As a ‘nuclear renaissance’ sweeps across the Mediterranean and the Balkans, Greece finds itself surrounded by neighbors—from Italy to Turkey—that are either expanding their atomic fleets or overturning decades-old bans. In this rapidly evolving regional landscape, Athens’ move to explore the ‘nuclear club’ is a calculated step toward securing its long-term energy independence and meeting ambitious climate goals.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signaled a strategic shift during his address at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris earlier this week by declaring, “Greece is turning a page. It is time for my country to examine whether nuclear energy—and specifically small modular reactors (SMRs)—can play a role in the Greek energy mix.”
The Greek announcement comes as the broader Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan regions undergo a massive “nuclear renaissance.” As Greece begins its preliminary studies, its neighbors are already moving toward full-scale implementation.
Turkey: The regional titan of nuclear energy
Leading the charge is Turkey, which is currently overseeing the most ambitious nuclear program in the region. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant on the southern coast is nearing completion, with the first of four VVER-1200 reactors expected to generate its first electricity later in 2026.
Turkey’s strategy is multi-faceted; beyond Akkuyu, the government is in advanced negotiations for a second plant in Sinop and a third in Thrace, near the Greek border. Ankara has set a staggering goal of 20,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
The SMR Revolution: Romania and Bulgaria
While Turkey builds giants, Romania and Bulgaria are pivoting toward the same cutting-edge SMR technology Greece is eyeing. Romania has emerged as a European pioneer, having recently made a final investment decision to build the continent’s first SMR plant at Doicești.
Bulgaria is following a dual track: expanding its existing Kozloduy plant with two new large-scale reactors while simultaneously investigating a fleet of smaller modular units to replace its aging coal infrastructure.
Italy’s policy U-turn
Across the Ionian Sea, Italy is moving to reverse a nearly 40-year moratorium on nuclear power. The Meloni government recently approved legislation to reintroduce “sustainable” nuclear energy, with a specific focus on Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). Italy aims for nuclear to provide up to 22% of its electricity by 2050, viewing it as essential for decarbonizing heavy industry.
Balkan integration
The shift is also visible in the central Balkans. Serbia recently lifted its 35-year ban on nuclear construction and is currently conducting feasibility studies with French energy giant EDF. Meanwhile, Slovenia is preparing for a national referendum on a second unit at the Krško site, which it shares with Croatia.
For Greece, the decision to explore this path is driven by energy security and the need for competitive prices. While the transition from exploration to construction remains years away, the message from Athens is clear: the era of nuclear exclusion in the Mediterranean is coming to an end.
Related: Turkey’s Erdogan Offers Greece Nuclear Energy