PERSPEKTIVE| FES LONDON Germany’s withdrawal from nuclear energy Reasons and strategies behind a new energy policy REINHART W. WETTMANN September 2011  Following the May 2011 annoucement of Germany’s coalition government to phase out all the nuclear power plants by 2022 a debate across Europe arose.  Germany’s neighbours are concerned about the future of the European electrical power system and the EU environmental policies. The increasing number of jobs in the renewable energy sector in Germany is also drawing attention.  The article addresses the reasons for Germany’s withdrawal from nuclear energy as well as its consequences for Germany and Europe. It also discusses whether Germany’s competiveness could be affected and whether the withdrawal could be revised.