Germany signals support for nuclear power in EU energy legislation shift

Germany has informed France it will no longer oppose recognising nuclear power as equal to renewable energy in European Union (EU) legislation, according to a report by Reuters. This marks a major shift in Germany’s energy policy under its new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

Historically, Germany and France have held divergent views on nuclear energy. While France relies on nuclear power for around 70 per cent of its electricity, Germany had shut down its reactors, classifying nuclear as low-carbon but not renewable. The new German leadership is now aligning more closely with France’s stance.

The shift follows a joint editorial by Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron in Le Figaro, where both leaders stressed the importance of technological neutrality and fair treatment of all low-carbon energy sources under EU rules. A French official confirmed to Financial Times that Germany’s position had changed.

This new alignment could reshape upcoming EU legislation and funding mechanisms, especially as the European Commission weighs how to support nuclear energy alongside renewables. The move may boost financing for nuclear projects, though issues like high costs and long development timelines remain.