This is what Prime Minister Élisabeth Bornes said when she gave her keynote address in the French Parliament on Wednesday.
– We must secure our sovereignty as a consequence of the war (in Ukraine) and the colossal challenges we face. That is why I confirm to you that the state intends to own 100 percent of the capital in EDF, Bornes said.
The French state already owns 84 percent of EDF, which is one of the world’s largest electricity producers. Following the announcement, the company’s share rose by ten percent.
Among other things, EDF operates the country’s nuclear power plant, which accounts for about 70 percent of France’s electricity supply. President Emmanuel Macron has previously announced plans to build another 14 nuclear power plants with the aim of speeding up the transition from fossil fuels.