Serbia has taken another step toward developing a peaceful nuclear energy program after French energy company EDF finalized a preliminary technical study assessing the potential for nuclear power in the country.
Following talks with an EDF delegation led by company president Bernard Fontana, Energy and Mining Minister Dubravka Djedović said the document outlines the next steps required for launching Serbia’s nuclear program. The study includes recommendations covering 19 key milestones identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as necessary for countries introducing nuclear energy.
According to the Minister, the focus now shifts to implementing the first phase of the program. Authorities plan to define priorities, establish a timetable, and begin addressing the institutional and regulatory requirements needed to move the process forward. Serbia currently lacks a complete legal and institutional framework for nuclear energy development, which the government considers a main issue to address in the coming period. Work on legislative analysis and institutional preparation will therefore be a central part of the next stage.
As part of this process, the government plans to establish a national body responsible for coordinating the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The planned institution, NEPIO, will oversee the early stages of the nuclear program and help organize cooperation with international partners.
Officials argue that introducing nuclear energy would strengthen Serbia’s energy system by diversifying supply sources and providing a stable, low-emission electricity option. The Minister also highlighted the importance of developing human resources capable of supporting such a program. While Serbia already has specialists in relevant fields, expanding and training the workforce will be a major priority over the next year. Cooperation with EDF is expected to include education programs, training, and professional development for engineers and technical experts.
EDF representatives confirmed their readiness to support Serbia’s plans. Fontana said the company has extensive experience helping countries build nuclear expertise, including training engineers and establishing technical capabilities during the early stages of nuclear energy programs. EDF’s teams are prepared to assist Serbia across all aspects of the project in line with the pace set by Serbian authorities.
