Serbia Advances EU Energy Alignment, Explores Nuclear Development Path

Serbia is actively aligning with the EU's energy and climate policies, preparing to implement reforms including a gradual carbon tax and exploring nuclear energy development as part of its strategic energy future. The Serbian Minister of Energy highlighted cooperation with the French nuclear company EDF, which provided a technical study outlining steps for Serbia to build a regulatory framework, train personnel, and potentially construct a nuclear facility within five to seven years. Across Europe, the EU is considering including nuclear energy funding in its 2028-2034 budget, a contentious move opposed by Germany but supported by pro-nuclear countries like France and Sweden. EDF is pivoting toward nuclear cogeneration projects, such as the Lyon district heating initiative, to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency in line with EU climate goals. Meanwhile, Bulgaria's Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant faces operational and fuel supply challenges amid EU decarbonization pressures, highlighting risks and investment opportunities in nuclear infrastructure modernization. These developments reflect a broader European trend to leverage nuclear power as a tool for decarbonization, despite divergent national views and technical complexities.