EU Releases 2026–2027 Nuclear Research and Training Work Programme: Focusing on Safety, Innovation, and Capacity Building

Recently, the European Commission officially released the "2026-2027 European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) Research and Training Work Programme" (hereinafter referred to as the "Euratom Programme"). This programme is a continuation and deepening of the Euratom work plan for 2021-2025, setting out the strategic directions, priorities, and funding actions for nuclear research in the next two years. This article systematically reviews the core content of the Euratom Programme, providing a detailed introduction from multiple dimensions, including the strategic framework, annual guidelines, specific actions in various research areas, other supporting measures, and budget arrangements, aiming to offer a comprehensive reference for domestic nuclear safety regulation and technical support work.

Overall Strategic Framework and Multiannual Guidelines

Legal Basis and Overall Objectives

The overall objective of the Euratom Programme is to carry out nuclear research and training activities, with a primary focus on continuously improving nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards, radioactive waste management, and radiation protection, while complementing the objectives of the Horizon Europe programme. The Euratom Programme ensures continuity between short-term and long-term research and capabilities, particularly in the context of the EU's economic energy transition and the 2050 climate neutrality goal, thereby enhancing the energy security of the EU and its Member States in accordance with and respecting the principle of technological neutrality.

Changes in Priorities and New Synergies

Compared to previous Euratom Programmes, the objectives of the 2021-2025 and 2026-2027 Euratom Programmes have evolved. As the needs of the EU and its Member States change, some priorities are also being adjusted. For example, since the COVID-19 crisis, increased awareness of cancer and the growing importance of the health sector mean that the Euratom Programme will play a greater role in research on non-electric applications of nuclear science in health and medical fields. Furthermore, the Euratom Programme focuses on unlocking cross-sectoral synergies, such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) deployment, robotics, the Internet of Things, big data, and new manufacturing methods. Applicants are encouraged to leverage synergies with the "Cancer Mission" and relevant Horizon Europe clusters where applicable.

Overview of Main Research Action AreasNuclear Safety

Nuclear safety is the cornerstone of the Euratom Programme, aiming to support long-term and exploratory safety research through collaborative research and innovation projects to prevent accidents and radioactive releases at nuclear facilities. The focus under this theme includes:

Safety of Operating Nuclear Power Plants and Research Reactors: Research supporting continuous safety assessment and long-term operation (LTO) compliance verification for operating nuclear power plants and research reactors, addressing known challenges in ageing management and condition monitoring. This specifically includes developing advanced tools for ageing management and safety margin assessment, internal and external hazard assessment, advanced material testing and performance evaluation, and fuel and core safety management.

Safety of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Innovative Reactors and Fuels: Focuses on safety research for SMRs (including light-water SMRs and advanced modular reactors AMR based on Generation IV technologies), as well as innovative reactors and fuel cycles. Research areas include safety feature validation, accident condition studies, application of non-water coolants, waste minimisation design, emergency preparedness and response, and operational flexibility. This theme aims to provide technical support for the harmonisation of regulatory requirements across the EU.

Strengthening European Nuclear Capabilities: Aims to strengthen capacity building in the European nuclear field by coordinating national projects, sharing best practices, establishing an information hub for nuclear education and training, enhancing the attractiveness of nuclear careers, and promoting Euratom capabilities in nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radioactive waste management, and radiation protection, ensuring an adequate and qualified nuclear workforce. Additionally, this project will assess the application of AI in nuclear education and establish sustainable exchange programmes.

Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management, Decommissioning

Work in this area directly supports the implementation of the EU Directive on Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management. Research priorities include:

Strengthening the Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management: Building on the significant results of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD), the EURAD-2 project will continue in 2026-2027. Key focuses include establishing and maintaining an effective knowledge management system, promoting information sharing and best practice exchange among Member States, providing technical reserves for the safe operation of the first geological disposal facilities to be commissioned, supporting more countries in site selection and repository construction, and promoting the industrialisation of radioactive waste disposal.

