The European Commission proposes that investments in nuclear energy be recognized as green until 2045

The European Comission proposed that investments in nuclear energy and natural gas are considered sustainable in the ecological transition, as he said this Saturday, after announcing that this Friday he began consultations in this regard with EU countries and experts from the Sustainable Finance Platform.

“Taking into account scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as the different challenges towards the transition between Member States, the Commission considers that there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means of facilitating transition towards a future based predominantly on renewables, “said the Community Executive.

Brussels intends to approve the delegated act this January after consulting with European governments and experts, but for it to enter into force, the proposal will have to receive the approval of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

The Community Executive has been delaying the proposal in recent weeks and it was not until the middle of last week, in its last meeting prior to the Christmas break, when it held a debate on the call “taxonomy“.

In its proposal, the Commission proposed that they receive the green label the investments in nuclear power plants who receive the building permit before 2045 and that it is also considered sustainable natural gas as long as it comes from renewable energies or has low emissions in 2035.

Member States are divided on the role that these two energy sources should play in the transition to climate neutrality that Brussels wants to achieve in 2050.

France leads the group of countries that want nuclear energy to be considered sustainable, while Germany opposes this, although Berlin is in favor of natural gas investments receiving the green label during the transition.

Spain, but nevertheless, opposes that investments in either of the two sources at stake are rated as sustainable investments.

Member States and experts from the Sustainable Finance Platform will have until January 12 to send your contributions to Brussels.

Afterwards, the text must be approved by simple majority in the European Parliament and by qualified majority in the CouncilIn other words, it must be approved by at least 20 EU countries and representing 65% of the EU population.