EU Countries Set Common Position Ahead of COP29 Amid Nuclear power Disagreements
European Union member states reached a consensus on their common position for COP29 in Azerbaijan during negotiations in Luxembourg on Monday, despite ongoing differences over nuclear energy.
In their final text, EU representatives expressed a desire to “accelerate” the development of “zero and low-emission technologies” without making explicit references to nuclear power. The issue of nuclear energy remains a divisive topic within the EU, particularly between France and Germany.
European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra acknowledged the “well-known differences” among member states on the matter, noting that some countries are clearly in favor of nuclear energy while others oppose it. He emphasized the EU’s “ambition” as the 29th United Nations Climate Conference (November 11-22 in Baku) approaches, which aims to establish a new global financing target for climate initiatives.
Furthermore, the EU member states did not explicitly mention the European Commission’s recommendation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
