Thaw in relations: Merz and Macron announce closer energy cooperation and end to nuclear dispute

France and Germany agreed on Friday to better integrate their energy markets and find a common position on EU climate legislation. After years of bitter disputes over energy policy, this marks a significant thaw in bilateral relations. Both countries intend to end their long-running disputes, particularly over nuclear power, and step up cooperation on cross-border interconnections and EU legislation.

The renewed rapprochement between the EU's two largest economies came at a ministerial meeting in Toulon, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Both leaders gave political backing to a new cross-border power line as well as the long-delayed southwestern hydrogen network linking Spain, Portugal, France and Germany.

The Toulon summit took place after years of disagreements over energy policy. At the heart of the disputes were traditionally subsidies for energy-intensive industry, as well as completely opposing views on nuclear energy. The outcome of the 25th meeting of the Franco-German Council of Ministers is now an effort to “settle political differences and support joint initiatives that can serve as a model for broader cooperation within the EU”, according to a press release.