Tensions are brewing between the EU’s two biggest economies and there doesn’t seem to be any easy fixes.
The French and German governments have a serious disagreement over what fuels the EU should classify as ‘green’ ahead of this week’s Council meeting in Brussels. The EU is currently embroiled in a number of long-running disputes over its ambitious green energy goals, with several EU governments objecting to phasing out fossil fuel cars by 2035.
The division is another sign of weakening EU unity over energy policy, as countries break ranks to safeguard their national interests under the guise of decarbonisation.
France is lobbying to classify nuclear energy as ‘green,’ while Germany is seeking a similar classification for hybrid fuels. Germany irked France by taking the unexpected stance of calling for delaying the ratification of the 2035 car ban until it received confirmation that synthetic fuel-powered cars would be exempt.
In recent months, the EU has been under pressure to shore up its ailing green tech sector as protectionist legislation from America, and rising energy prices have thrown manufacturers into turmoil.
Politico has reported that the agenda for the two-day summit, originally meant to focus on foreign policy, has been taken over by the schism. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to meet privately with French President Macron Friday, March 24th in an attempt to settle the matter.
The EU partially conceded to French demands by mentioning certain types of nuclear reactors in recent protectionist measures tailored for the green sector. France is part of a wider seven-country coalition pushing for a more favourable classification of nuclear energy within the EU’s green energy framework.
The ruling German coalition is under internal strain because of EU green energy directives, as experts fear deindustrialisation will lead to worsening economic conditions.
