The EU Commission is facing a backlash over plans to label natural gas and nuclear power as green energy sources. A number of European Union states have come out against the move which would alter which energy projects are recognised as environmentally sustainable. Whereas France and Poland have expressed support for the new EU Commission position, Austria has threatened to take Brussels to court.

       Euronews' Brussels reporter Christopher Pitcher said: "The first EU fight of 2022 has one name, taxonomy.

       Plans by the European Commission to label nuclear power natural gas as green energy sources has kick-started the year with a bang, leaving member states divided over the decision.

       "The so-called EU taxonomy is the block's classification system for investments in the energy sector, used to give investors appropriate definitions for which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable.

       "but climate activists say the decision sends the wrong signal to the market.

       Greenpeace EU programme director Magda Stoczkiewic told Euronews: "Nuclear it's more than only toxic waste and the fact that we don't have a solution for storing it.

       "It is of course the extraction of uranium and use of uranium."

       "Paris and Warsaw say they support the Commission's plans with France already heavily reliant on nuclear power," continued Mr Pitcher.

       "The fiercest opposition comes from Austria, Luxembourg, Germany, and Spain with Vienna thing is ready to sue Brussels over the decision.

       Ms Stoczkiewic added: "It's also, the economic costs, these are very costly installations and nuclear is very costly and that's why no one would build it from completely private money.

       "That's why governments are supporting it, but it will lock in the investments in renewables.

       "So instead of being a transition, it will just be a lock-in."

       Mr Pitcher added: The commission is expected to submit its final decision for approval later this month, after which objections can be made.

       DON'T MISS:

       Brexit LIVE: Money flooding into UK as City doing 'very well' [LIVE]

       Prince Charles stressed Commonwealth 'vital' to humanity's future [REVEAL]

       'We lost!' Remain voter Edwina Currie backs Brexit UK to do very well [REPORT]

       "But it would take at least 20 EU countries to block the proposal or a majority of MEPs, something that's unlikely to happen," he continued.

       "For Greenpeace though the fight is not over yet."

       Ms Stoczkiewic concluded: "I don't think it's a lost battle.

       "It has a high majority that is needed, but it's not a lost battle."