Germany Approves Factory Use for Controversial French-Russian Nuclear Project

German authorities approved a controversial French-Russian nuclear project after a fuel-rod company sought permission for work at a plant in Lingen, Lower Saxony. The joint venture, involving a Framatome subsidiary (ANF) and Russia’s Rosatom, would produce fuel rods for Russian-designed reactors. Critics say the close involvement with Rosatom—sanctioned in some EU rounds but exempt in others—could increase risks of spying and sabotage. Lower Saxony approved the application but limited Russian staff site access, while the approval could be revisited if new security risks emerge.