The Green politician is wrestling with France over the role of nuclear power in European energy policy.
(Photo: imago images/Political Moments)
Bruno Le Maire is the French Minister of Finance and Economy. This means he has two important contacts in the red-green-yellow federal government, with each of whom he has a central problem in common: Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner from the FDP opposes the desire in Paris to soften European debt rules. The French are wrestling with the Greens’ Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, over the question of what role nuclear power should play in European energy policy.
Success in the European Union always depends on Germany and France pulling together. The problem is that both countries have crossed paths on two fundamental issues over the past few months. The debt rules are about fiscal stability in the EU and the euro zone, but also about the scope for member states to invest in the future. Ultimately, the conflict over nuclear energy also raises the question of how Europe intends to make its economy more climate-friendly.
Lindner had already traveled to the French capital for his inaugural visit in December. The meeting with Le Maire did little to bring the different positions in Germany and France closer to the fiscal pact.
Nuclear power: No thanks or Oui, s’il vous plait?
Even Habeck, who is coming to Paris on Monday for his first visit as a minister, will probably only be able to ascertain that the differences on the nuclear issue continue. Before his trip, the Green politician made it clear again that he rejects the inclusion of nuclear energy in the green investment rules in the EU. For Paris, this aspect of the taxonomy was non-negotiable. Habeck also positioned himself against new reactor concepts such as mini-nuclear power plants, on which France has high hopes.
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Behind the full-bodied promises of a green economy, which both governments are making, there are, on closer inspection, conflicts that can hardly be resolved. This could end up undermining the ambitious goals in the EU.
More: Europe’s leading power – how Macron’s France is fundamentally changing the EU