The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, opposed the emergence of the country's own nuclear weapons. At the same time, he stated that he is discussing the creation of a European 'nuclear umbrella' with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, opposed the creation of Germany's own nuclear weapons. The head of the government made the corresponding statement in an episode of the podcast Machtwechsel, published on Wednesday, February 18, on the project's YouTube channel.
"I do not want Germany to consider having its own nuclear weapons," Merz stated. He also reminded that the country abandoned the development of its own nuclear program by signing the "Two Plus Four" agreement, which made the reunification of Germany possible, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
At the same time, Merz stated that the country is open to participating in European initiatives for nuclear deterrence. "The German armed forces have aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. We can transport American nuclear weapons. Theoretically, this could be extended to British and French nuclear weapons," noted the Chancellor.
Merz: Negotiating the Creation of a 'Nuclear Umbrella' with Macron
Merz also reiterated his statements made during his speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) that he is negotiating with French President Emmanuel Macron about creating a 'nuclear umbrella' for Europe. "Such a proposal from the French government cannot be ignored in our time," added the Chancellor, commenting on the initiative of the French authorities to place nuclear weapons in other countries in Europe. France is the only country in the European Union (EU) that possesses nuclear weapons.
U.S. Nuclear Weapons Deployed in Germany
For decades, Germany has been under the U.S. "nuclear umbrella." Up to 20 American atomic bombs are deployed in the Federal Republic of Germany. Only the President of the United States has the codes to activate them. At the same time, the Bundeswehr provides combat aircraft—Tornado fighters at Büchel Air Base that can deliver them to their targets if necessary. NATO refers to this as "nuclear sharing," as other European countries are also involved in the implementation of such a plan.
