The EU, which has been grappling with higher energy costs and high reliance on energy imports, should follow the French way with nuclear energy accounting for a large proportion of its energy needs, finance minister Bruno Le Maire said

Mr Le Maire told reporters: “Thanks to the French model we have more independence. And this is key: to be independent.”

Earlier, Mr Le Maire said it is crucial to diversify energy supply and reduce European dependency on gas-exporting countries as fast as possible.

France has 56 commercial nuclear power reactors – the second highest number behind the US – that generate about 70% of its electricity, the greatest share of any country.