
Germany’s Merz Advocates for European Nuclear Weapons Amid U.S. Shield Concerns
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has called for Europe to develop its own nuclear weapons to enhance the U.S. nuclear shield's effectiveness, amidst growing uncertainties about America's commitment to NATO. Merz's proposal comes at a time when Germany is also exploring the possibility of nuclear weapon sharing with France and the UK, as reported by The Guardian. This move is seen as a response to former President Donald Trump's questioning of the U.S. role in NATO's nuclear deterrence.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, however, has emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. involvement in Europe's nuclear deterrence strategy. Scholz's stance suggests a cautious approach to altering the current nuclear framework, despite the discussions around a European nuclear capability.
The debate over nuclear weapons in Europe has intensified, with Merz's suggestion highlighting a potential shift in European defense policy. This comes at a crucial time when European nations are reevaluating their security strategies in light of global geopolitical tensions.