Nuclear power is key to EU energy independence, Macron says at summit

Nuclear power is key to achieving European energy independence, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the opening of today’s Paris summit on the civil use of nuclear energy. Europe must harmonise its standards, better interconnect its energy market and consolidate its state aid framework, Macron said, according to AFP. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also spoke in support of nuclear power. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Europe’s recent move away from nuclear energy as a mistake.

"Nuclear power is the key to achieving energy independence while also ensuring energy sovereignty, decarbonisation and, with it, carbon neutrality by 2050, competitiveness and, with that, new jobs in our economy," AFP quoted the president as saying in his speech.

According to Macron, the European Union has significant shortcomings, for example in its inconsistent support for nuclear power. Under the EU taxonomy, which is crucial for supporting energy sources, nuclear power is currently classified as a transitional green source. France and several other countries, including the Czech Republic, are seeking for it to be designated a long-term source. However, Germany and Austria, among others, oppose the use of nuclear power.