A burgeoning row between France and Germany fired by differences over nuclear energy and combustion engines threatened to spill over into a gathering of the 27 European Union leaders Thursday. ManilaBulletin
Existing strains between the European Union's two biggest players after Berlin upset some of its partners by blocking -- at the last minute -- a landmark deal to prohibit new sales of fossil fuel cars from 2035.
While the last-minute block frustrated many EU capitals, Paris had in turn already irked Berlin by insisting on giving nuclear energy a starring role in European plans to produce more green technology in Europe.But the split hangs over the summit as the leaders meet to discuss EU support for Ukraine and how to boost economic competitiveness in the face of threats from US and Chinese subsidies.
While no agreement has yet been reached, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he hoped the issue would be resolved "over the coming days". Germany, which boasts one of the world's biggest car manufacturing industries, blocked the deal signed last year in a move viewed as a product of domestic politics."It is above all a German affair and an internal debate in German politics that has reached Europe," a senior EU diplomat complained.
Another bone of contention they will have to thrash out is France's push for EU recognition that nuclear power has a role to play in Europe's green future. On March 16, the European Commission launched new plans to boost clean technology production by ensuring permits are given out faster and projects given better access to funding.
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