Expanding Research Scope: Through complementary funding, enhance the EURAD project's responsiveness to evolving policy needs and broader research topics (such as waste from new and advanced reactors, alternative disposal options, climate change impacts, etc.), and provide scientific and technical support for the geological disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste. Additionally, support for countries embarking on nuclear power will be strengthened.

Nuclear Science, Applications of Ionising Radiation, Radiation Protection, and Emergency Preparedness

Research in this area aims to provide the scientific basis for radiation protection and emergency preparedness, and to support the EU's "Cancer Mission" and the Strategic Agenda for Medical Ionising Radiation Applications action projects. Main actions include:

European Partnership for Radiation Protection and Detection of Ionising Radiation: Additional funding will be provided in 2026-2027, focusing on research supporting the implementation of the Basic Safety Standards Directive and harmonising radiation protection practices in Europe. Core scientific topics include deepening the understanding of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for health effects of low-dose radiation, and integrating circular economy principles into radiation protection (e.g., safe management of naturally occurring radioactive material) to strengthen the EU's resilience against nuclear and radiological threats.

Supporting European Stable Isotope Production: To address the strategic vulnerability of excessive reliance on imports for critical stable isotopes (e.g., ytterbium-176) needed for medical radioisotope production, this action aims to support the establishment of EU domestic stable isotope production capacity, focusing on isotopes required for innovative radiotherapies like lutetium-177, ensuring supply chain security and patient needs.

Maintenance and Development of Expertise and Capabilities in the Nuclear Field

The need for a highly specialised workforce in the nuclear field is a persistent concern for the EU. Specific actions include:

Strengthening European Nuclear Research User Facilities (OFFERR): By supporting projects like OFFERR, provide researchers with convenient transnational access to top-tier nuclear research infrastructures within the EU and internationally, enhance the openness and sharing level of large and small research facilities, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.

Education and Training Projects: Provide education and training support for the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: Provide funding for postdoctoral researchers in the fields of fission and fusion.

Fusion Energy Research and Development

Fusion energy R&D is a key direction of the Euratom Programme. While maintaining a focus on scientific excellence, the work emphasis is partially shifting towards supporting the development of the European fusion industry and innovative fusion start-ups. Main actions are as follows:

"EUROfusion" Joint Programme: As a key driver of European fusion research, EUROfusion will focus on fundamental science and technology R&D in 2026-2027, supporting the development and joint utilisation of existing and future research infrastructures, and continuing to strengthen education and training.

Launch of the "European Fusion Energy Public-Private Partnership" (PPP): This partnership aims to integrate private partner contributions with EU funding to accelerate the maturity of key technologies for future fusion power plants (e.g., plasma heating and current drive, high-temperature superconducting magnets, diagnostics and control).

Innovation Action Calls: Under the PPP framework, two innovation action calls will be launched in 2026 and 2027 respectively to fund R&D on key fusion power plant technologies. The scope of the 2027 call will be broader and aligned with the partnership's Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

Support via European Innovation Council (EIC) Instruments: Transfer Euratom budget to the EIC to support the development and technology maturation of European fusion start-ups, with particular attention to alternative fusion concepts and key fusion power plant technologies.

Specific Actions in Nuclear Safety for 2026–2027The Euratom Programme sets out several topics in the nuclear safety area, employing various funding types such as Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), and Programme Co-fund Actions (CoFund), some using lump sum payments. The main content and expected outcomes for each topic are as follows:

Safety of Operating Nuclear Power Plants and Research Reactors: Total budget of 15 million euros. Expected to support licensees and regulatory bodies in implementing safety directive requirements, develop and validate advanced tools for ageing management and safety margin assessment, assess internal and external hazards, improve material testing and structural integrity assessment methods, evaluate high burnup fuel and core safety management, ensure safe deployment of alternative fuel for Soviet-designed research reactors, develop best practice guidelines, support international collaborative benchmarks and regulatory approach harmonisation, and develop long-term research capabilities. The scope covers challenges in ageing management, deterministic and probabilistic assessment, and the application of advanced modelling and simulation in understanding accident phenomena.

