Practical recommendations for enhanced mechanisms of interaction between citizens, civil society, decision-makers, and researchers

The European project ECOSENS (“Economic and Social Considerations for the Future of Nuclear Energy in Society”), a Coordination and Support Action under Euratom, addresses the societal dimensions of nuclear energy in the context of climate change, sustainable development, and energy security. Recognising that effective, transparent, and inclusive governance of nuclear technologies requires active participation of citizens and civil society, ECOSENS examined current practices and gaps in stakeholder engagement across Europe.
Through a multi-method approach, including surveys, interviews, case studies, and deliberative workshops, the project assessed public attitudes, reviewed existing recommendations, and explored participatory processes in areas such as nuclear innovation, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), radioactive waste management, and energy policy. Findings reveal a persistent discrepancy between legal commitments to stakeholder engagement and actual practice, often marked by technocratic approaches, fragmented responsibilities, and limited transparency.
Drawing on interdisciplinary dialogue and input from an international workshop and panel discussion, ECOSENS formulated a set of practical recommendations for strengthening engagement mechanisms. Recommendations cover legal and institutional frameworks, transparency and communication, diversity and inclusion, and the integration of social sciences and humanities into nuclear R&D. Key proposals include institutionalising early and continuous participation, creating independent oversight mechanisms, supporting civil society organisations (including environmental NGOs) with stable funding, enhancing community rights in siting processes, and embedding participatory approaches into sustainability assessments and long-term energy strategies.
By bridging techno-scientific and societal perspectives, ECOSENS recommendations aim to foster more democratic, legitimate, and socially robust decision making in nuclear governance. They also contribute to broader energy transitions by ensuring that nuclear policies are not only technically sound but also publicly accountable and societally desirable.