The nuclear energy component of a package aimed at phasing out Russian energy imports into the EU will now probably be released in the autumn, a source within the European Commission said on 17 June.

The energy package as a whole is widely expected to be released this week, but it is understood that it will focus on natural gas and other primary fuel sources, leaving any ban or phasing down of Russian nuclear fuel imports into the EU until the autumn.

The source emphasised that the decision was simply one of sequencing and resourcing, instead of a conscious decision to avoid potentially tough political actions.