In the European Union, discussions have begun on banning the import of nuclear fuel from Russia for nuclear power plants and projects involving a subsidiary of Rosatom, according to Politico,
KYIV. UkraineGate , 30 , April , 2022 | Economy
Details
As stated, Germany supported the demands for sanctions on uranium imports from Russia and other parts of Vladimir Putin’s civilian nuclear industry due to his invasion of Ukraine, five EU diplomats told the publication.
“Such a move could hit the supply of uranium, which is the fuel for Russia’s nuclear reactors, as well as new nuclear projects managed by Rosatom’s Paris-based subsidiary in Western Europe,” the paper said.
Four diplomats said sanctions against Russia’s nuclear industry had been discussed at a meeting with EU and European ambassadors earlier this week, with Poland and the Baltic states leading calls for action.
“The German ambassador on Wednesday announced a new position for Berlin, saying that they not only agree with oil sanctions, but also actively support the phasing out of oil, not just price restrictions, and a ban on Russian uranium,” said one EU diplomat. .
The fact that Germany, the EU’s economic hub, has now backed the move is said to make the move much more likely. Many MEPs also asked to include nuclear energy in the EU sanctions list.
“It is important for Germans, Austrians and others that the EU reduces its energy dependence on Russia everywhere. This includes a ban on imports of Russian nuclear fuel. This is not a problem for them,” the EU diplomat said.
It is unclear when sanctions on nuclear imports into the EU could be imposed. But, as stated, any step against the Russian nuclear industry will not be painless for Europeans. The EU imports almost all of its uranium from outside the bloc. About 20 percent comes from Russia, making it the second largest supplier to the EU after Niger.
Sanctions against Rosatom’s Paris-based subsidiary are expected to be a particularly sensitive issue for newly elected French President-elect Emmanuel Macron. France has a large nuclear power sector and is working closely with Rosatom on several projects through the partially state-owned EDF.
“Some countries … are concerned about nuclear safety. Some precautionary measures will be needed. But there are certainly things that can be sanctioned that are not directly related to nuclear cooperation,” said a senior EU diplomat.
Addition
The European Commission is working on proposals for a sixth package of sanctions against Russia, including potential measures against oil imports . Details are expected to be discussed with EU countries in the coming days, as European governments seek to increase pressure on Putin by cutting revenues from energy exports that finance his invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Ukrgate
