Germany has formally objected to the European Union's proposal to member states on pathways (options) for moving away from the use of fossil fuel sources, coming forward with its own, highly controversial proposal.

The Minister for Economic Affairs, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Germany, stated in a letter to the EU: "As a representative of the federal government, I reiterate my rejection of nuclear energy." The European Union's largest country considers atomic energy to be risky and expensive, as well as unsustainable.

 

Although Germany plans to transition to the use of so-called green hydrogen, the letter states that the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 is unrealistic.

Instead, Germany wants the EU to allow member states to set their own climate targets after 2036, viewing these goals as "guidelines", providing the flexibility to apply them in different ways to develop the best method for transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.