Report on Nuclear Energy Development in Eastern Europe

Published: 06.12.2025
This overview report analyzes "the largest project of the century" — the nuclear renaissance in Eastern Europe with planned investments of approximately €130 billion for construction of at least 12 new nuclear units. The document examines geopolitical drivers: compliance with EU carbon neutrality goals and reducing dependence on Russian gas. Projects are examined in detail in Poland (Westinghouse AP1000 and SMR BWRX-300), Czech Republic (Dukovany expansion with state loans up to 90%), Hungary (Paks II with legal obstacles from CJEU), Slovakia (completion of Mochovce-4 and new unit at Bohunice), Romania (Cernavoda expansion using CfD), Bulgaria (AP1000 at Kozloduy), Baltic states (SMR focus in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) and Serbia with its multi-vector approach. Systemic risks of the "Mochovce multiplier" and acute shortage of qualified personnel and components in the region are analyzed.