Germany’s Merz open to France extending nuclear deterrent
The Hindu
Germany’s Friedrich Merz on Sunday (March 5, 2025) reiterated that he was open to France extending its nuclear deterrent in Europe, as the continent seeks to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s upending of the transatlantic alliance.
Germany’s Friedrich Merz on Sunday (March 5, 2025) reiterated that he was open to France extending its nuclear deterrent in Europe, as the continent seeks to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s upending of the transatlantic alliance.
“We simply must become stronger together in nuclear deterrence in Europe,” Mr. Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor after his conservatives won last month’s elections, said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio.
Discussions should also involve Britain - western Europe’s only other nuclear power - Mr. Merz said.
“The changed global security situation now necessitates that we Europeans discuss this matter together,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that he would open a debate on extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European nations, following a call from Mr. Merz on the subject.
It came after Mr. Merz said last month he wanted a discussion on “nuclear sharing” with Paris and London.
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