SCMP Business EN

EU eyes nuclear energy again as oil prices soar

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said Europe’s turn away from nuclear power had been a “strategic mistake”, as soaring oil prices rekindled concerns about the bloc’s energy vulnerability. Speaking at a nuclear summit in Paris, the European Commission president endorsed a return to atomic energy, saying the European Union would back investments in “innovative nuclear technologies”. “It was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emission...

Mar 10, 2026 &03101010202631; 14:10 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 4/5

Read original on www.scmp.com ↗

↗

Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +65/100

High impact Medium-term (weeks)

WHAT THIS MEANS

EU leadership reverses stance on nuclear energy, acknowledging previous phase-out as strategic error amid rising oil prices and energy security concerns. This policy shift signals increased investment in nuclear and innovative atomic technologies, potentially reshaping Europe's energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependency.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↑

EUIndex

Expected to rise

Pro-growth energy policy shift supports industrial competitiveness and reduces long-term energy costs

↓

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to decline

Increased nuclear capacity reduces oil demand and provides alternative energy source

↑

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to rise

Energy security improvements strengthen euro as reduced fossil fuel imports improve trade balance

↑

IT→.MI

IT→.MIStock

Expected to rise

Italian utilities and nuclear technology companies benefit from EU nuclear investment commitments

PRICE HISTORY

Loading chart...

⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Long European utilities and nuclear technology stocks; short oil futures. Monitor EU regulatory announcements for specific nuclear investment timelines and funding mechanisms to refine positioning.

KEY SIGNALS

Strategic policy reversal on nuclear energyEU commitment to innovative atomic technologiesEnergy security concerns driving investmentReduced fossil fuel dependency trajectoryLong-term infrastructure transformation

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyUtilitiesNuclear TechnologyIndustrialInfrastructure

Analysis generated on Mar 11, 2026 at 02:03 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

EU eyes nuclear energy again as oil prices soar

RELATED INTELLIGENCE