Germany has abandoned its long-standing opposition to nuclear power as part of European Union green energy policies, aligning its stance with France in a significant policy reversal. The decision, announced under the conservative government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, marks a departure from the anti-nuclear policies of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government resisted nuclear energy's inclusion in the EU's green taxonomy.

The shift is driven by growing energy security concerns following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted critical natural gas supplies to Germany. The move is intended to strengthen the EU's energy independence and facilitate a faster transition to net-zero emissions by 2050, according to senior German officials.

By supporting nuclear power as a green energy source, Berlin aims to resolve long-standing disagreements with Paris, a leading proponent of nuclear energy in Europe. The policy change is expected to ease negotiations over EU energy reforms, which have often stalled due to conflicting national interests.

Germany's decision to back nuclear energy represents a critical shift in its energy strategy, reflecting the geopolitical realities of Europe's changing energy landscape. The move is also likely to boost the continent's ability to meet its ambitious climate targets, as nuclear power provides a stable, low-emission alternative to fossil fuels.