Mastering energy transitions: a Franco-German project for growth

If, to lay the foundations of the European Community of Steel and Coal (ECSC), the founding fathers of Europe had waited for the steelworks belonging to the Krupp family and the Creusot foundries to decide of their own accord to work closer together, the European Union would simply not have been created. Even today an ambitious European energy strategy cannot materialise unless it is supported by France and Germany. A political agreement is indeed necessary given the complexity of the market and the interplay of both public and private factors. Energy strategies in France and Germany have remained far too national, sometimes going as far as to diverge, which makes no sense in the context of European integration. The resulting incoherence has prevented the pooling of industrial investments at the very moment European energy markets are increasingly integrated and European industrialists are at risk of being outrun, both technologically and commercially, by their foreign competitors.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty France and Germany have tried to renew energy cooperation admitting that they face similar challenges in terms of energy transition and that they would have everything to gain by working together to rise to those challenges. Ideas were put forward which should be clarified, completed and made into a reality. Indeed there is a rare opportunity for a vast bilateral cooperation project consistent with the two countries' responsibility towards Europe. The objection over the disparity of energy choices between France and Germany, in terms of electricity production could be solved if we acknowledge that the markets and issues associated with energy transition extend beyond our national borders. Basically this means having quite an ambitious political vision of the constructive, coherent governance of energy transition.

It is audacity which provides policy with impetus. It drives history forward and determines the future. Robert Schuman's declaration on 9th May 1950 is a fine example of this. His project to found a European Community of Steel and Coal was the foundation stone of the European Union. Coal and steel were the first engines for the peaceful development of Europe. What kind of audacity do we need today to shape the future? When considering our planet's future it seems that one of the biggest challenges it faces will be mastering energy. In spite of their different choices in terms of energy mix, is it possible for France and Germany to launch a major project in this area? Would the launch of a project like this revive industry in France? And as in the time of the ECSC, can Franco-German cooperation guide energy transition to the advantage of Europe?

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Europe searches for a common energy policy http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-searches-for-a-common-energy-policy/

ESO: Background Information: Commission rejects Franco-German energy plan http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-rejects-franco-german-energy-plan/

ESO: Background Information: European Coal and Steel Community Treaty Expires, July 2002 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-coal-and-steel-community-treaty-expires-july-2002/

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