French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s plan to regain control of energy prices threatens to disrupt the interconnected European electricity market, weaken Électricité de France (EDF), and undermine energy security across the continent.

Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, intends to end cross-border market-based transactions and replace them with bilateral or multilateral contracts with neighboring countries. This could lead to France’s withdrawal from the European single market system.

Experts warn that this move could have severe consequences for both France and Europe. France would lose revenue from nuclear energy exports, while Europe would face higher energy prices and potential blackouts.

Germany, which is experiencing high energy prices due to its dependence on fossil fuels, expressed deep concern about Le Pen’s plans. It cautioned that the loss of prosperity in Europe would come at a high cost.

France, through the state-owned EDF, is Europe’s largest electricity producer and plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy prices across the continent by exporting its surplus nuclear power.