Safety of SMRs and Advanced Innovative Reactors and Fuels: Total budget of 15 million euros. Expected to conduct safety research for LW-SMRs and AMRs, support technical support organisations in forming a consistent approach on safety requirements, develop operational rules, and study fuel cycle characteristics. The scope requires balanced coverage of both types of SMRs and their fuel cycles, research on passive safety, experimental validation of safety features (e.g., natural circulation, non-water coolants, severe accidents), and study of operational flexibility, modular advantages, and integrated energy system safety.

Strengthening European Nuclear Capabilities: Total budget of 5 million euros, as a CSA, eligible to provide funding to third parties (up to 20,000 euros per third party). Expected to complement national projects, establish a single EU contact point for nuclear education and training, enhance the attractiveness of nuclear careers, promote the safe implementation of AI in nuclear education, and attract talent from diverse backgrounds. The scope requires attracting students and cross-sector talent, conducting specific activities for teachers, assessing risks of AI applications, establishing sustainable mobility projects, developing a one-stop information website, and encouraging international cooperation.

Strengthening European Nuclear Research User Facilities: Total budget of 7 million euros, as a CSA, eligible to provide funding to third parties (up to 300,000 euros per third party). Expected to provide researchers with transnational access to top-tier infrastructures, strengthen the OFFERR network, promote cross-border cooperation, preserve the long-term availability of key facilities, and synergise with existing partnerships. The scope requires covering transnational access costs, providing free facility use, technical experts, and experimental assistance, promoting international cooperation, improving the user facility network framework, requiring active participation from major facility operators, operating through open calls, and potentially coordinating the use of Joint Research Centre (JRC) resources.

European Production of Stable Isotopes for Novel Nuclear Medicine Therapies: Total budget of 2 million euros, as an IA, using lump sum payment. Expected to support EU production of medical stable isotopes (e.g., ytterbium-176), enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce dependence on third countries. The scope targets the needs of targeted radionuclide therapy, addresses supply risks for critical materials like ytterbium-176, develops innovative scalable production methods, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships.

Support for Addressing Cross-Sectoral Challenges and Non-Electric Applications: Total budget of 0.5 million euros, as a CSA, using lump sum payment. Consolidates cross-cutting networks (e.g., cogeneration, hydrogen production, district heating, desalination, maritime applications, and non-electric applications like health and agriculture), strengthens links between nuclear research and sectors like health, promotes cooperation with other technology platforms and stakeholder forums, helps nuclear scientists integrate into relevant Horizon Europe actions, develops financial and sustainability plans, with a project duration of three years.

European Partnership Project on Nuclear Materials Research: Total budget of 15 million euros, as a CoFund, with a funding rate of 55%, eligible to provide funding to third parties (up to 300,000 euros per third party). Submitted as an amendment request by the original project coordinator. Expected to deepen knowledge of nuclear structural materials and fuels, improve simulation predictive modelling, assist in nuclear power plant life extension, develop experimental capabilities for material qualification, strengthen knowledge management, and expand the range of materials studied (e.g., polymers). The scope includes metal alloys, ceramics, cladding, fuels, concrete, cable polymers, etc., requires attention to design control, development of health monitoring and prediction methods, adjustment of priorities through annual work plans, openness to international cooperation, and partners providing financial/in-kind contributions.

European Partnership for Radiation Protection and Detection: Total budget of 15 million euros, as a CoFund, with a funding rate of 65%, eligible to provide funding to third parties (up to 500,000 euros for PhD/postdoc, up to 100,000 euros for others). Submitted as an amendment request by the original project coordinator. Expected to improve risk assessment to support the implementation of Basic Safety Standards, advance research on radiation effects and health links, develop tools for analysing variability and immune response, advance integrative radiobiology, provide scientific basis for medical applications and optimise patient protection, improve protection for workers and the public, ensure emergency preparedness and response, provide measurement quality assurance, strengthen links with training and research infrastructures, and promote public engagement. The scope requires uniting the entire European research community, considering the priorities of various platforms, addressing SRIA priorities through open calls, encouraging international cooperation and industry collaboration, ensuring infrastructure synergy with OFFERR, developing protection capabilities, and partners providing financial and in-kind contributions.

