German carbon dioxide emissions rose slightly in 2012 as the replacement of politically closed nuclear generation cost the country the opportunity to reduce emissions to a record low.

An energy crisis has triggered mass demonstrations, the resignation of the Bulgarian government and cyber attacks on electricity distributor CEZ. A long-running failure to maintain generating capacity underlies the country's problems.

Germany's tax on nuclear fuel was designed 'to siphon off the profits of the nuclear power plant operators', judges in Hamburg have ruled. The tax exceeds government competence and contradicts the country's constitution.

Voters in Bulgaria's referendum have chosen a path of nuclear development for the country's future, although the matter remains with a government that is yet to commit to Belene or an alternative plan for Kozloduy.

Japanese spending on imported fossil fuels soared in the latter part of last year, helping push the country to a trade deficit for the second year in a row. Emissions targets are under revision as most nuclear power plants remain closed.