Minister of Energy and Climate of France, Agnes Pannier-Runceher called for a coordinated gathering on Tuesday afternoon within the European Pro-Nuclear circle, as Austria hosted another side meeting alongside the informal Energy and Climate Council in Valladolid. Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, acted as the facilitator of agreements while Council leadership was shared among participants.
They stressed the need to balance a firm commitment to decarbonization with safeguards for the domestic market. Ribera explained that the objective was to act as a deal facilitator, respecting core principles and avoiding measures that would risk price stability or undermine the viability of decarbonization targets. The emphasis was on finding practical paths that support clean energy while keeping the energy market secure for consumers.
France’s lead role in organizing the nuclear-focused dialogue adds a layer of complexity to the Valladolid talks. The gathering aims to produce a manifesto that foregrounds nuclear energy as a viable option in the broader decarbonization strategy. Delegates hoped the European Union would circulate a document that reflects the Spanish presidency and the European Commission, including potential legal texts on nuclear energy as part of the ongoing policy discussion.
The nuclear alliance was launched by France earlier this year and has since welcomed eleven member states, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Attendees from Estonia, Lithuania, and Italy were also present at this afternoon’s session. In parallel, a separate “renewables” track drew participation from Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Greece, Malta, Denmark, Estonia, Portugal, the Netherlands, Latvia, Slovenia, Ireland, and Belgium. Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson was among the key speakers, according to knowledgeable sources.
The messages coming from the discussions signal that French pressure on nuclear energy could influence the broader debate on electricity market reform. The Valladolid meeting, though informal, reflected underlying tensions among stakeholders who seek to shape reform terms. The core disagreements revolve around how to value nuclear energy within the market mechanisms, with some pushing for inclusion in contracts for differences and the capacity market framework, while others advocate for a more cautious approach. The day’s unofficial agenda highlighted the friction points and the competing priorities of member states as they weigh the role of nuclear power in Europe’s energy mix. The discussions continued to illuminate how each country views risk, reliability, and the path to a low-carbon economy, shaping the tone for future negotiations among the Union’s leaders.