Germany opens door to nuclear cooperation with France

Berlin is seeking to shift its traditionally anti-nuclear stance to support broader European efforts for the energy transition. This opening has been welcomed in Paris but challenged by the coalition partners of the new Chancellor.

Germany’s announced shift toward a more pragmatic position could alter how nuclear energy is treated in EU-level support policies for low-carbon technologies—not only in Brussels but also at institutions like the EIB or the World Bank. This is, however, contingent on the issue not becoming a major source of discord within the ruling coalition.

The tone was set during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Paris on May 7, where the Franco-German duo called to “end all European-level discrimination against low-carbon energy sources, both nuclear and renewable.” Described as a “radical shift,” this abandonment of principled opposition was confirmed by German officials to the Financial Times on May 19. Then, at a Brussels summit on May 22, Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche endorsed the change, stating, as reported by Euractiv: “We are following a different path from France. But every ton of CO₂ avoided is a good thing. We must remain technologically open.”

German cooperation would allow France to push forward several long-standing demands, such as aligning nuclear energy with renewables in support policies for low-carbon technologies—especially in areas like hydrogen production and under the EU Taxonomy. Berlin’s lack of objection could also pave the way for a review of EIB and World Bank policies to enable funding for new nuclear projects.

The “Religious War” Isn’t Over Yet

France’s Industry and Energy Minister, Marc Ferracci, summed up the mood in Paris with relief, telling AFP on May 23 that he welcomed Germany’s willingness “to move beyond the religious war over nuclear power.” He also reiterated France’s aim to obtain treatment equal to that of renewables within the State aid framework.

This wish list sharply contrasted with the stern denial issued the same day by Germany’s Environment and Climate Minister, Carsten Schneider. Speaking to the local press, he dismissed his colleagues’ remarks as “personal opinions,” and reminded the public that the coalition agreement does not authorize the government to take an official stance on nuclear. A staunch member of the SPD’s hardline wing, Schneider went so far as to say he “could not seriously call such technology sustainable.”

The war of words underscores the difficulty the new Chancellor will face in building a domestic consensus around clear nuclear ambitions. In terms of foreign policy, abstention may be useful—but it won’t be enough to go beyond symbolic declarations and enable concrete financial measures. ■