I realize it’s politically impossible at this point, but wouldn’t European renuclearization solve many big problems simultaneously? Germany, say, is scared of Russia militarily, dependent on it for energy, and worried about dependence on the US for security. Why not emulate Japan and develop a major civilian nuclear program and ultimately a “bomb in the basement”? That would go a long way towards solving the security, energy, and autonomy problems at one stroke…
Cheers Gideon! – your suggestion about nuclear power as Europe’s solution to its triple bind is precisely the kind of strategic thinking the continent desperately needs but politically struggles to embrace. Your “nuclear solution” perfectly addresses Europe’s overlapping challenges of energy security, defence deterrence, and strategic autonomy.
France already shows that this model works pretty well. Macron’s recent announcement of 14 new reactors proves that Paris gets what many European capitals resist: energy independence and security posture are two sides of the same euro.
Germany faces immense cultural and political hurdles re nuclear. Their decision to shutter perfectly functional nuclear plants even in an energy crisis demonstrates how deep anti-nuclear sentiment runs in German political DNA.
For the Nordic-Baltic Eight or Poland, with Russian forces on your doorstep, abstract debates about nuclear risks take on a different tone.
Your timeline concern is real. Building nuclear infrastructure takes years – sometimes decades – while Europe’s security concerns are increasingly urgent.
I wonder if we’ll see this debate evolve as Europe’s rearmament plans face implementation challenges. The continent is attempting simultaneous transitions in energy, security, and industrial policy – all whilst maintaining social welfare systems and addressing demographic challenges. Something will eventually have to give.
The question may eventually become not whether Europe can afford to nuclearise, but whether it can afford not to.
Adrian: great stuff!
I realize it’s politically impossible at this point, but wouldn’t European renuclearization solve many big problems simultaneously? Germany, say, is scared of Russia militarily, dependent on it for energy, and worried about dependence on the US for security. Why not emulate Japan and develop a major civilian nuclear program and ultimately a “bomb in the basement”? That would go a long way towards solving the security, energy, and autonomy problems at one stroke…
Could work for Poland or the NB8 too…
Cheers Gideon! – your suggestion about nuclear power as Europe’s solution to its triple bind is precisely the kind of strategic thinking the continent desperately needs but politically struggles to embrace. Your “nuclear solution” perfectly addresses Europe’s overlapping challenges of energy security, defence deterrence, and strategic autonomy.
France already shows that this model works pretty well. Macron’s recent announcement of 14 new reactors proves that Paris gets what many European capitals resist: energy independence and security posture are two sides of the same euro.
Germany faces immense cultural and political hurdles re nuclear. Their decision to shutter perfectly functional nuclear plants even in an energy crisis demonstrates how deep anti-nuclear sentiment runs in German political DNA.
For the Nordic-Baltic Eight or Poland, with Russian forces on your doorstep, abstract debates about nuclear risks take on a different tone.
Your timeline concern is real. Building nuclear infrastructure takes years – sometimes decades – while Europe’s security concerns are increasingly urgent.
I wonder if we’ll see this debate evolve as Europe’s rearmament plans face implementation challenges. The continent is attempting simultaneous transitions in energy, security, and industrial policy – all whilst maintaining social welfare systems and addressing demographic challenges. Something will eventually have to give.
The question may eventually become not whether Europe can afford to nuclearise, but whether it can afford not to.