Serbia has entered the preparatory phase of a civilian nuclear-energy programme through a cooperation agreement with EDF and the French Development Agency. The government does not expect a first reactor to enter service before 2040. The agreement begins the institutional phase of the programme with French support.
Scope of the cooperation agreement
The cooperation focuses on institutional capacity, technical studies, human resources and nuclear-safety culture rather than an immediate reactor procurement. Serbia is expected to establish the regulatory and professional system needed to evaluate technologies, select potential sites and manage work across several decades. This sequencing is intended to support later decisions on project options.
Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović said EDF will support three additional studies after completing a preliminary technical assessment in 2025. A further 14 studies are expected to be prepared with other international partners. The full set of studies is targeted for completion by mid-2027.
Studies to inform technology and grid decisions
The studies are intended to provide inputs for future choices on reactor size, technology, location, grid integration, financing and waste management. They are also expected to assess whether Serbia should pursue a conventional large reactor, small modular reactors or participation in a regional nuclear project. The work is structured to cover multiple decision points ahead of any procurement step.
EDF’s role includes experience as the operator of more than 50 reactors in France. During the early phase, Serbia is expected to keep decision-making technology-neutral rather than committing early to one vendor or reactor design. The stated aim is to avoid weakening procurement competition and creating long-term dependence before an economic case is complete.
Funding, implementation phases and institutional capacity
The French Development Agency is providing a €500,000 grant through its FEXTE facility. The financing supports institutional strengthening, programme management, technical education and development of nuclear-safety capabilities in line with International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations. The work covers Phase I and part of Phase II of Serbia’s nuclear programme.
The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization will cooperate with EDF to build expertise needed to coordinate government institutions, regulators, universities, grid operators and potential project partners. Human capital is identified as a key constraint ahead of licensing or construction. Serbia is expected to train engineers, regulators, safety specialists, project managers and other technical personnel well in advance of any plant approval process.
Regulatory independence and financing requirements
A credible programme is also described as requiring an independent regulator with sufficient authority, stable long-term funding and institutional separation from the project developer. Financing is described as decisive for any future build-out. A large nuclear plant could require capital expenditure well above €10bn depending on technology, local infrastructure, financing terms and construction duration.
The agreement with France does not amount to a reactor order. It establishes the institutional machinery needed for Serbia to determine whether nuclear power can become technically credible, financially manageable and compatible with the grid within its post-coal electricity system. Any future steps would follow after the preparatory studies and institutional arrangements outlined in the cooperation framework.
