"Nuclear technology is an extremely sensitive area. There
can no longer be 'business as usual'," Habeck told ntv
broadcaster on Saturday.
The ministry said including the nuclear sector in the next
sanctions package would take time, but said such measures should
be implemented over transitional periods.
"It is important, however, that we start and do not shy away
from decisive action in this area either," the ministry said.
(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa
Editing by Miranda Murray)
BERLIN, April 17 (Reuters) - Germany is pushing for the
European Union to include the civilian nuclear sector in the
bloc's new sanctions package against Russia, the Economy
Ministry said on Monday.
The European Union in February approved a 10th package of
Russia sanctions on the anniversary of Moscow's invasion of
Ukraine, but hundreds of millions of euros' worth of trade with
Russia's nuclear energy industry has not been directly affected.
"The federal government spoke to the European Commission in
favour of including the civilian nuclear sector. That should be
part of the next sanctions package," the ministry said in a
statement.
All EU countries must agree for the bloc to impose
sanctions, and Hungary has vowed to oppose any curbs on the
Russian nuclear energy industry.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the fact that the
nuclear sector was still given preferential treatment in
sanctions could not be justified.
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