Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has announced plans to discuss the potential for nuclear weapon sharing with France and Britain during a conversation on Sunday with the broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. Merz emphasized the importance of unified nuclear deterrence among European nations while still recognizing the need for the US’s existing security measures. He called for a balance between maintaining close ties with the US and exploring independent European defense options to address the changing global security situation, caused in part by concerns over the policies of Donald Trump.
Acknowledging Germany’s historical commitment to non-nuclear defense due to its role in World War II and subsequent international treaties, Merz supported the idea of a European shield as a supplement to the US nuclear shield rather than a substitute. His remarks align with recent suggestions from French President Emmanuel Macron, who open the possibility of extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European countries.
In response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the EU’s defensive concerns, EU leaders agreed to increase defense spending at an extraordinary meeting in Brussels, seeking to develop an alternative to military support from Washington.
Merz, who heads the conservative party in Germany, is in a contentious negotiation over breaking a pre-election promise to maintain the country’s rigid debt rules, aiming to increase spending on defense and infrastructure. His proposal requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority and necessitates the support of the Social Democrats and the Greens. Merz cited the need for “intensive” talks with the Greens next week to integrate climate protection measures into the investment plans, a critical aspect of their support.
Following a recent federal election victory, Merz’s CDU/CSU party is in talks with the Social Democrats to form a coalition government, with key points of negotiation including migration and security policies. Facing pressure to address the rising influence of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland, Merz pledged to tighten migration regulation and secure national security while still adhering to EU rules and promoting European solidarity. Speaking on the coalition prospects, Merz aims to have a government in place by Easter on April 20.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/09/germany-to-reach-out-to-france-and-uk-over-sharing-of-nuclear-weapons