Innovation Action Calls in Fusion EnergyFusion energy is considered an important source of future safe, large-scale, low-carbon electricity. In recent years, private investment in the global fusion sector has surged, start-ups are flourishing, and competition is intensifying. Against this backdrop, the work programme's support for fusion energy research in 2026-2027, while maintaining a foundation of scientific excellence, partially shifts towards promoting the development of the European fusion industry and the growth of innovative fusion start-ups and SMEs. To this end, the European Commission is establishing a PPP through coordination and support actions to integrate private partner contributions with EU funding, accelerating the development and validation of key technologies for future fusion power plants (FPP). Under this partnership framework, two rounds of innovation action calls will be launched in 2026 and 2027 respectively to drive key technologies towards commercialisation. Both rounds of calls adopt the IA form, with a funding rate of 60% (up to 100% for non-profit entities), using lump sum payments, and limiting participation to legal entities from EU Member States and associated countries (Ukraine, Switzerland). The main content and requirements for the two rounds of calls are as follows:

First Call: Budget of 32 million euros (2026), as an IA, funding rate 60% (up to 100% for non-profit), using lump sum payment. Develop innovative components or integrated systems performing key FPP functions, test under near-real conditions, and provide a credible business case. The scope targets three key technology areas: Plasma Heating and Current Drive (high-performance gyrotrons, neutral beam injectors), High-Temperature Superconducting Magnets (stronger, smaller, more efficient, resistant to radiation degradation), and Diagnostics and Control (AI-driven control, advanced sensors). Proposals must specify the chosen area, articulate the technology gap, set objectives, define testing methods, demonstrate public-private cooperation, show commercial potential, consider safety constraints, and coordinate with initiatives like EUROfusion. A balanced portfolio requires at least one top-ranked proposal from each area to be funded.

Second Call: Budget of 45 million euros (2027), as an IA, funding rate 60% (up to 100% for non-profit), using lump sum payment. The scope covers a broader range of technology areas: Tritium Breeding, Fuel Cycle, High-Power Lasers and Optics (inertial confinement), Inertial Confinement Targets, Fusion-Grade Materials, Component Qualification under Relevant Operating Scenarios, Digital Technologies (modelling and simulation), Engineering Design of Future Key Facilities, and other related technologies. Proposal requirements are similar to the first call, requiring specification of the area, articulation of gaps and objectives, testing methods, public-private cooperation, commercial potential, safety constraints, and coordination with existing initiatives. This topic may be revised following the publication of the partnership's SRIA.

Other Actions Not Requiring CallsIn addition to the actions funded through open competitive calls, the Euratom Programme also includes a series of actions that do not require calls and are implemented by designated beneficiaries:

EUROfusion Joint Programme: Designated beneficiaries will receive 145 million euros in funding for 2026-2027.

EURAD-2 Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management: Designated beneficiaries will receive 30 million euros in funding for 2026-2027.

Support for Training, Education, Capacity Building, and Networking Actions in the Ukrainian Nuclear Research Field: Provide support to Ukrainian nuclear research institutions and academia, helping them integrate into the European research community, maintain and enhance nuclear education and training levels under wartime conditions, and ensure nuclear safety. The budget for 2026 is 0.5 million euros.

Open Access to JRC Research Infrastructures: Coordinate with the OFFERR project to open JRC's unique nuclear research infrastructures to the European nuclear research community. The budget for 2027 is 0.5 million euros.

FISA-EURADWASTE 2028 Conference: Support the organisation of this major fission research and training conference during the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2028. The budget for 2027 is 0.3 million euros.

ConclusionThe Euratom Programme systematically lays out the EU's R&D and training activities for the next two years in key areas such as nuclear safety, waste management, radiation protection, nuclear medicine applications, and fusion energy. It continuously emphasises resource integration and capability enhancement through European partnerships, and actively addresses emerging challenges related to SMRs, new fuels, medical isotope supply security, and fusion energy commercialisation. The release and implementation of this programme reflect the EU's strategic intent to ensure the safe, reliable, and sustainable use of nuclear energy and radiation technologies. Its framework design and priority research directions also offer certain reference and significance for China's nuclear safety regulation and technical support work.