• France and Germany adopt a joint roadmap confirming nuclear energy’s eligibility for EU financing.
• Agreement marks a shift in Berlin’s stance, supporting non-discrimination of nuclear alongside renewables.
• Move sends a strong political signal ahead of EU electricity market reform talks.

At the Franco-German Council of Ministers in Toulon, President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz endorsed a bilateral energy roadmap that recognizes nuclear power as part of Europe’s energy transition.

The document enshrines the principle of “non-discrimination” for nuclear energy in European financing mechanisms, allowing it equal access to transition funds alongside renewables. This represents a notable evolution in Germany’s position, given its nuclear phase-out policy.

The agreement does not alter national strategies but establishes a common stance in Brussels. It could play a decisive role in shaping upcoming negotiations on reforming the EU electricity market.

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For the industry, the decision signals momentum toward a more technology-neutral framework. Several major players, including Electricité de France (EDF) and Framatome, have urged policymakers to provide clearer rules to secure the bankability of projects.

Although Germany is not pursuing new nuclear plants, its support for the principle of neutrality is seen as a strategic political gesture.

Beyond energy, Paris and Berlin also validated joint roadmaps in areas such as trade, industry, digital sovereignty, and defense. Sensitive issues, including the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and the future combat air system, were deliberately left off the agenda.

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