Switzerland and Italy Move to Revise Nuclear Energy Policies

Switzerland's National Council will debate a popular initiative, "Stop al Blackout," that seeks to repeal the 2011 ban on building new nuclear power plants. The proposal, backed by the Club Energia Svizzera, argues that allowing all climate‑friendly electricity generation, including nuclear, is essential for energy self‑sufficiency amid geopolitical tensions. The federal counter‑proposal, already approved by the Council of States, also aims to lift the ban through legislative amendment rather than a constitutional change.

In Italy, the lower house has approved a delegation law authorising a programme to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and other advanced nuclear technologies by 2030. The legislation sets a one‑year mandate to create regulations for sustainable nuclear power, waste management and the use of nuclear heat for industrial processes, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower electricity bills. The plan includes safety standards, modular construction to cut costs and time, and provisions for maritime and naval applications.