The member states of the European Union are divided into two relatively equal camps regarding the promotion of nuclear energy. On Monday, EU countries were sharply divided on the issue at the Council of Energy Ministers, with the pro-nuclear camp, which also includes Romania, led by France and the other by Germany and Austria. In particular, 12 states signed a pro-nuclear declaration, 13 countries signed a document on renewable energy sources, three abstained, and one is playing in both camps.

This misunderstanding among EU states over nuclear energy has led to delays in European policy-making over the past year, Reuters reports. EU states have argued over the idea that nuclear power will help meet carbon emissions targets.

What are the camps of supporters and against nuclear energy

A group of 12 pro-nuclear EU countries, led by France, is calling for stronger EU policies and urging Brussels to recognize the importance of nuclear power in the energy balance through concrete projects and funding.

In this sense, 12 states signed the joint declaration of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden. Italy participated in the pro-nuclear meeting, but did not sign the declaration.

The opposite camp, led by Germany and Austria, wants Brussels to promote renewable energy more. In particular, focus on investments in green energy, not to mention nuclear energy. On this occasion, the declaration was signed by Germany, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Cyprus, Lithuania and Belgium, which presides over the EU, have not signed any of the declarations. The Netherlands signed both.

Nuclear alliance and mini-reactors

The 12-nation nuclear alliance was created amid a growing row between France and countries that want more EU policies to promote nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source, as well as countries such as Germany and Spain, which I say do not have use this type of energy. put on a par with renewable sources.

This alliance relies heavily on nuclear mini-reactors.

Romania is at the forefront of EU efforts for small nuclear reactors that could turn the EU bloc into a leader in clean technology, although they have not yet been tested, POLITICO reports in a report in Doicesti, where a new power plant will replace an old TPP. which will produce electricity using American SMR technology.