EFA and Fusion Europe align to strengthen Europe’s fusion voice

The European Fusion Association and Fusion Europe have launched a strategic alignment process after EFA’s first General Assembly in Piacenza, Italy, as Europe pushes to turn fusion research into industrial deployment. The move comes ahead of an EU Fusion Strategy that industry leaders say could shape investment, supply chains and Europe’s competitive position.

Why it matters: - Europe’s fusion sector is trying to move from scientific ambition to industrial delivery. - A stronger joint industry voice could improve coordination across the fusion value chain and make policy engagement more coherent. - The timing matters because the forthcoming EU Fusion Strategy may determine whether Europe captures deployment, investment and supply-chain value. - Europe accounts for around 5% of global private fusion funding, while the United States and China together account for more than 85%, based on the Fusion for Energy Fusion Observatory.

What happened: - The European Fusion Association (EFA) and Fusion Europe (FE) announced a new phase in their alignment process following EFA’s first General Assembly in Piacenza, Italy. - Several FE-associated organizations joined EFA ahead of the General Assembly, including Proxima Fusion, Walter Tosto, AVS and INEUSTAR. - EFA members approved governance changes to support the alignment process through EFA’s existing framework. - The General Assembly confirmed the continued mandates of four current Executive Board members, filled two reserved seats with candidates linked to Fusion Europe, and elected one new member to a vacant seat. - Bernard Blanc, director of nuclear development at Assystem, was elected chair of the Executive Board.

The details: - EFA and FE want the alignment process to strengthen coordination across Europe’s fusion ecosystem. - The organizations also want to support more consistent engagement with policymakers and institutions. - EFA adopted a time-limited amendment to its Articles of Association to create two reserved Executive Board seats for eligible candidates linked to Fusion Europe in the 2026 board election. - EFA also heard plans to create an Associations Council so national industry associations can engage with EFA through a more structured route. - The updated board includes Bernard Blanc, Miguel Angel Carrera of AVS, Eric Giguet of Alsymex, Marianna Ginola of SIMIC, Lucio Milanese of Proxima Fusion, Massimiliano Tacconelli of Walter Tosto and Anders Wulff of SUBRA. - EFA said it represents about 70 European companies across the fusion value chain and was established in October 2024. - Fusion Europe is based in Brussels and represents companies across Europe’s private fusion sector.

Between the lines: - The alignment signals a maturing industry that is trying to speak with one voice before policymakers set the next phase of rules and support. - The push also reflects concern that Europe’s scientific base and industrial expertise will not convert into market leadership without faster policy action and better capital formation. - The board changes suggest the two groups want integration without an immediate full merger, using governance changes to build toward a more unified platform. - The call for a bold, actionable and timely EU Fusion Strategy shows industry wants clearer public support for deployment, not just research.

What’s next: - EFA and FE plan to continue working with members, association partners, policymakers and other stakeholders as the alignment process develops. - The European Commission is expected to move from preparation toward implementation of the EU Fusion Strategy. - Industry leaders are pressing for an accompanying action plan that supports deployment, mobilizes investment, strengthens European supply chains and encourages projects to be built in Europe. - EFA said the broader objective is to help position Europe for long-term strategic advantage in fusion.