Sun Mar 09 18:21:31 UTC 2025: ## Germany Open to Expanding European Nuclear Deterrent Amidst Trump’s Shifting US Policy
**Berlin, Germany** – Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, has expressed openness to expanding France’s nuclear deterrent to other European nations, citing the changing global security landscape and US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy. This follows a recent call from Merz for discussions on “nuclear sharing” with France and Britain.
Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), stated that strengthening European nuclear deterrence is necessary in response to Trump’s actions, which include reversing US policy on Ukraine and risking a rift with European allies. He emphasized that any such expansion would complement, not replace, the existing American nuclear umbrella. He also clarified that Germany itself would not acquire nuclear weapons, a move prohibited by international treaties.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will initiate a debate on extending France’s nuclear deterrent following Merz’s proposal. The discussions are expected to involve Britain, as Western Europe’s other nuclear power.
Merz’s stance comes as his CDU/CSU bloc negotiates a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The discussions on nuclear deterrence coincide with Merz’s plans to significantly increase Germany’s defense spending. While some within Germany, notably the far-right AfD party, advocate for German nuclear weapons, Merz has firmly rejected this possibility.
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