France and Germany Clash in Feud Over Europe’s Industrial Crown
- The EU’s two biggest economies are each angling for an edge
- Standoff risks undermining efforts to counter the US, China
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France issued an ultimatum and Germany pushed back in an increasingly bitter standoff that lays bare the disruption unleashed by the combination of the region’s energy crisis and European Union’s green shift.
While the dispute revolves around the role of nuclear in the bloc’s future energy mix, it’s ultimately about where Europe’s industrial heart is located. Even as prices eased from record highs seen last year, positions have hardened as France and Germany seek to avoid being left behind as the EU seeks to become carbon neutral.