Chancellor Merz Labels Nuclear Phase-Out a 'Serious Strategic Mistake' Amid Energy Dependency Concerns

Chancellor Merz Criticizes Nuclear Energy Exit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently characterized the nation's decision to phase out nuclear power as a 'serious strategic mistake.' Speaking at a business conference in Saxony-Anhalt around January 15-16, 2026, Merz asserted that the move has contributed to Europe's growing energy dependency, particularly on the United States. He criticized previous administrations for what he termed a hasty shutdown of the country's atomic reactors, leading to what he described as the 'world's costliest energy transition' and insufficient domestic energy generation capacity.

Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out: A Historical Overview

Germany's journey away from nuclear power has been a protracted process. The initial decision to phase out nuclear energy was made in 2000, a policy that was later accelerated following the Fukushima disaster in March 2011. This led to the immediate closure of eight reactors. The final three remaining nuclear power plants – Isar 2, Emsland, and Neckarwestheim 2 – were ultimately taken offline in April 2023, marking the complete cessation of nuclear power generation in Germany after more than six decades. Notably, these last reactors had their operational lives extended by three months until April 2023, beyond their initially planned shutdown date of December 2022, in response to the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Rising Energy Dependency and Costs

Chancellor Merz highlighted that Germany's current energy system increasingly relies on state intervention to maintain acceptable prices, a situation he deems unsustainable in the long run. The nuclear phase-out, coupled with planned coal phase-outs, has increased Germany's reliance on natural gas. This shift has led to a significant increase in the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the United States emerging as a dominant supplier. In 2025, the U.S. supplied 57% of the European Union's LNG imports, a figure projected to rise to 75-80% by 2030. Germany specifically sources over 90% of its direct LNG imports from the U.S. This growing dependency on U.S. LNG, often the most expensive option for European buyers, presents a new strategic vulnerability for the EU, particularly after efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas.

Future Energy Strategy Debates

Merz's comments have reignited the national debate on Germany's long-term energy strategy and its power generation capacity. While not advocating for a return to conventional nuclear operations, he has suggested exploring new-generation nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors. His administration faces the challenge of ensuring energy security and affordability while pursuing ambitious climate goals, navigating a complex geopolitical energy landscape marked by increased reliance on external suppliers.