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June 11, 2026. Mr. Tomáš Drucker, Minister of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic, visited I2EN to explore opportunities for concrete cooperation between Slovakia and France aimed at advancing nuclear expertise and academic excellence. Discussions focused on strengthening ties between Slovak and French higher education institutions, with the aim of developing high-level, internationally recognized nuclear training programs.
Slovakia, one of Europe’s most nuclear-dependent economies, has set ambitious goals to secure the long-term future of its nuclear sector. In addition to completing the Mochovce nuclear power plant project, the country is preparing to build a new high-power reactor in Bohunice by 2040 and intends to contribute to the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.
In addition to expanding its nuclear power capacity, Slovakia is also seeking to establish itself in emerging strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies. As is the case throughout Europe, the rapid growth of AI applications and data-intensive activities is expected to lead to a significant increase in electricity demand over the coming decades. Ensuring access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon electricity has thus become a major competitiveness issue for the country.
In this context, nuclear energy is increasingly seen not only as a pillar of energy security and decarbonization, but also as a key driver of future industrial and digital development. By investing simultaneously in nuclear infrastructure, innovation, and human capital, Slovakia aims to create the conditions necessary to support both its energy transition and its ambitions in the digital economy. This strategy requires a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing across the entire nuclear value chain, from engineering and operations to research, safety, regulation, and innovation.
Recognizing this challenge, the Slovak government adopted a national roadmap in January 2026 dedicated to human resources development in the nuclear sector. This roadmap identifies several priorities, including the creation of new academic programs, the strengthening of research capabilities, and an increase in the number of graduates in key nuclear disciplines. It also highlights Slovakia’s ambition to strengthen its international influence in the field of nuclear education and training through increased cooperation with strategic partners, notably France and the United States.
Ministerial Delegation to I2EN
It was in this context that a Slovak delegation led by Tomáš Drucker, Minister of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic, was received at I2EN on June 11, 2026. This meeting provided an opportunity to explore concrete avenues for cooperation between Slovakia and France aimed at advancing nuclear expertise and academic excellence.
Discussions focused on strengthening ties between Slovak and French higher education institutions, with the aim of creating high-quality, internationally recognized nuclear training programs. Particular attention was given to student exchanges, academic mobility, joint degree programs, and cooperation in research and training.
Slovakia already has a solid academic foundation in nuclear-related disciplines. STU offers a master’s degree in nuclear engineering and physics, providing advanced training in reactor physics, nuclear power plant systems, radiological measurements, nuclear materials, instrumentation, and thermomechanics. In addition to this engineering program, Comenius University in Bratislava offers a master’s degree in nuclear and subnuclear physics, contributing to the development of expertise in research on reactor physics, radiation sciences, and experimental nuclear technologies. Furthermore, a joint program between STU and the University of Economics in Bratislava combines technical skills, energy economics, regulation, governance, and project management to prepare future professionals for the country’s nuclear programs.
Building on these strengths, the two parties have identified several areas in which enhanced cooperation could generate real added value. As part of a ministerial initiative, which could be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding or a dedicated support program, French and Slovak institutions could establish structured partnerships at various levels of education. Such partnerships would foster the sharing of expertise, the development of joint academic initiatives, and the promotion of international standards in nuclear education. Student mobility has also been identified as a priority. Expanding opportunities for exchanges, internships, and academic visits would allow Slovak and French students to benefit from complementary educational environments while strengthening professional and cultural ties between the two countries.
Strengthening cooperation between France and Slovakia
This visit confirmed a shared conviction: the success of future nuclear programs will depend as much on people as on technology. As Slovakia pursues its nuclear ambitions, cooperation with experienced international partners will be essential to ensure the availability of the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise in the coming decades.
For I2EN, its members, and its partners, this dialogue opens up promising prospects for enhanced cooperation with Slovak universities, institutions, and stakeholders. By developing academic partnerships, supporting mobility, and promoting excellence in nuclear education, France and Slovakia can work together to train the next generation of nuclear professionals and strengthen Europe’s capacity to achieve its long-term goals for sustainable, decarbonized, and reliable electricity.