The European Union is considering extending the next round of sanctions on Russia to explicitly include its civilian nuclear sector. The push comes from Germany, signaling a preference for addressing Russia’s energy infrastructure within the 11th sanctions package. Sources familiar with the matter report the German government urging the European Commission to incorporate civilian nuclear activities into the forthcoming measures.
In Berlin, officials have been clear that this addition should form part of the next sanctions package. The call was echoed by German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, who has repeatedly indicated support for including Russia’s nuclear sector in the new package against Moscow.
The debate over nuclear energy has also featured regional positions. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto spoke with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak by telephone, stressing that Hungary intends to keep obstructing any sanctions targeting Russia’s nuclear energy sector. The exchange underscored the balancing act within the European Union as member states weigh energy security against punitive measures.
Meanwhile, on April 14, Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner responsible for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets, indicated that the European Union is preparing to advance the 11th package of anti-Russian sanctions. Her remarks reflect a broader EU push to coordinate an integrated response that touches on energy, finance, and trade—areas where Russia remains an influential actor.