Germany’s Merz hails nuclear deterrence cooperation with France
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will participate in French nuclear deterrence exercises for the first time this year, marking a new phase of Franco-German defence cooperation. Merz emphasized that this initiative complements rather than replaces NATO's nuclear arrangements.
Germany and France have launched a new defence cooperation framework centred on nuclear deterrence, reflecting Europe's growing emphasis on strategic autonomy amid shifting international security dynamics. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that German conventional forces will participate in French nuclear exercises before the end of the year, a historic first for Germany. The initiative represents a departure from previous German policy, as earlier chancellors had declined similar offers of nuclear cooperation with France.
Merz characterized the development as potentially marking the beginning of a new strategic "doctrine," though he cautioned that it remains too early to define its full scope. The announcement came during a joint media conference with French President Emmanuel Macron near Cologne. Merz stressed that German-French nuclear cooperation would strengthen European defence capabilities while remaining fully compatible with NATO's existing nuclear sharing and deterrence arrangements, to which Germany remains committed.
The cooperation reflects broader European concerns about the reliability of US security commitments. The Trump administration has signalled plans to reduce certain military assets assigned to NATO operations in Europe and has repeatedly criticized the transatlantic alliance. In response, European nations are exploring enhanced defence self-reliance while maintaining their NATO commitments.
Macron outlined the practical dimensions of the cooperation, which will include sharing operational practices, conducting joint exercises, and fostering closer coordination among military personnel and experts. He emphasized that Germany would assume a "vanguard role" in European deterrence efforts. Notably, Macron clarified that enhanced nuclear deterrence cooperation would not require financial contributions from Germany.
The symbolic launch of the partnership included a joint in-flight refuelling exercise between French Rafale jets and German Eurofighters on Thursday. France remains the only nuclear power within the 27-nation European Union following the United Kingdom's departure in 2020. Several other European nations, including Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, have expressed interest in participating in France's nuclear deterrence initiative.
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