EU defines nuclear energy and gas as "green investment"

The EU Commission has announced the legislative proposal that includes new rules on the classification of energy investments in member states.

Accordingly, gas and nuclear projects that contribute to the achievement of Europe's climate targets and fulfill various conditions will be included in the list of sustainable investments.

Nuclear power plant investments, which are licensed until 2045, use advanced technologies, do not harm the environment and can dispose of their wastes safely, will be defined as green and sustainable economic activity.

Natural gas investments that received construction permits before the end of 2030, contributed to the transition from coal to renewable energy and emit less than 270 grams of carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour were also included in the said classification.

The EU classification aims to channel private sector investments into activities necessary to achieve climate goals.

Some countries, environmentalists and various non-governmental organizations see the definition of nuclear and natural gas as sustainable and green inconsistent with the EU climate targets and describe it as a "green eyewash".

About 10 countries, led by France, Poland and Hungary, demanded that nuclear energy be included in the green investment classification framework, stating that it is an effective, safe and competitive resource in the fight against climate change.

A group of countries led by Germany wanted natural gas to be considered sustainable in EU investment classification rules for a while.

Countries such as Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark, Portugal and Spain are reacting harshly to the EU's definition of nuclear as climate and environment friendly.

Austria and Luxembourg announced that they will initiate legal proceedings against the regulation in the European Court of Justice.

The Netherlands and Denmark also oppose the adoption of natural gas as sustainable.

In order to reject the legislation in question, 20 member states representing at least 65 percent of the Union's population in the EU Council must oppose it or the majority of MEPs must not approve it.