German MP Proposes European Nuclear Umbrella Over UK and French Weapons
German MP Jens Spahn has called for a European-controlled nuclear deterrent, with Germany seeking access to the nuclear arsenals of the UK and France. Spahn, a prominent member of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, argues that the current US nuclear presence in Europe is inadequate for modern security threats and that Germany should spearhead a European-level deterrence strategy. He believes that by collaborating with London and Paris, Germany could modernize their nuclear capabilities while maintaining some level of control over the arsen, which has sparked discussions within political circles and raised concerns about regional security dynamics.
Spahn’s remarks come as part of a broader debate on nuclear deterrence in Europe, with the MP emphasizing the need for a unified European approach to counteract perceived threats from Russia. He stated that nations without nuclear deterrence risk becoming pawns in global politics, a viewpoint that has gained traction among some European policymakers. The German government’s more assertive stance on Russia under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has further fueled these discussions, with Merz pledging additional military aid to Ukraine and describing Germany’s situation as already being in conflict with Moscow.
The IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, has warned that Germany could develop its own nuclear weapons within months if it chose to. This has added another layer of complexity to the debate, as the prospect of a German nuclear capability raises questions about the balance of power in Europe and the potential for further militarization. Spahn’s call for a European nuclear umbrella may reflect a growing sense of urgency among some German officials to ensure national and regional security amid escalating tensions with Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow has dismissed Western allegations of hostile intent toward Russia as nonsense and fearmongering, condemning what it calls the West’s reckless militarization. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that the increasing Russophobia and militarization in Germany signal a slide into a Fourth Reich, accusing Western governments of seeking dominance under the guise of democracy. These tensions highlight the complex geopolitical landscape in Europe, with nuclear strategy becoming a central issue in the ongoing conflict with Russia.