DOI: 10.20348/storedb/1215/1334
title: In depth case studies report
title: In depth case studies report

description: The ECOSENS project examines nuclear energy governance, focusing on stakeholder engagement across Europe. It integrates social sciences into nuclear policy, analyzing how public participation, transparency, and political discourse shape decisions. This milestone report deals with the in depth case studies in six European countries descrtibing stakeholder engagement (or lack of it) in nuclear governance in various national context. The methodology is developed for each of the study and utilize different approaches, from interviews, social media analysis, and document reviews to assess
In Belgium, nuclear debates are highly politicized, with oppositional parties, particularly N-VA (Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie) and Vlaams Belang, leading social media discussions in Flanders in 2024. The Russian invasion of Ukraine heightened concerns about energy security, influencing policy shifts. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are framed by Dutch speaking Flemish politicians in social media discourse differently than nuclear energy in general (nuclear safety and economic growth frames were used more often in tweets referring to SMRs), and mainly promoted by center-right parties.
Slovenia’s governance shows limited stakeholder influence. The National Energy and Climate Plan (NEPN) included public consultations, but most feedback was not taken into account with limited explanation. A planned referendum on a second nuclear plant (NEK2) was canceled, raising concerns about transparency and real stakeholder participation.
Slovakia faces significant challenges regarding transparency and civil society participation in its nuclear sector. Environmental NGO oversight has declined dramatically since 2010-2012, despite Slovakia's global co-leadership in nuclear power dependency. Among other, government policies have systematically restricted the Aarhus Convention and reclassified nuclear information as confidential. Both ruling and opposition parties avoid clear commitments on spent nuclear fuel final disposal. To restore effective stakeholder engagement, sustainable multi-annual core funding mechanisms must replace project-specific financing, enabling NGOs to access essential legal expertise. 
The nuclear debate is also politicised in Spain, where the decision to phase out nuclear power plants was a government-driven decision agreed with the industry. The regulator and the waste management agency were mere observers of the decision, involved only because of their role in the closure and decommissioning of nuclear plants. There was no real stakeholder or public involvement, not even from the communities that host nuclear power plants. Stakeholders question the transparency of both government and industry. This is one of the main challenges for engagement in Spain.
Romania is expanding nuclear energy, including the ALFRED SMR project. Early stakeholder engagement and strong political support have helped build trust, making Romania a positive case for proactive nuclear governance.
In the United Kingdom, SMRs are a growing focus, but public engagement is limited, occurring mainly within policy and industry circles. Transparency and inclusiveness will be crucial for public acceptance of new nuclear technologies.
Several common trends emerge. Nuclear debates are highly politicized, often driven by partisan agendas. Transparency and public influence vary; some countries actively involve stakeholders, while others limit participation. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has reinforced energy security arguments, shaping policy decisions. SMRs are promoted as a future solution, though public awareness remains low. To improve engagement, the study recommends greater transparency, inclusive public participation, and structured debates. Policies should consider both nuclear and renewable pathways, moving beyond short-term political cycles. Balanced, evidence-based discussions will enhance public trust and democratic decision-making in nuclear policy across Europe.
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