Diplomats Merz and Macron resolve nuclear standoff, issue warning towards Putin

In a significant development, the German-French Council of Ministers meeting in Toulon marked the first such gathering since the change of government in Berlin in May. This meeting served as a platform for both nations to discuss and align their positions on various global issues, with a particular focus on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

One of the key decisions made was Germany's agreement to no longer oppose France's use of nuclear power at the European regulatory level. This move signifies a step towards equal treatment for low-emission energy sources, including nuclear power, on the European level, a goal shared by both governments.

France and Germany have also agreed to advocate for increased sanctions against Russia in the G7 and the EU. These sanctions would target companies from third countries that support Russia's war against Ukraine. New sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin have been threatened, as both nations show no willingness to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the tightening of sanctions is being considered to exert "maximum pressure" on Russia to end the war.

Economic policy was a significant focus of the meeting, with a long joint agenda agreed upon. To support energy-intensive industries, the possibility of an industrial electricity price has been enabled in an unbureaucratic and flexible manner. In central and strategically important areas of industrial production, regulations should be developed to favor European manufacturers.

The promotion of AI talent and AI programs in both Germany and France should be expanded. The French are seeking funding for research projects to develop new, smaller reactor types, not EU funding for nuclear power plants. Germany has assured France of its support in building hydrogen connections to Southwest Europe and a stronger integration of the power grids between Germany and France.

Procedures and approvals should be simplified to relieve companies without compromising standards. This decision is aimed at providing a less bureaucratic environment for businesses.

Both Germany and France have pledged further aid to Ukraine in response to ongoing Russian attacks, focusing on air defense. The two countries also provide security guarantees to Ukraine, initially limited to supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

There is no mention of the deployment of ground troops in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement in the joint statement, but the French president has announced new consultations of the coalition of the willing in the coming days, where the deployment of troops will also be a topic.

The dispute over the use of nuclear power between Germany and France has been largely set aside, and the two nations have agreed to move closer together in economic and security policy. The planned agreement on the air combat system FCAS has failed, and the new target is now the turn of the year.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Macron have a better relationship than Merz had with his predecessor Olaf Scholz, which is expected to facilitate closer cooperation between the two nations. The joint statement issued at the end of the meeting reflects the shared values and commitments of both Germany and France towards a peaceful and prosperous Europe.