Germany has taken a courageous step in the opposite direction in its abandonment of nuclear energy. This move represents a major departure from the long-standing policy established under the last Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. This amendment would bring Germany into line with its neighbour France. France has been a country that has historically championed nuclear power as the bedrock of its energy policy.
Now, under Merz’s new government, Germany is reexamining its past position. Next door, the country is rethinking its decision to close all of the nation’s nuclear power plants. European countries have been moving quickly to rethink energy policies. They’re taking these actions in order to fulfill ambitious climate targets and improve their energy independence. A spokesperson from Germany’s economy ministry declined to comment on the European Commission’s nuclear energy-friendly report. This decision underscores how sensitive and far-reaching the effects of this stealthy policy change are.
In the past, the former German federal administration recognized atomic as low-carbon, but not renewable. Perhaps the biggest shift is within Germany itself. They will now join the new classifying of nuclear power alongside renewable energy sources in European Union legislation. This historic pivot demonstrates the increasing acceptance of nuclear energy as an important partner in reducing carbon emissions and reaching our climate goals.
France currently produces around 70% of its energy from nuclear power. The country has repeatedly asserted their commitment to the integral role of atomic power in a sustainable energy future. For years, Germany and France have disagreed over the promotion of nuclear energy as a viable solution to meet CO₂ emissions targets. Germany’s recent agreement to join France in solidarity raises a more encouraging possibility—that much of Europe is shifting in favor of nuclear acceptance.
Germany’s prospective change of heart is part of a broader trend among European nations. Belgium has announced that it will reverse its planned phase-outs of nuclear power. At the same time, countries in Central Europe and Sweden are advancing plans to construct new nuclear reactors. Taken together, these initiatives reflect an exciting agreement that we need clean, affordable, and dependable energy.
As of March 2025, France was doing very well. They provided Électricité de France (EDF) with a preferential loan to partly cover the costs for six new EPR2 nuclear reactors. This loan will pay for at least 50% of the new projects’ costs. It further demonstrates France’s deep commitment to growing its nuclear capabilities.
Germany’s change in attitude towards nuclear energy represents a notable departure from its earlier policy and signifies an important moment in Europe’s energy landscape. As countries across the globe take stock of their energy mixes in the wake of climate pledges and net-zero commitments, if Germany remains aligned with France, it could spark broader acceptance of nuclear power throughout the EU.