NGOs call on Germany to block 'green' label for nuclear and gas

Environmentalists published an appeal on Friday urging the German government to block a controversial bid by the European Commission to classify certain investments in gas and nuclear power as climate-friendly, reported dpa.

The appeal, signed by an alliance of eight organizations, including Greenpeace and the German branch of Friends of the Earth (BUND), is to be handed over to the three parties that make up the coalition government on Tuesday.

"Gas and nuclear power are not sustainable. The German federal government must not go along with this EU labelling fraud," said Antje von Broock of BUND.

Under the "taxonomy" proposal, investments in new gas-fired power plants would be classified as climate-friendly for a transitional period, something which would benefit Germany in particular in the coming years.

Investments in new nuclear power plants - mainly planned in France - could also be able to be classified as green under certain conditions.

Germany got a new coalition government in December, made up of the Social Democrats (SPD), the Green Party and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP). The EU proposal sparked debate in the country, including among the governing parties.

Earlier in the week, government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said the criteria for classifying gas-fired power plants were "in line with the federal government's position." However, there have been reservations among the Greens.

The planned classification of nuclear energy as a sustainable energy source, on the other hand, has been roundly rejected by all three parties.