Germany's Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has initiated discussions on nuclear sharing with France and Britain, emphasizing the need for stronger European deterrence. During his interview on March 9, 2025, with Deutschlandfunk radio, Merz stated, "Sharing nuclear weapons is an issue we need to talk about ... we have to become stronger together in nuclear deterrence." He expressed the hope for continued American nuclear protection over Europe, underscoring its maintenance as integral to European security.
Merz's comments come at a time when the necessity for enhanced European security measures is increasingly evident, particularly against the backdrop of Russia's aggressive actions following its invasion of Ukraine. Reflecting this urgency, EU leaders recently convened and agreed to bolster collective defence spending at their summit, recognizing the inadequacies of relying solely on U.S. military support. Merz remarked on the importance of discussing nuclear sharing as part of strengthening NATO's deterrent capabilities.
"We should talk with both countries [France and Britain], always also from the perspective of supplementing the American nuclear shield, which we of course want to see maintained," Merz added, reinforcing his stance on cooperating with existing nuclear powers. France's President Emmanuel Macron has also indicated openness to these discussions, seeking to expand nuclear deterrent dialogues with other European nations.
Germany has historically bound itself to non-nuclear defence due to its past during World War II, operating under strict international treaties. Currently, Germany refrains from acquiring its nuclear arsenal but participates actively in NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. This has placed Merz's proposals delicately against the backdrop of Germany’s long-standing policies and the treaties to which it is committed.
The political ramifications of Merz's proposal intersect with his coalition-building efforts as he seeks to align with the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Green Party. With the upcoming parliamentary votes, Merz has signaled his intention to push for significant financial packages aimed at infrastructure and defence improvements. "We want European solidarity ... but Germany also naturally has the right to defend its own security and order," he stated.
Yet gaining backing from the Green Party poses challenges, especially as they have voiced concerns over the lack of climate protection initiatives woven through Merz's economic plans. Merz acknowledged this friction during his interview, stating, "intensive talks would take place with the Green Party next week," promising to integrate climate commitments within the financial proposals. Their cooperation is deemed necessary to secure the required two-thirds parliamentary majority for the impending legislation.
While Merz navigates coalition dynamics, the political environment has shifted significantly, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) now becoming the second-largest party following the recent elections, garnering around 21% of the vote. This rise has heightened pressure on Merz's conservatives, forcing them to address migration policies more stringently and reinforce domestic security measures without antagonizing EU laws. He has asserted his intentions to align with EU migration rules, expressing the need for both national and European solutions to shared challenges.
Merz's strategic pivot signals not only the changing political winds within Germany but also the broader geopolitical atmosphere where European countries are reassessing their security postures independently from the United States. His remarks underline the urgency felt by European leaders to address shared security concerns and the shift toward more proactive defence strategies.
Looking forward, Merz's vision for nuclear cooperation extends beyond weapons sharing; it advocates for joint strategic discussions bolstered by both historical contexts and modern realities. The forthcoming talks with France and Britain could possibly reshape defence policies and alliances deeply embedded within the framework of NATO.