Observers expect the pro-nuclear stance of Friedrich Merz will help resolve a deadlock over EU climate targets

But although necessary for energy independence, the European Fusion Association admits it’s unlikely to be cheaper than solar or fission

Academic bodies say disarmament and understanding the risks of nuclear war are now top global scientific priorities, alongside issues such as artificial intelligence, health and social inequality

Ultra-rare tritium is needed to jump start fusion reactors. But global supplies are tiny, and most is produced as a byproduct of specific nuclear fission plants concentrated in Canada - a shortage with geopolitical implications

Michel Claessens, who turned whistleblower against the megaproject in 2021, claims it deceived the public by ‘overselling’ fusion. More recently, ITER has dialled down its claims, and Claessens now says it is a ‘worthwhile project’  

At COP28, US climate envoy John Kerry announced a plan to bolster links with other countries to commercialise the as yet unproven technology. Where geopolitical rivals like China fit into this plan remains unclear

The nuclear fusion project at ITER will be cut by €120M, while basic science and health and climate R&D get a bigger than expected top up in 2024