Why Is Germany Threatening the European Union? (abstract)

Abstract

Germany’s 2011 decision to close its nuclear stations and phase out nuclear power in the country triggered joy, as well as upset, among activists and politicians worldwide, especially those in Europe. Though driven by domestic political interests, the decision nonetheless holds multiple consequences for the European Union (EU). In this study, I propose that phasing out nuclear power in Germany will have three important repercussions: Germany’s neighbours will experience additional pressure because sources of renewable energies are not yet fully in place; levels of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions will increase; and the European Union will become even more dependent on its energy suppliers, notably Russia. I suspect that this decision was made without collaboration with other European nations. Germany’s phase-out of nuclear power represents either an opportunity for the European Union to reform or poses a threat to the stability of its divided membership.