Source: European Parliament
A diversified uranium supply is important for enhancing security of supply in the nuclear sector. As per EU Treaties, the Commission cannot take a position on national policies for the use of their natural uranium resources when compliant with the applicable Euratom legislation[1].
The global uranium market is diversified, with many suppliers available[2]. However, the EU currently does not mine uranium in its territory. Given the good level of cooperation with our international partners[3] and the characteristics of the global market, we do not consider there is a significant risk as regards the natural uranium supply to the EU.
In line with the recently adopted Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports[4] and the REPowerEU plan[5], the Commission is holding regular exchanges with uranium producing countries to secure further alternative sources of uranium. The Euratom Supply Agency has recommended that Member States and market actors should increase indigenous sources of supply.
The Commission regularly reviews the list of critical raw materials and assesses any potential gaps. The Commission plans to update the list of critical raw materials by 24 May 2027[6].
The Euratom Supply Agency concludes uranium supply contracts and monitors the nuclear supply market to maintain regular and equitable supply of nuclear materials (ores, source material and special fissile material) for all users in the European Atomic Energy Community[7].
- [1] Art.2 let. d) and Chapter 6 of the Euratom Treaty.
- [2] In 2023, the majority of uranium supplies to the EU came from Canada (33%), Russia (23%) and Kazakhstan (21%). Euratom Supply Agency — Annual Report 2023, p.13 (https://euratom-supply.ec.europa.eu/document/download/29018562-122c-4818-8774-2424fc029bf6_en?filename=ESA%20Annual%20Report%202023%20-%20Final%20draft.pdf). Australia and Uzbekistan have also become notable suppliers with 2.55% and 1,9% of import share respectively.
- [3] e.g. Canada, Australia, and others.
- [4] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d681d15f-ceca-4b20-bcc2-b84334a8fc0e_en?filename=Roadmap%20towards%20ending%20Russian%20energy%20imports.pdf.
- [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions REPowerEU Plan (SWD(2022) 230 final).
- [6] Art. 4 of the Critical Raw Materials Act. Available at: Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401252).
- [7] Ch. 6 of the Euratom Treaty and Council Decision of 12 February 2008 establishing Statutes for the Euratom Supply Agency (2008/114/EC, Euratom).