Nuclear Energy: A Point of Contention Between France and Germany

Nuclear energy, a long-standing source of discord between France and Germany, is increasingly becoming a point of division within the ruling coalition in Berlin. The CDU conservatives favor nuclear power, while the SPD social democrats oppose it. With Germany having closed its last nuclear power plants in 2023, the focus has shifted to French nuclear energy, as well as that of other European states that have chosen to embrace atomic power. The primary concern is that German taxpayers’ money might indirectly contribute to financing nuclear energy through the European Union budget.

This issue is expected to be on the agenda during the meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for July 23 in Berlin. The meeting is intended to prepare for the Franco-German Council of Ministers planned for the end of August.

France has long advocated for nuclear energy not to be penalized in Brussels, as it accounts for nearly 70% of its primary energy production. After years of intense debate between Berlin and Paris, there was hope for a change in direction with the return of conservatives to power in Germany, with Friedrich Merz presenting himself as a strong supporter of nuclear energy. The CDU-CSU program during the campaign indicated a desire to “maintain the option of nuclear energy” by focusing on fourth and fifth-generation reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and fusion technology. The text even emphasized the intention to “examine the recommissioning of the last closed nuclear power plants.”

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