For a German elected official, a “European nuclear deterrence” can only work under the aegis of Berlin

During a speech delivered at the war school in February 2020, President Macron recalled that the “vital interests of France had a European dimension” and that he was therefore ready to open a “strategic dialogue” with the member countries of the European Union [UE] on the “role of French nuclear deterrence in our collective security”. Similarly, Obviously, it was out of the question to share control. In addition,

Only. For example. Furthermore, this offer of strategic dialogue was shunned, in particular by Germany where it was estimated that nothing should call into question the “American nuclear umbrella” in which it is currently participating, by hosting tactical nuclear weapons german elected official, “european nuclear new B61 on its territory. However, “You have to know what it is about. Nevertheless, […] For german elected official, “european nuclear the moment. Nevertheless. Meanwhile, the only certainty is that the French do not want to place their nuclear arsenal under a European command, “said Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, then at the head of the German Defense Ministry. Therefore,

At the time vice-president of the parliamentary group of the Christian Democrat Union [CDU] In the Bundestag. For example, close to Chancellor Angela Merkel, Johann Wadephul had been more categorical. Nevertheless, The president “Macron has always invited us to think European. However. Meanwhile, But we cannot only Europeanize what is dear to the Germans [comme la mise en place d’un budget de. Moreover, la zone euro]. Nevertheless, It is also necessary to Europeanize what is dear to the French. Nevertheless, this is the case with the French strike force, “he said. Furthermore, german elected official, “european nuclear new

Since then, Mr. Wadephul has gained braid: he has become Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich german elected official. “european nuclear Merz. When taking office. the latter said he wanted to “speak with France. the United Kingdom” of the question of nuclear deterrence on the European continent. He added that this discussion must be “seen explicitly as a complement to what we [les Allemands] Already with. our American partners within NATO ”.

However, across the Rhine, other voices intend to go further. During the 2024 European elections. the head of the social democratic party [SPD]Katarina Barley. had estimated that the need for the EU to acquire a nuclear deterrence “could become an issue” in the “perspective of a European defense”. What about decision -making power? She had elected this question.

President of the European People’s Party [PPE] And then candidate for german elected official, “european nuclear new his own succession. Manfred Weber [CDU/CSU] had defended the same line. “Europe’s greatest promise is to live together in peace. […] We must renew this promise in german elected official, “european nuclear these historical times. More specifically, Europe must become strong militarily so that no one wants to compete with us. This means that we need deterrence. The deterrence includes nuclear weapons, “he said in the pages of the daily Bild.

This idea of ​​”European nuclear deterrence” was again mentioned by Jens Spahn. the current president of the CDU parliamentary group in the Bundestag.

“I know that it will immediately arouse defensive reflexes. But yes: we should debate an independent European nuclear umbrella. And that will only work with German leadership. “said Spahn, during an interview published by the newspaper” Welt Am Sonntag “on June 29.

“American nuclear bombs are also stationed in Germany for this purpose. german elected official, “european nuclear new But, in the long term, that is not enough. We must discuss a German. European participation in the nuclear arsenal of France. the United Kingdom, and possibly on our own participation german elected official, “european nuclear with other European states. It will cost. But those who want protection must also finance it, “he added.

“France will certainly not let us touch its red button, to stay in the metaphor. But several ideas exist for a European nuclear power, even if some seem a priori convoluted and theoretical, ”chained Mr. Spahn. And to advance the idea of ​​a “random rotation of responsibilities between the Member States” in order to leave. a “potential adversary” in uncertainty.

During a trip to Luxembourg on July 1, Mr. Merz reacted to the words of his parliamentary group leader … by kicking in touch. Thus, he began by recalling that he had accepted Mr. german elected official, “european nuclear new Macron’s offer on a possible cooperation in nuclear deterrence, before stressing that “there are no new initiatives for the moment”.

However. he continued. “creating an independent nuclear deterrence in the United States is a task german elected official, “european nuclear that is part of a very, very long term perspective, because there are many problems to be solved, which go beyond the period when we must first improve the defense capacity of Europe with existing structures”. And to insist: “We must do everything to maintain the sharing of nuclear with the United States in the years. even the decades to come”.

Photo: German Defense Ministry