EU energy policy: Berlin gives up resistance to Paris Pro-Atom course

Germany takes a radical change of course in energy policy at the EU level and gives up resistance to the classification of atomic energy as sustainable. The federal government is facing the side of France that has been promoting such a policy for a long time.

In a joint paper of the governments in Paris and Berlin published at the beginning of the month it says that a Franco-German restart in energy policy will be carried out “which is based on climate neutrality, competitiveness and sovereignty”. This means, for example, to ensure equal treatment at the EU level of all low-emission energies. Nuclear energy is also considered low in emissions.

In the so-called taxonomy, technologies that do not emit a CO2 or are PO2-arm should be preferred, said Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche at a meeting with EU colleagues in Brussels. Taxonomy is a kind of seal of approval for sustainable financial products. Every tonne CO2 saved is good. “We have to be open to technology here,” said the CDU politician.

Atomic power for years a topic of dispute

In taxonomy, the European Union lists areas in which investments can be made to combat climate change. Certain investments in gas or nuclear power plants are also classified there as climate-friendly. Since then, this has caused discussions and criticism, since radioactive garbage is created when using atomic energy. The previous federal government of SPD, Greens and FDP had criticized the climate -friendly classification of investments in nuclear power plants. France is a clear supporter of nuclear power and works on the expansion.

The black and red federal government plans to return to nuclear power in Germany two years after the nuclear phase-out. There is a social consensus, said Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) recently. At Belgium’s departure from his own nuclear phase -out, his ministry reacted with skepticism.

The Green European Member Michael only criticized that the new federal government gave up its negotiating position towards France without need and without consideration. “This sacrifices the interests of renewable energies of the French nuclear lobby.” There should be no naive sellers of central interests for the energy transition and a fair competition, he said.