"Nuclear and natural gas energy plants could be counted as green energy under controversial EU plans just unveiled.

The European Commission says it has decided that both types of energy can classify as sustainable investment if they meet certain targets.

But the move has divided the EU, and been fiercely opposed by some members.

Austria's chancellor responded to the news by saying nuclear power is neither green nor sustainable.

'I cannot understand the decision of the EU,' Karl Nehammer said.

He said he would back his environment minister, Leonore Gewessler, in pursuing legal action at the European Court of Justice if the plans go ahead. But those objections are balanced by support from nuclear-using nations such as France.

Classifying natural gas as sustainable also has supporters who argue some countries which still rely on coal for energy - such as Poland - would benefit from incentives to move to a relatively cleaner supply."