Romania, Belgium sign agreement establishing nuclear technology alliance

Romanian-Belgian nuclear power cooperation continues with the signing of an agreement establishing Eagles Consortium, which is a consolidated commitment to a more sustainable implementation of nuclear energy in Europe, according to the Romanian Embassy in Belgium.

"On June 16, 2025 - the establishment of the Eagles Consortium was signed, a continuation of the memorandum of cooperation signed on October 22, 2022, in Brussels. The current consortium, an alliance between Europe's leading nuclear technology organisations - Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN and SCK CEN, aims to develop and commercialise Eagles-300, a lead-cooled, next-generation small modular reactor (SMR)," the embassy reported on Tuesday.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the European Energy Council, in the presence of Belgian Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet, Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian ambassador to Luxembourg Carmine Robustelli and senior official with Romania's Ministry of Energy Cristian Busoi.

"The signing of this agreement solidifies the collaboration among consortium members, transforming their ongoing partnership into a strengthened commitment to contribute to a more sustainable implementation of nuclear energy."

EAGLES-300 was already given a solid boost in 2024 as it was selected as one of the lead-cooled fast reactor proposals by the Governing Board of the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors. This European recognition reinforces our belief in the lead-cooled fast reactor technology and emphasizes the strength of the Eagles Consortium.

By consolidating efforts under one coordinated structure, the Eagles Consortium strengthens industrial and technological expertise from Belgium, Italy and Romania to accelerate the deployment of advanced Generation IV nuclear technology and make it available for Europe. Eagles Consortium combines industrial knowhow with in-depth expertise in liquid metals, a major asset not only for the achievement of scientific breakthroughs but even more for the commercial application of the technology.

"Eagles Consortium is committed to reinforcing Europe's leadership in next-generation nuclear reactors, aligning with European Union energy transition policies and the need for reliable, low-carbon energy sources."

The EAGLES-300 reactor will be designed to offer reliable, affordable and decarbonized energy, setting a new standard for small modular reactors.

Eagles Consortium is a strategic partnership between Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN, aimed at developing the EAGLES-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) by 2039. This alliance represents a unique collaboration between European industrial leaders and nuclear research institutions. Unlike purely research-based initiatives, all the activities of the working group will be focused on commercialisation, ensuring a clear path from research and development to market deployment. Focused on Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor technology, the Eagles Consortium is committed to delivering EAGLES-300, a commercially viable nuclear solution for the future.