The ECOSENS project has released its latest milestone report, presenting in-depth case studies from six European countries (Belgium, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Romania, and the United Kingdom) on stakeholder engagement in nuclear energy governance. Coordinated by EIMV with contributions of ECOSENS project partners, the report provides six national cases on how political discourse, transparency, and public participation shape nuclear energy policies across Europe.
The findings highlight absolutely contrasts: while Romania exemplifies early stakeholder involvement and strong political support, Spain and Slovenia illustrate limited public influence despite formal consultation processes. Belgium and the UK show politicised yet evolving debates, particularly around Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and Slovakia reveals a concerning decline in civil society engagement.
The report underscores a growing consensus: to ensure responsible and democratic decision-making in nuclear policy, governments must commit to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based engagement. As energy security and climate goals drive renewed interest in nuclear options, the lessons from ECOSENS are more relevant than ever. The Milestone report is available on https://ecosens-project.eu/economic-and-social-considerations-for-thefuture-of-nuclear-energy-in-society/