17th meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum in Prague

The 17th meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF) took place in Prague from 30th of September to 1st of October. It was co-organized by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the European Commission (EC). The Forum was opened by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, via video message. Martin Dvořák, Czech Minister for European Affairs, and, on behalf of Slovakia, Peter Kmec, Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for Economic Recovery and Knowledge. The Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic was represented by State Secretary Kamil Šaško.

As the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, R. Fico, said in his speech, "Nuclear energy not only makes a demonstrable contribution to energy security, stability of the energy system and ensuring the availability of energy resources, but it is also in line with the decarbonization policy to which we have committed ourselves within the European Union. In this context, we see the development of nuclear energy as a sensible and pragmatic choice".

The main theme of this year's meeting was a discussion on the role of nuclear energy in achieving the European Union's (EU) 2040 climate goals in the context of its opportunities and risks. Participants exchanged views on the deployment of the first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) pilot projects and the possibilities for their implementation in the EU. The perspectives and challenges of financing the necessary investments and strengthening nuclear safety, including in the context of new technologies, were also discussed. The need to communicate with the public and to utilize synergies in the supply chain. International cooperation on nuclear energy in the coming period is a key aspect for its further development.

From the point of view of the Ministry of Economy, the ENEF represents a unique platform for an open discussion on the opportunities and challenges in the nuclear energy sector. It brings together high-level representatives of EU Member States, representatives of European institutions, key players in the nuclear industry and the third sector, representatives of nuclear safety regulators, academia and research, as well as business organizations, consumers and the professional public.

This year's Nuclear Forum has once again confirmed the international importance of the ENEF format. For the Slovak and Czech Republics, the annual co-organization of this event is considered a prestigious affair.

Press department MH SR