Speaking at a Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung event, Merz emphasized the importance of ensuring energy security, stating that previous phase-out dates should not jeopardize the energy supply. He reiterated that a return to nuclear power is not a viable option in the near future. Germany’s coal phase-out is legally set for 2038, with North Rhine-Westphalia advancing it to 2030. This statement was broadcast on March 27, 2026, by Deutschlandfunk.