Energy Security of the European Union:\\The Irreplaceability of Nuclear Energy

This bachelor thesis examines nuclear energy as a means to strengthen the energy security of the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on its sustainability. It is grounded in the concept of energy security and the premise of nuclear sustainability. The research employs a qualitative single-case study to investigate how nuclear energy is defended at the EU level and what strategies selected member states pursue in the field of nuclear energy. The findings indicate that nuclear energy is often perceived as a sustainable, low-carbon source that can significantly contribute to decarbonization and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. The thesis analyzes key policy documents —such as the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the EU Taxonomy — while also exploring the nuclear strategies of twelve pro-nuclear EU member states. The results highlight a strong consensus among these countries on the need to maintain or expand the role of nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the future energy mix. Despite differing national approaches, nuclear energy is shown to play a crucial role not only in addressing climate challenges, but also in reinforcing the EU's overall energy security.