Why did Germany approve Framatome's nuclear fuel production project with Rosatom despite political concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine?

Germany approved the project because it lacked a legal basis for rejection under its national nuclear laws; the federal and Lower Saxony environment ministries determined that nuclear law is not the appropriate instrument to address concerns about cooperation with a Russian state-owned company — instead, such issues should be handled through EU-wide sanctions, which have not yet been extended to the nuclear sector due to lack of majority support among member states.

What safeguards has Germany imposed on Framatome's Rosatom-linked nuclear fuel production facility?

The approved licence includes specific conditions to mitigate security and sabotage risks: an entry ban for TVEL or Rosatom employees at the German facility, and mandatory external security audits of equipment and fuel rods arriving from Russia.

Germany Approves Framatome Nuclear Fuel Production with Rosatom

Jul 22, 2026

Germany approved Framatome to produce nuclear fuel rods using Russian technology despite geopolitical tensions, aiming to secure energy supply for Eastern European reactors. The approval includes strict security stipulations to mitigate risks associated with the joint venture.

reuters

2026-07-22

Germany Approves Framatome Nuclear Fuel Production with Rosatom

2026-09-11

German environmental group sues to block Rosatom-linked nuclear fuel permit

Germany Approves Framatome Nuclear Fuel Production with Rosatom

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