Merz confirms German interest in European nuclear arsenal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed on January 29 that his government is in early talks with France and Britain over the development of a shared European nuclear arsenal. This comes after German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said Germany should consider the idea last month and as tensions with the United States remain strained. These talks could give Germany more influence over France’s arsenal, despite Germany being banned from having its own nuclear weapons. Merz made sure to state these talks are in line with Germany’s nonnuclear agreements and don’t conflict with the current nuclear umbrella provided by the U.S. But discussion of increased German influence over nuclear weapons at the direct expense of U.S. leverage in European strategy should be raising alarms in Washington, across the Continent, and beyond.