Exclusive-EU nuclear agency sees some Russia imports up again in 2023 from before Ukraine war

FILE PHOTO: A view shows cooling towers for new third unit at the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant, in Mochovce, Slovakia, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union increased imports from Russia of nuclear fuel and services for the bloc's Russian-designed reactors again in 2023 compared to 2021, the year before Moscow invaded Ukraine, Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) said.

While such imports are not subject to EU sanctions, the bloc aims to reduce its dependence on Moscow. Its overall imports from Russia's nuclear energy industry held steady last year despite rising demand for nuclear power driven by high energy costs and a push to cut carbon emissions.