He said the commission would present a road map for the energy sector in January that will recommend meaures to increase energy efficiency and broaden the use of renewable energy sources, clean hydrocarbons and, "for those who want it", nuclear energy.

"It is for the member states, not the commission, to decide on whether they use nuclear energy. But the community can make a contribution to those that want it, for example on research and on safety," he told an energy conference in Lisbon.

"We cannot hide from the issue. A debate on nuclear energy should not be taboo," the former Portuguese prime minister added.

Under European Union nuclear rules the European Commission, the executive arm of the 25-member bloc, must clear investments for building or renovating nuclear power plants.

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