Eu Defence News

Germany mulls European nuclear deterrent with France as US footprint shifts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has opened talks with Emmanuel Macron on strengthening Europe’s nuclear deterrent, including a potential German role in France’s nuclear umbrella, amid fears of a reduced US military presence in Europe. Macron says the discussions are exploratory and within NATO, aiming to adapt Europe’s security architecture and repair transatlantic ties as Europe faces rising great-power competition.