Open Letter from the European Nuclear Society (ENS) regarding the launch of the European Business Nuclear Alliance
The European Nuclear Society (ENS) welcomes the recent declaration by the 14 Business federations highlighting the vital role of nuclear energy in Europe’s decarbonisation, competitiveness, and resilience. As a Learned Society representing over 12,000 nuclear professionals across 22 countries, we strongly support the call for a strategic and technology-neutral approach to the clean energy transition.
In particular, we recognise and reinforce the importance of Point 4: Supporting the development and renewal of skills. As the nuclear industry scales up to meet Europe’s ambitious energy and climate goals, the development of a skilled workforce is an urgent and critical priority. This is where ENS has a clear and established mandate.
ENS: A Catalyst for Nuclear Skills and Talent Development
ENS fosters expertise in the nuclear sector by uniting professionals from across Europe and beyond.
Our active and well-organised young generation section, supported by dedicated professional networks, ensures that the next wave of nuclear experts is ready to contribute to Europe’s energy transition. Our initiatives for young professionals play a crucial role in sustaining the nuclear talent pipeline by equipping them with the skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in the industry. Through international conferences, career-focused events, and cross-sector collaborations, we provide opportunities for engagement, knowledge exchange, and professional growth, ensuring a steady flow of expertise to support Europe’s nuclear future.
Furthermore, ENS actively contributes to European-level workforce planning, chairing key advisory bodies, fostering best practice exchanges, and supporting knowledge management efforts within the nuclear sector.
A Call for Strengthened Collaboration
We stand ready to work with national and European institutions and collaborations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that skills development remains a top priority. The success of Europe’s nuclear resurgence depends not only on investment and policy support but also on the availability of well-trained professionals to design, operate, and regulate nuclear technologies.
We invite policymakers and industry leaders to integrate ENS’s expertise and network into the broader European strategy for nuclear workforce development. Together, we can take concrete steps to ensure that Europe remains a global leader in nuclear innovation, safety, and excellence.
Looking Ahead
With the growing momentum for nuclear energy in Europe, now is the time to fully leverage the potential of the professional nuclear community. ENS remains committed to playing a role in shaping the future of nuclear energy through skills development, knowledge-sharing, and international collaboration.
We invite the stakeholders of the Open Letter to join forces in this mission.
The European Nuclear Society
Composed of 14 signatory federations, with 19 nationalities represented, the European Business Nuclear Alliance is “a mobilisation of economic actors to defend the place of nuclear energy within the European Union and make Europe a decarbonised, competitive and sovereign economic power“, as declared by MEDEF, the French network of entrepreneurs which initiated the alliance.
Its other members include: Belgium’s VOB FEB, the Bulgarian Industrial Association, Croatia’s HUP, the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, Danish Industry, Confederation of Finnish Industries, Confederation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists, Italy’s Confindustria, Polish Confederation Lewiatan, Romania’s Concordia, Slovakia’s National Union of Employers, and Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. The Confederation of British Industry is also a member, although its listing says its signature is “relevant for all non-EU related topics”.
Read the European Business Nuclear Alliance’s Declaration below:
