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Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Yves Le Drian
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Can gas and nuclear power be considered sustainable?
This question is hotly debated in the European Union.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock rejects the French plans to classify nuclear power as "green" energy.
She made no secret of this on her first visit to Paris.
"It is well known that we have different positions on the nuclear issue," said the Green politician on Thursday after a meeting with her French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris.
At the same time, Baerbock emphasized the outstanding importance of Franco-German relations for the future of the European Union (EU).
Camp formation: France, Poland and the Czech Republic want to classify nuclear power as green
The subject of so-called taxonomy is being discussed at all levels, it said, not only among the foreign ministers, but also between Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as at the European level in Brussels. For months, the EU countries have been arguing about what can be considered a sustainable source of energy. France wants - together with countries like Poland and the Czech Republic - to label nuclear power as "green" at all costs. Germany, Luxembourg and Austria, among others, are strictly against it.
Despite continuing differences in individual issues, Baerbock endeavored to leave the impression of a close and intensive partnership with Paris. She said goodbye to her counterpart and thanked them "for this really warm and friendly welcome." She said: "What could be nicer for a Foreign Minister than to be in the new office in Paris on the first morning for a foreign minister." Europe was "the linchpin of German foreign policy." Scholz wants to travel to the French capital on Friday for his inaugural visit.
Baerbock added: "A strong Europe needs strong Franco-German impulses for this".
Europe would be weaker if Germany did not invest in relations between Paris and Berlin.
With a view to France taking over the EU Council Presidency in early 2022, Baerbock said the conference on the future of Europe initiated by Paris would be an important milestone for the EU.
muk / dpa