EU Urges Members to Keep Nuclear Plants Active Amid Energy Crisis

The European Union is cautioning its members against the premature shutdown of nuclear power plants, according to a draft document reviewed by Reuters. This move is part of broader efforts to secure power supplies as Europe grapples with the impact of the Iran war on energy prices.

The European Commission's upcoming measures aim to reduce electricity taxes and scale up the use of clean technologies. The revised draft suggests maintaining existing nuclear facilities to provide reliable and low-emission electricity, thereby reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously stated that decreasing Europe's nuclear capacity would be a strategic error. Despite public opposition, Germany has completed its nuclear phase-out. Meanwhile, other countries like Spain are reconsidering timelines due to the ongoing energy crisis.