The controversial taxonomy regulation will come into force on 1 January, making nuclear energy eligible for funding. Experts see little chance for Austria’s lawsuit.
The facts speak for themselves: the consequences of the Chernobyl reactor accident in 1986 are still being felt. The problem of nuclear waste storage remains unsolved. All reputable studies clearly show that new nuclear power plants do not help to combat climate change due to the long planning and construction times. So clear so far. And yet nuclear energy in the EU is considered “green” and sustainable from 1 January.
Kneel, attention, hope for renewed help
How could this happen? France in particular has insisted, President Emmanuel Macron is considered a strong supporter of nuclear energy. It was he who proposed Ursula von der Leyen as a compromise candidate for the office of President of the European Commission and thus lifted her to the right seat in Brussels. Many are now talking about kneeling before France, while others are talking about von der Leyen’s trade-off in taxonomy. There is also speculation that the German wants to position himself for a second term and hopes again for Macron’s favour.
The fact is now that nuclear energy, like gas, is classified as climate-friendly – and therefore deserves support. “In its current form, the taxonomy is a greenwashing for hazardous nuclear energy and climate-damaging natural gas. And it hurts consumer confidence. If it says ‘green’ on it, it must be ‘green’ inside – that is not the case with this taxonomy,” said Austrian Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens).
Minister: “We have good arguments”
She has filed a complaint with the European Court of Justice. However, it will take some time before a decision is made, “realistically a year”, according to the ministry. Experts give the domestic challenge only small opportunities anyway. Certainly not in terms of content – if so, one can only hope for a legal-formal error, it is said. Minister Leonore Gewessler is much more confident: “The process is still ongoing – and we will see it through to the end. Because we have good arguments and people deserve transparency.”
Source: Krone
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