
Luxembourg (dpa) – The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that the EU Commission can continue to designate nuclear power and gas as climate-friendly. A lawsuit filed by Austria against this classification was dismissed, as announced by the court in Luxembourg. Austria retains the option to appeal this decision to a higher court within the EU.
EU’s Goal to Foster Sustainable Investments
The taxonomy serves as a quality mark for sustainable financial products, aimed at aiding both businesses and individuals in making sustainable investment choices. Austria argues against the inclusion of nuclear energy and fossil gas, claiming they do not significantly contribute to climate change adaptation. Vienna has accused Brussels of “greenwashing,” suggesting these sources are labeled climate-friendly despite not meeting this standard. Environmental groups supporting Austria have also initiated lawsuits against this classification.
The EU court found no issues with the Commission’s evaluation of nuclear energy and gas, categorizing these economic activities as sustainable under the EU taxonomy regulations.
Furthermore, the regulation allows for transitional economic activities—those for which no viable low-CO2 alternatives exist—to be classified as sustainable. Investments in gas or nuclear power plants that utilize current low-emission technologies are considered climate-friendly.
Judges: Nuclear Energy and Gas Ensure Supply Security
The judges in Luxembourg noted that nuclear energy generation results in minimal greenhouse gas emissions and that reliable alternatives to meet energy demands are currently insufficient.
They also pointed out that gas can aid climate protection by substituting for more harmful coal power plants. The EU climate label is viewed as part of a gradual strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining supply security, as emphasized by the judges.
Following the ruling, Martin Kaiser of Greenpeace Germany described the decision as “a black day for the climate,” arguing that billions would be invested in gas and nuclear instead of propelling the shift towards renewable energy. Greenpeace is pursuing a similar lawsuit before the European Court. (September 10)













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