Merz Calls for Nuclear Sharing with France and UK, Stresses U.S. Protection

Friedrich Merz, the designated German Chancellor, expressed on Sunday his desire to engage in discussions with France and the United Kingdom regarding the potential sharing of nuclear weapons. However, he emphasized that such a move should not replace the crucial role of U.S. nuclear deterrence in Europe.
“Nuclear weapons sharing is an important topic that warrants discussion. Our objective should be to strengthen our collective nuclear deterrence,” Merz stated in a radio interview. This remark came a day after his conservative party and the Social Democratic SPD reached an agreement on the foundational elements of a coalition deal.
He further noted, “We should engage with both France and the UK to complement the American nuclear umbrella, which we strongly wish to see preserved.”
Germany, due to its post-World War II commitments, has adhered to a non-nuclear defense policy through various international agreements. Nevertheless, it continues to participate in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements.
During a summit in Brussels on Thursday, European Union leaders endorsed plans to increase defense spending, driven by concerns over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the growing realization that Europe might no longer be able to fully rely on U.S. support in the future.
Merz’s position on security and migration reflects a broader shift in Germany’s political landscape, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has risen to become the country’s second-largest political force.
On the topic of migration, Merz reassured that Germany’s planned adjustments to migration laws would align with upcoming EU-wide regulations. “We support European solidarity, but Germany, of course, retains the right to ensure its security and maintain order,” he said.
Merz has expressed his intention to form a coalition by Easter, which this year falls on April 20. Additionally, he mentioned that he would push for the outgoing parliament to approve two significant financial packages focused on infrastructure and defense, as well as amendments to the state borrowing rules, known as the “debt brake.”
To pass these measures, Merz and the SPD will require the backing of the Green Party, and Merz indicated that intensive discussions with the Greens are expected in the coming week. “We plan to integrate climate protection initiatives into these financial packages,” he added during the radio interview.