We have preserved the security and affordability of energy supply and we have defended utility price cuts

The plenary session of the European Parliament (EP) today rejected the left-wing objection to the so-called taxonomy regulation on sustainable activities, removing the obstacle to the EU-level classification of nuclear energy and natural gas as safe and clean energy sources. Fidesz MEPs Edina Tóth, András Gyürk and Enikő Győri welcomed the outcome of the vote. They stressed the need for nuclear and natural gas-based investments to keep energy costs down and achieve climate neutrality in order to maintain the long-term security and affordability of energy supply.

Following the vote, MEP Edina Tóth pointed out that the European and Hungarian left have done everything in their power in recent weeks to deprive nuclear energy and natural gas of green certification in order to enforce their own failed green ideology, but they have not succeeded. “Without nuclear energy and natural gas, the EU would be much more vulnerable to crises like the one we are experiencing now, and the green transition would not be possible, as renewables alone are not yet enough to meet the already increased energy demand and keep energy costs down”, she added.

MEP András Gyürk pointed out that rejecting the left’s objection was the only possible decision. “Europe is in an energy crisis, so we have to say a firm no to any irresponsible proposal that would aggravate the situation. The left attacked energy price cuts and climate protection with their objection. However, thanks to the determined stand of Fidesz MEPs, we were able to successfully block this”, the MEP underlined.

Commenting on the vote, MEP Enikő Győri emphasized that “a lot of private capital is needed to make a green economy a reality. This so-called taxonomy regulation is a guideline for the private sector in making sustainable investments. However, most of our companies still need help to become sustainable and climate-neutral. The costs of this cannot be passed on to citizens and businesses. If the left’s proposal had been implemented, these businesses would never have had the resources to make the transition. We therefore need to get realistic about the rules, otherwise many European companies will not only become unsustainable but will go bankrupt”.