French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian uranium supplies and diversify sources of nuclear fuel, pointing to several alternative producers including Uzbekistan.
Speaking at an international nuclear energy summit in Paris, Macron said Europe remains significantly dependent on Russian uranium and must accelerate efforts to diversify supply chains. Among potential alternative suppliers, he mentioned Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Canada and Australia.
Macron stressed that nuclear energy remains central to Europe’s long-term strategy for energy independence, economic decarbonisation and sustainable development.
The French president also announced that France will soon hold a meeting of its Nuclear Policy Council in Paris, where new decisions regarding the development of the country’s nuclear energy sector are expected to be adopted.
Uzbekistan has been increasing its uranium production in recent years. According to available data, the country produced about 7 000 tonnes of uranium last year, compared with around 4 000 tonnes in 2024.
The country’s total identified uranium reserves are estimated at approximately 139 000 tonnes. Uzbekistan is also planning to expand production through the development of four additional uranium deposits.
The renewed focus on alternative uranium suppliers comes amid growing concerns in Europe about the security of nuclear fuel supply as geopolitical tensions reshape global energy markets.
