Rome – Italy’s lower house of parliament approved a bill on Thursday that would pave the way for the country to return to nuclear power. The law, proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, passed with 155 votes in favor, 86 against, and eight abstentions.
The bill will now move to the Senate, where the government expects final approval before the summer break at the end of July. The process of issuing executive decrees is set to begin by the end of the year.
Italy halted its nuclear energy program following a public referendum after the Chernobyl disaster. The current government is now proposing a return to nuclear power by using new-generation small reactors. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on energy imports and cut greenhouse gas emissions as part of efforts to address climate change.
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the government believes that returning to nuclear power will provide more stable and efficient alternatives in response to global energy sector challenges and market volatility.