France Declares Nuclear Energy ‘Non-Negotiable’

Following Franco-German disagreements on the role of nuclear energy in Europe, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire declared Thursday that French nuclear power is an absolute red line and ‘non-negotiable’.

Nuclear-reliant Paris has already irritated Berlin by insisting on the prominent role of nuclear energy in European aspirations to create more green technology in Europe.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said, “Nuclear power is an absolute red line for France, and France will not relinquish any of the competitive advantages linked to nuclear energy”.

France’s 56 older reactors generally supply over 70 percent of the country’s electrical needs.

Finance Minister stated, “French nuclear power is and will be non-negotiable. We will have to live with it, and we are convinced that it is not only in France’s interest but also in the interest of the European continent”.

Earlier in the discussion, German state secretary for economic affairs and climate action Stefan Wenzel recognized that France and Germany often have different approaches to energy policy, particularly with regard to nuclear energy.

Germany respects diverging choices for other fossil fuel energy sources by other member states such as France that may similarly contribute to achieving climate neutrality”, Finance Minister continued.

He went on to say, “What we cannot accept is when nuclear energy is defined as renewable, or low carbon hydrogen is equated with green hydrogen”.

Germany turned off its last three nuclear reactors in April, leaving nuclear power even as it strives to wean itself off fossil fuels and manage an energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

While many Western countries are increasing their investments in atomic energy to cut emissions, Germany ended its nuclear age early.

Bruno Le Maire said, “Germany has indicated that it will respect French energy choices, which is good news”.

“We have always respected German choices, and as Minister of the Economy and Finance, it would never occur to me to criticize the energy choices of this or that nation”, Bruno Le Maire added.

Also read: Volodymyr Zelensky Shocked By United Nations Inaction On Dam Collapse