European Commission

DG Energy and Transport in Europe

Transport and energy policies directly affect the lives of each and every person in Europe. Whatever age we are, and whatever activities we undertake, energy services and mobility play a fundamental role in today’s world. The issues and challenges of policy in both these fields require action at European level; no single national government can address them successfully alone. By working in concert, European Union Member States and European industry can develop transport and energy sectors which best meet the needs of citizens and our economy, whilst minimising damage to our environmentThe European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport manages work in these two fields. Given the close links between these two policy areas, the Commission aims to ensure that its work across them takes advantage of all possible synergies.

Nuclear power stations currently produce around a third of the electricity and 15% of the energy consumed in the European Union (EU). The sector represents a source of energy with low carbon levels and relatively stable costs, which makes it attractive from the point of view of security of supply and fighting climate change. It is up to each Member State, however, to decide whether or not to pursue the option of nuclear power. The ground for nuclear energy in Europe was laid in 1957 by the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). Its main functions consist of furthering cooperation in the field of research, protecting the public by establishing common safety standards, ensuring an adequate and equitable supply of ores and nuclear fuel, monitoring the peaceful use of nuclear material, and cooperating with other countries and international organisations. Specific measures adopted at EU level are geared to protecting the health of those working in the sector and of the public at large, and protecting the environment from the risks associated with the use of nuclear fuel and the resulting waste.