Finland defends nuclear energy as an "important" part of its energy mix and that of the EU of the future.

MADRID, 26 (EUROPA PRESS)

The Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, has defended the need to keep nuclear energy within the European taxonomy because it is "an important part" of its current and future energy mix, beyond the energy transition process.

In a press conference at the Moncloa Palace together with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, he considers it "important" that nuclear energy is defined within the European energy mix, since it is so in "so many States" of the EU-27.

During her visit to Spain, Marin was asked about her position after Spain opposed the inclusion of nuclear energy in the EU energy taxonomy for the future. In this regard, she recalled that Finland is "on the verge" of completing the construction of a new nuclear power plant that will start producing electricity soon.

This is the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, which has been generating electricity since the end of January and, once fully operational, will produce around 14 percent of the Nordic country's electricity.

Thus, he reiterated that this technology is "an important aspect in Finland" and noted that his country's position is "more critical" with respect to gas, which it considers "only" a fuel for the energy transition period.

However, in view of the discrepancy between the different Member States, he believes that "it will be necessary to reach some kind of understanding or solution on how to use nuclear energy, also in the energy transition".

Regarding Spain's position, he believes that it is "balanced" and will therefore continue to hold talks at that level. "We will continue to talk about European taxonomy over lunch and also about EU fiscal rules," he commented. In his opinion, the EU must be "competitive" in the future and that is why the green transition is "crucial" for "everyone".