Energy ministers from European Union member states are convening in Luxembourg on Tuesday in an attempt to break the deadlock over the reform of the European electricity market, which stems from disagreements among member states regarding support for nuclear energy.
Berlin warns that any provision in the new law allowing support for nuclear energy prices will distort competition in the European Union in favor of countries that produce large amounts of electricity from nuclear power, such as France.
The dispute reflects the division within the European Union between countries that rely on nuclear energy to reduce dependence on imported energy and curb carbon emissions and others that reject nuclear energy altogether.
The planned reform aims to enhance consumer protection in the European Union against sharp fluctuations in electricity prices, as witnessed last year when prices surged temporarily following a reduction in Russian gas exports to Europe due to the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Efforts to reform the European electricity market focus on long-term contracts between governments and electricity producers, supported by the state when electricity prices fall below the agreed-upon level.
The goal is to encourage clean electricity production by ensuring investment returns.
Time pressure has become an additional factor for EU countries to reach a common stance that would enable them to enter negotiations with the European Parliament regarding the details of the reforms that must become law with parliamentary approval before implementation.
The European Union’s efforts to reform its electricity market reflect the complex challenges posed by the diversity of energy sources and policies among member states. The debate over supporting nuclear energy highlights the tension between countries seeking to reduce carbon emissions and those relying on nuclear power for energy security.
The reform aims to provide stability in electricity prices and encourage clean energy production while navigating these differences. The urgency to reach a consensus stems from the need to engage in negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the reforms and ensure their effective implementation.
