Mayors from nuclear host communities call for stronger engagement and support
During the International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes, held in Vienna from 26–30 May 2025, mayors and local leaders from over 20 countries around the world signed a Joint Statement affirming their commitment to nuclear energy and calling for deeper cooperation with citizens, policymakers, and industry.
Under the banner #LetsTalkNuclear, the mayors highlighted the vital role their communities play in supporting nuclear technologies, including power generation, medical isotope production, research, and waste management. While recognizing the benefits—such as clean energy, job creation, and economic development—they also acknowledged the challenges and responsibility involved.
“As local leaders, we take the pride and the responsibility of contributing to building a promising future... enabling clean energy transition and broader socioeconomic development,” the statement reads.
Mayors from over 20 countries united in Vienna to affirm the essential role of local communities in enabling the safe and sustainable use of nuclear technology
The mayors emphasized that "the future of nuclear energy must be built on genuine engagement, consent, and sustained support for nuclear communities." They advocated for inclusive dialogue and transparent decision-making to strengthen public trust and ensure the long-term viability of nuclear programmes.
Nuclear host communities, says the statement, are not only key to the energy transition, but also to driving socioeconomic development in areas like education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
"The future of nuclear energy must be built on genuine engagement, consent, and sustained support for nuclear communities."
The statement was signed by representatives from over 20 countries, including Spain, the United States, Canada, France, Japan, India, Finland, South Korea, and South Africa, among others. Spain was notably represented by mayors from municipalities such as Ascó, Vandellós, Almaraz, Cofrentes, Trillo, and Yebra.
Spain was notably represented by mayors from municipalities such as Ascó, Vandellós, Almaraz, Cofrentes, Trillo, and Yebra
The Joint Statement underscores that nuclear energy can be a pillar of the clean energy transition, but only if local communities are meaningfully included and empowered in the process.
The Joint Statement serves as a call to action for governments and industry to deepen collaboration with local leaders—because a successful nuclear future starts at the community level.
Source: IAEA
