EU single market threatened as France and Germany's national energy subsidies raise competitiveness concerns
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German and French moves to cut energy costs for industries have raised worries from smaller EU states that they can't keep up, threatening the bloc's single market.
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With high energy prices hurting competitiveness, France and Germany are taking matters into their own hands with subsidies and tax breaks worth billions.
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Other EU countries lacking similar resources warn the measures could undermine the level playing field and allow French and German firms to dominate.
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The measures could make France and Germany more attractive for foreign investment and encourage suppliers to shift away from EU neighbors.
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While Paris and Berlin say they're following the rules, the schemes could erode the single market that smaller countries rely on to stay competitive.