EU Russian Uranium Phase-Out Begins with New Nuclear Supply Restrictions

Russian Uranium

European Commission tightens rules on Russian uranium imports and nuclear fuel contracts

Member states shift to U.S., French, and Kazakh suppliers amid nuclear fuel diversification efforts

The EU Russian uranium phase-out is now officially underway as the European Commission enacts new measures targeting the region's dependency on Russian-origin nuclear materials. Beginning next month, the commission will block the Euratom Supply Agency from co-signing any new contracts involving uranium, enriched uranium, or related nuclear products sourced from Russia.

Enriched uranium imports from Russia to become “economically less viable”

While existing contracts—such as Finland’s Loviisa reactor fuel supply deal with Russia’s TVEL—will be honored through 2027 or 2030, the EU Russian uranium phase-out roadmap signals a clear pivot. The commission also plans to make importing enriched uranium from Russia economically unattractive, pushing member states toward non-Russian alternatives and internal supply chain development.

Last year, Russia supplied 14% of the EU’s total uranium, 23% of its uranium conversion services, and nearly 24% of enriched uranium. The move disproportionately affects five member states that operate Russian-designed VVER reactors: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Slovakia. However, several have already started transitioning to Western suppliers.

European utilities partner with Westinghouse, Framatome, and Kazatomprom

To support the phase-out, Westinghouse has signed fuel agreements with Bulgaria, Finland, and the Czech Republic. French nuclear firm Framatome will supply Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic as well. Additionally, the Czech Republic has formed a new fuel partnership with Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s state-owned uranium producer.

These transitions underscore Europe’s growing effort to secure energy independence and reduce geopolitical risk in critical infrastructure sectors. The EU Russian uranium phase-out now stands as a major pillar of the bloc’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The EU’s decisive action on Russian uranium highlights how nuclear supply chains are now strategic assets. For metal and fuel producers outside of Russia—especially in North America and Central Asia—this opens new commercial and geopolitical opportunities in nuclear materials.