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German Approval Sparks Security Concerns Over French-Russian Nuclear Project

German Approval Sparks Security Concerns Over French-Russian Nuclear Project
German Approval Sparks Security Concerns Over French Russian Nuclear Project · NDTV

German authorities have approved a project between a French company and a Russian state-owned nuclear agency to produce fuel rods in Germany.

The project is controversial because it involves cooperation with Russia, which has invaded Ukraine.

Some German officials and political parties are worried that this project could allow Russia to spy on sensitive nuclear facilities in Germany.

The environment minister who approved the project said he personally disagrees with it but had no legal grounds to reject it.

The project will have strict conditions to limit Russian access to the site.

Key facts

Project Location
Lingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Project Partners
Framatome (France) and Rosatom (Russia)
Project Purpose
Production of fuel rods for Russian-designed reactors
Approval Date
Wednesday (unspecified date)
Approval Authority
Lower Saxony's environment ministry
Key Critic
Christian Meyer, Lower Saxony's environment minister
Sanctions Status
Rosatom exempted from EU sanctions

Quotes

Lower Saxony environment ministry

State ministry of environment

“"We had no legal possibility to reject or put a time limit to the application in the absence of sanctions on Rosatom," said environment minister Christian Meyer.”
NDTV
“"The approval could be revisited if new risks are identified, particularly in the area of national security," added the ministry.”
NDTV

Sources

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