Germany discusses possible joint nuclear umbrella for Europe with partners
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that European states have begun discussing the idea of a common nuclear umbrella that could complement existing security mechanisms with the United States. He said this on 29 January during a conversation with journalists in Berlin, noting that these discussions are in the early stages. This was reported by The Public https://thepublic.info/ with reference to Reuters.
According to the chancellor, Germany has clear international legal obligations that prohibit it from possessing its own nuclear weapons. These include the Two Plus Four Treaty, which paved the way for the country's reunification in 1990, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which Berlin joined in 1969. At the same time, these restrictions do not prevent Germany from discussing joint decisions with its partners in Europe.
Merz stressed that such consultations do not contradict the current model of nuclear deterrence involving the United States and could complement it. According to him, potential partners in these talks are countries that already have nuclear arsenals, in particular France and the United Kingdom. He stressed that at present, these are exclusively strategic consultations, not the preparation of specific decisions.
The topic of joint nuclear deterrence has gained momentum amid growing tensions in transatlantic relations and statements by US President Donald Trump that have caused concern among European allies. In recent years, European countries have been increasing their defence spending and seeking additional security guarantees in case of a weakening of American support.
Thomas Revekamp, chairman of the parliamentary defence committee, also said that Germany has significant technological potential that could be used within a joint European initiative, even without its own missiles or warheads. According to him, this could be Berlin's contribution to the collective security of the continent.
At the same time, the chancellor stressed that the time for making strategic and military-political decisions has not yet come. According to him, Europe is only beginning a serious discussion about the future security architecture in the context of the formation of a new world order.
Source and photo: Reuters.
Federal Chancellor, Germany, Friedrich Merz, Berlin, EU, USA, Donald Trump,
