Germany advocated a ban on uranium imports from Russia for nuclear power plants, – Politico/semeyainasy
Germany supported the decision of the European Union to impose sanctions on the import of uranium from Russia. It is the fuel for power reactors at nuclear power plants.
This was reported to journalists by 5 EU diplomats at once. Four of them said that sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry were discussed at a meeting of EU ambassadors with representatives of the European Commission, which took place this week.
Baltics.
How “uranium” sanctions against Russia can help
This step will significantly reduce the supply of uranium to the aggressor country. And uranium is the fuel for nuclear power plant reactors and new nuclear projects run by Rosatom's Paris-based subsidiary.
The German ambassador on Wednesday announced Berlin's new position, saying that they not only agree with oil sanctions, but actively support a phase-out of oil, and not just a price cap and a ban on Russian uranium. – said one of the EU diplomats.
The fact that Germany does not oppose this decision makes the imposition of these sanctions very likely. Many MEPs have also asked for nuclear energy to be included in EU sanctions.
For Germans, Austrians and others, it is important that the EU reduce its energy dependence on Russia everywhere. This includes a ban on the import of Russian nuclear fuel, another EU diplomat said.
The EU is working on a sixth round of sanctions
The European Commission is currently working on proposals for a sixth round of sanctions against Russia. Details will be discussed with the EU countries in the coming days. However, it is not yet clear when sanctions on nuclear imports may be imposed.
It should be noted that the EU imports almost all of its uranium. About 20% comes from Russia, which makes it the second largest EU supplier after Niger.
Experts believe that the imposition of sanctions against a subsidiary of Rosatom in Western Europe will be a particularly sensitive issue for the recently re-elected French president Emmanuel Macron. France has a large nuclear energy sector and cooperates with Rosatom.
New set of sanctions against Russia: highlights
- The EU is currently working on the sixth set of sanctions against Russia. Most likely, the new restrictions will include a certain ban on the import of Russian oil and the disconnection of a number of Russian banks from SWIFT.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on the European Commission for a complete oil embargo against Russia.
- Previously, it was Germany was perhaps the main opponent of the embargo on Russian oil, however, in recent days, reports have begun to appear that the country has changed its position. In recent weeks, Germany has rapidly moved to alternative energy sources.
- At the same time, the intrigue remains – in the US and the EU, they are worried that the oil embargo could lead to a significant increase in oil prices.
- Russian Sberbank is also likely to be included in the 6th package of sanctions against Russia being prepared by the European Union. At least in the EU, they are discussing how to disconnect it from SWIFT.
