New Bill Directs Strategy and $30M Annual Funding to Boost US Nuclear Role in Europe, Counter Russian Influence

This legislation, the U.S.-European Nuclear Energy Cooperation Act of 2025, lays out a plan to significantly strengthen the partnership between the United States and European nations in the nuclear energy sector. The core goal is twofold: bolster energy security across the Atlantic and actively reduce Europe's reliance on Russian nuclear technology and fuel, a dependence highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's control over significant portions of the global uranium market.

Powering Down Russian Influence

The bill acknowledges the strategic vulnerability created by Russia's significant role in Europe's nuclear landscape, particularly concerning the VVER reactors common in Eastern Europe and Russia's dominance in uranium enrichment (holding roughly 46% of global capacity in 2020). It directs the U.S. government to prioritize American nuclear products and services, followed by those from key allies like Canada, Japan, the UK, and South Korea, when helping countries develop nuclear power. The explicit aim is to counter both Russian and Chinese influence by promoting safer, more secure alternatives.

Crafting the Playbook: A Formal Strategy

A central requirement of this act is for the Secretary of State, working alongside the Secretary of Energy and other agencies, to develop a comprehensive strategy within 120 days. This isn't just a vague plan; the bill mandates a detailed look at:

• Market Assessment: Evaluating current U.S. efforts and the competitiveness of American and allied tech versus Russian and Chinese offerings.
• Technology Roadmap: Analyzing different reactor types (large, small modular, advanced) and fuel cycles (including low-enriched and high-assay low-enriched uranium, or HALEU) in Europe, assessing their potential to displace Russian influence by specific target years (2030-2050).
• Mapping Influence: Identifying European nuclear programs, their existing partnerships, and the extent of Russian and Chinese involvement.
• Diplomatic & Collaborative Efforts: Outlining U.S. diplomatic actions and how the government is working with allies to counter Russia across the entire nuclear supply chain – from mining to reactor construction – while navigating commercial competition between friendly nations.
• Rosatom Deep Dive: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom.

Funding the Front Lines

To put muscle behind the strategy, the bill authorizes $30 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. This funding is earmarked for specific activities in Europe: directly countering Russian influence, helping partner nations build capacity for responsible nuclear programs, supporting early-stage projects, and fighting Russian disinformation campaigns related to energy. This signals a sustained financial commitment to reshaping Europe's nuclear energy future.