France's Green Transition: A Call for More EU Funds

France is urged to seek more EU funds for its green transition. Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher emphasized that the country should balance spending cuts and tax hikes with alternatives less reliant on polluting energy. The goal is to transition while avoiding system destabilization, as seen in France's 2025 budget plans.

France should aggressively pursue additional European Union funds to support its green transition, Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher announced at a recent news conference. She highlighted the relative success of other countries in securing such funding.

The French government presented its 2025 budget, unveiling plans to implement 60 billion euros ($65.5 billion) in spending cuts and tax hikes targeting the wealthy and large corporations. These measures aim to address the nation's growing fiscal deficit.

Pannier-Runacher stressed that to ensure a successful move away from fossil fuels, polluting energy sources must not be more affordable than decarbonized alternatives. Achieving this requires balancing historical advantages to fossil energy with careful planning to avoid destabilizing the system.

(With inputs from agencies.)