Germany Aligns With France on Nuclear Power in EU Policy Shift

Germany, under new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has shifted its longstanding opposition to treating nuclear power on par with renewable energy in European Union legislation, aligning more closely with France's position. This policy reversal marks a significant change from former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's stance and could ease the adoption of EU energy policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The shift comes amid concerns over reliability issues with solar and wind energy, highlighted by recent power grid failures in Portugal and Spain, prompting a broader European reconsideration of nuclear power's role in ensuring stable, low-carbon energy. France continues to strongly advocate for nuclear energy, which comprises around 70% of its energy mix, and recently granted state-owned EDF favorable loans to develop new reactors, reinforcing its commitment to nuclear power. While Germany has ended its own nuclear power era by shutting down its last plants in 2023, the new approach opens opportunities for other EU countries to build nuclear facilities and supports technological neutrality in the EU's energy framework. However, some EU members, like Austria, remain opposed to equating nuclear with renewables, and challenges persist regarding financing, development timelines, and public acceptance of nuclear energy within the bloc.