Germany has approved a controversial nuclear fuel project involving Russian technology, reigniting debate over Europe's energy security and its ties to Russia's nuclear sector. At a factory in eastern Germany, a French nuclear company plans to produce fuel assemblies for Russian-designed VVER reactors used across parts of eastern Europe, in cooperation with state-owned Russian nuclear giant Rosatom.

The decision has drawn criticism from politicians and security experts who argue that Europe should reduce its dependence on Russian nuclear technology following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Supporters, however, say the project could help secure fuel supplies for countries that still rely on Russian-built nuclear power plants. As questions over sanctions, energy sovereignty and nuclear security intensify, the project highlights a difficult balancing act for the European Union.