EU tries to unblock France, Germany spat over industrial competition

The stand-off between France and Germany over the competitiveness of their industries will be the main topic of discussion at the EU energy ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg. The disagreement revolves around article 19b, which outlines how state aid can be used to fund power projects. Germany is concerned that France will use state aid to subsidize its industries using revenues generated from contracts for its existing nuclear energy fleet. The remaining member states are divided on the issue. Spain has attempted to find a compromise, but a solution may only be reached at the presidential level.