Germany approves Russian-linked nuclear fuel plant

In late July 2026 Germany’s federal and Lower Saxony environmental ministries granted permission for the Lingen plant to produce nuclear fuel rods using Russian‑origin technology. The decision triggered immediate criticism from environmental groups and political parties, who argued that the move deepened Europe’s dependence on Russian nuclear expertise and raised security concerns.

The following day, officials detailed the project’s structure: the plant will be run by Advanced Nuclear Fuels, a subsidiary of France’s Framatome, and will rely on a licence and know‑how from Rosatom’s TVEL unit. Conditions imposed include a ban on Russian staff, external safety audits of TVEL equipment and anti‑espionage measures. Critics across Europe reiterated worries that the approval masks continued reliance on Russian technology, while reports of Russian specialists arriving for equipment installation added to the controversy.