The German government has confirmed that it is holding preliminary talks with its European partners about the possibility of expanding the continent's nuclear umbrella, in a move that reflects growing concern about instability in European territory in the face of the Russian threat. This is what the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, stated during an address to the Bundestag this week.
Merz indicated that the talks are at an early stage and that no decisions are expected in the short term. He also stressed that any initiative in this area would not conflict with the "nuclear sharing" agreements that Germany currently keeps with the United States within the framework of NATO. "These talks are taking place", the chancellor stated, emphasizing that Germany will continue to respect its international commitments.
For decades, European nuclear security has depended to a large extent on the U.S. arsenal deployed on the continent. However, the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term has caused concern among several European governments, which fear a possible reduction in military support from Washington.
This context has led some countries to rethink the traditional foundations of European defense and to explore greater strategic autonomy.
Germany faces significant legal constraints on any progress in this area. The country is prohibited from developing its own nuclear weapons under the 1990 Two Plus Four Treaty, which laid the foundations for German reunification.
Likewise, Berlin is a signatory to the 1969 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which limits the proliferation of this type of weaponry. Nevertheless, Merz argued that these agreements do not prevent Germany from engaging in dialogue with its allies about possible nuclear cooperation mechanisms.
