Government consultations: Merz and Macron end nuclear dispute – and threaten Putin

Germany and France are closer together in economic and security policy. Both governments largely attached their long dispute over the use of nuclear power to the Council of Ministers in Toulon. At European level, they now want to come to equal treatment of low -emission energy sources, including nuclear energy. In view of persistent Russian attacks, Ukraine ensured further help in air defense and threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with new sanctions.

“So the Franco-German engine started again,” said Merz after the meeting. “A clear look for reality and the best will to shape it is the spirit of Toulon for me (…).”

Macron speaks of “European milestone”

Macron commented similarly. “When France and Germany decide to go together, then the rhythm of all of Europe changes,” he commented on the encounter. “In Toulon, not only our friendship is confirmed. It is a European milestone that is achieved.”

However, the meeting was overshadowed by the government crisis in France. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and half the German cabinet met a French government in Toulon, which may soon be no longer in office. France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou will ask the question of trust on September 8. It is expected to lose it and the government fall. French President Emmanuel Macron is not directly affected, but is politically weakened by the crisis.

Macron and Merz get along

It was the first so-called Franco-German Council of Ministers since the change of government in Berlin in May. Already on his inaugural visit to Paris, Merz and Macron conjured up a restart in Franco-German relationships. Macron understands Merz much better than with his predecessor Olaf Scholz (SPD), to which the ratio remained hypothermic until the end. Both welcomed themselves in Toulon with an intimate hug. “Politics are made by humans and not of institutions,” said Merz at the joint press conference.

So far, Merz and Macron have hardly been able to clear differences. This is now changing to the first places and the Franco-German Council of Ministers on Economic and Security Policy in Fort du Cap Brun from the 19th century above the Mediterranean.

Nuclear cleaning of the most important economic decision

The focus was on economic policy, to which a long agenda was decided. Despite different models – France relies on an expansion of nuclear energy, while Germany has switched off all nuclear power plants – both no longer want to stand in the way of energy policy, but rather support.

Specifically, this means that Germany no longer opposes the use of nuclear energy by France, for example at the level of European regulations. The French are not concerned with funding for nuclear systems from EU funds, but funding for research projects for the development of new, smaller reactor types.

Germany, in turn, assures that France is supported in the establishment of hydrogen compounds to Southwest Europe and a stronger integration of the power grids between Germany and France. This was also lashed in the fundamental agreement made in Toulon in Southern France.

Further decisions on AI and industrial flow

These are the other resolutions in the economic sector:

Industrial flow price: In order to support energy-intensive industries, the possibility of an industrial flow price should be made possible in an unbureaucratic and flexible manner. E-European preference regulations: In central and strategically important areas of industrial production, including public procurement, regulations for preference for European manufacturers are to be developed. AI programs in both countries are to be expanded. Reduction of bureaucracy and regulation in Europe: Processes and approvals are to be simplified in order to relieve companies without giving up standards. New legal provisions are intended to simplify existing requirements and relieve the approval authorities.

“Maximum pressure” on Russia

Ukraine was the most important security policy topic. “Despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no willingness to end his war of aggression against Ukraine,” says a joint explanation.

Therefore, in addition to increased military aid, the tightening of punitive measures in order to exert “maximum pressure” on Russia are considered ending the war against Ukraine. France and Germany would work for this in the G7 and the EU. The sanctions should also be directed against companies from third countries who supported the Russian war against Ukraine. “We are ready to force Russia back to the negotiating table with the United States,” said Macron.

The two countries also ensure security guarantees to Ukraine, but initially limited them to the support of the Ukrainian armed forces. There is no question in the joint explanation in the case of an armistice or peace agreement. However, the French President announced new consultations from the coalition of the willing, the supporters of Ukraine, in which the sending of troops should also be an issue in the next few days.

Dampers in security policy

In security policy, however, there was also a damper before the meeting. The intended agreement failed on the Aircraft system FCAS. The new target brand is now the turn of the year. In Paris there is talk of “temporary difficulties” that would have to be overcome. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) now wants to invite the countries involved to clarify to Berlin in October.