German environmental groups sue over Rosatom partnership at Lingen fuel-rod plant
The BUND and allied NGOs have filed a lawsuit against Lower Saxony, challenging a permit that allows Rosatom to work at the Lingen fuel-rod factory.
A coalition of environmental groups, including BUND, has taken Lower Saxony to the Oberverwaltungsgericht over a licence issued by Green minister Christian Meyer permitting Rosatom to assist at the Lingen fuel-rod plant. The suit alleges that Russian involvement could facilitate espionage, sabotage, and manipulation of production and quality checks, especially as the plant uses Russian-supplied machinery. The groups criticize the EU for exempting the nuclear industry from sanctions, arguing that the plant’s cooperation deepens Europe’s reliance on Russian nuclear technology.
They also claim the environmental impact study was flawed and omitted key information about Rosatom’s role. Restrictions imposed on Rosatom staff, such as a ban on site entry, are deemed insufficient by the plaintiffs. The factory, operated by ANF, a subsidiary of France’s Framatome GmbH, holds an indefinite operating licence despite Germany’s nuclear phase-out, and also processes Russian uranium.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between energy security, environmental safety, and geopolitical risks tied to Russian involvement in Germany's nuclear industry.
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