promise to Industrial Opportunity
Several MEPs stressed that fusion energy is no longer just theoretical. Bulgarian lawmaker Tsvetelina Penkova said the technology should move beyond the research phase, while Germany’s Hildegard Bentele described fusion as Europe’s chance to convert scientific leadership into industrial strength. Belgian MEP Pascal Arimont echoed that view, calling fusion a strategic opportunity to deliver clean, safe and reliable energy while boosting Europe’s competitiveness.
The declaration asks the Commission to clarify the legal status of fusion and distinguish it from nuclear fission. Lawmakers also want EU countries to retain flexibility over safety rules, licensing and permitting, while applying existing standards for radiation protection, waste management, decommissioning and liability.
Fusion vs Fission and Europe’s Next Steps
Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy atoms and produces radioactive waste, fusion works by joining light atoms such as hydrogen, releasing large amounts of energy with far fewer long-term risks. Fusion powers the sun and stars and is widely seen as a cleaner and safer alternative, though it has yet to be used commercially for electricity.
Momentum has been building since a major breakthrough in the United States in 2022, when scientists achieved a fusion reaction that produced more energy than was used to trigger it. Within Europe, Germany is leading the charge after securing a €7 billion agreement with energy company RWE in 2023 to develop a fusion pilot plant by 2035. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to establish a supportive regulatory framework at both national and European levels, arguing that fusion could help secure the continent’s energy future.
