Nuclear disagreement resolved between Merz and Macron, with both leaders warning Putin
In a significant development, the first German-French Council of Ministers since the change of government in Berlin has seen both nations move closer together on various economic and security issues. The meeting, held in Toulon, was marked by a notable shift in the long-standing dispute over nuclear power, as both Germany and France now advocate for equal treatment for low-emission energy sources, including nuclear power, on the European level.
France, for instance, has found support from Germany in the use of nuclear power, even at the European regulatory level. In return, France is backing Germany in the development of hydrogen connections to Southwest Europe and a stronger integration of the power grids between the two countries.
Economic policy was another area of focus, with Germany no longer opposing the use of nuclear power by France. The two nations also discussed the development of European Preference Regulations for central and strategically important areas of industrial production, including public procurement, to favor European manufacturers.
The council also addressed geopolitical matters, with both France and Germany planning to advocate for new sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin in the G7 and the EU. These sanctions are intended to target companies from third countries that support Russia's war against Ukraine. France and Germany are open to collaborating with the USA in this regard.
The planned agreement on the air combat system FCAS has faced a setback, with a new target date of the turn of the year. Meanwhile, both sides assured Ukraine of further aid in air defense in the face of continuing Russian attacks.
The joint statement did not mention the deployment of ground troops in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement. However, the French President has announced new consultations of the coalition of the willing to discuss this topic.
In addition, the council discussed the promotion of AI talent and AI programs in both countries, as well as the simplification of procedures and approvals in Europe to ease the burden on companies without compromising standards. An industrial electricity price support mechanism for energy-intensive industries is also being considered, aiming for an unbureaucratic and flexible implementation.
The council was overshadowed by the government crisis in France, with French Prime Minister François Bayrou expected to lose a vote of confidence on September 8 and the government falling. Despite this, the meeting marked a positive step forward in German-French relations, with President Macron getting along much better with Olaf Scholz's successor, Friedrich Merz, than with his predecessor.
Germany and France are also supported by several other European Union member states in developing new, smaller nuclear reactor types, particularly within collaborative frameworks like the Generation IV International Forum. This initiative involves 11 countries led by the USA focused on advancing reactor technology, which likely includes France and Germany's cooperation with some of these nations.
In conclusion, the German-French Council of Ministers in Toulon has seen both nations align on various issues, from nuclear power and sanctions to AI and simplified procedures, signifying a strengthening of their economic and security partnership. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, however, remains a significant concern, with both nations prepared to provide further aid and tighten sanctions against Russia.
