EU summit

Flagship energy union project risks being stillborn

EU heads of state and government will meet for a summit on Thursday and Friday, with proposals for a European energy union and relations with Russia at the top of the agenda. Ahead of the summit, Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts said: "The energy union should be a f...

Fukushima anniversary

Time to switch power

Fukushima: Time to switch power source

Climate campaign blog

Today marks the 4th year anniversary of the Fukushima earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. In Japan, the situation is far from being back to normal. The health impacts on the local population have increased and the impacts on the local economy are equally threatening. Despite this catastrophe, which shows once again that this energy source is far too dangerous and costly, some European governments and EU officials are still not bold enough to put an end to it: they continue to bow down to the nuclear lobby, agreeing to give them large direct and indirect subsidies...

From Fukushima to Hinkley

05.03.2015

Dismantling the nuclear argument for a sustainable energy future

An event on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the Fukushima disaster and its impact on Europe. In particular, in view of the recent illegal decision to give permission for massive government subsidy of Hinkley Point - highlighting subsequent environmental and economic consequences as well as creating a precedent across the EU.

Lunch Debate

04.03.2015

Fukushima four years later

Four years after the Fukushima disaster it´s time to take stock: with Tetsunari Iida, executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies and advisor on renewable energy to the Japanese Government.

Energy union

Missed opportunity for promoting real energy transition in Europe

<xml> </xml> The European Commission today presented its proposal for a European energy union, which will be discussed by EU leaders at a summit next month. Commenting on the proposals, Green energy spokesperson Claude Turmes said: "The energy union should be a flagship project for...

Energy union

Greens present vision for a sustainable European energy union

The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament today presented its proposal for a European energy union (1), ahead of anticipated proposals from the European Commission over the coming month. Commenting on the Green energy union paper, Green energy spokesperson Claude Turmes said: "The energy ...

EU investment plan

Nuclear industry can't be bankrolled by EU funds

An initial list of projects proposed by EU member states, which could benefit from funding under the EU investment plan proposed by Jean-Claude Juncker, was today discussed by EU finance ministers. The list includes a disproportionate number of nuclear energy projects (1). Commenting on the list, Gr...

EU climate and energy summit

The 2030 targets: what's at stake?

EU heads of state and government are meeting at a high-level summit today and tomorrow (23-24 October) to decide on the EU's climate and energy policy to 2030. With headline targets on greenhouse gas reductions, renewable energy share and reducing energy consumption set to be decided, the stakes cou...

Nuclear power/state aid

UK's Hinkley deal waved through as Barroso Commission gives nuclear boost with parting shot

The European Commission today gave approval to plans by the UK government to give public support for the construction of a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley, provided certain adjustments are made to the contract (1). Commenting on the reports and the Greens' opposition, UK Green MEP and economics s...

Press Briefing Note

What is the Hinkley Point C (HPC) nuclear subsidy case and why is it so important?

The European Commission plans this Wednesday 8 October to take a final state aid decision on: THE UK’s €20 BILLION OFFER ... The UK government has offered a package of operating subsidies and other measures to enable the construction of two new nuclear power plants at Hinkley Point in SW England. The twin 1600 megawatt reactors would be built and owned by a consortium of four firms, two French and two Chinese, with Électricité de France (EDF) in the lead.

Nuclear power/state aid

UK's Hinkley deal cannot be waved through by EU Commission

Leaked reports indicate the European commissioner in charge of state aid, Joaquín Almunia, is set to recommend approving plans by the UK government to give public support for the construction of a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley (1). Commissioner Almunia was today questioned by Green MEPs on the...