In the face of a potential threat to other European countries on the part of Russia and in the context of the Iranian nuclear program, the main party of the ruling coalition in Germany-the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU)-is increasingly demanding the nuclear reinforcement of Germany to defend the country. – French President Emmanuel Macron reached out to Germany in terms of atomic defense. Germany should grab her – calls the Prime Minister of Hesse Boris Rhein (CDU) in an interview with Welt.
Earlier, the chairman of the CDU faction in the Bundestag Jens Spahn in an interview with Welt am Sonntag said that Europe must become “capable of repelling”. American nuclear weapon, partly stationed in Germany, is no longer enough for this purpose. “We have to talk about German or European participation in the arsenal of atomic weapons of France and Great Britain, and perhaps also about our own participation with other European countries,” said Spahn. However, this statement met with sharp criticism from the Coalition partner of the Union, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that he was going to talk to atomic powersFrance and Great Britain, about closer cooperation and Germany's participation in atomic deterrence – as a complement to the US nuclear shield. Germany is not an atomic power, but under the so -called Combat aircraft, which can be used to carry American atomic bombs, provide participation in nuclear weapons. Some bombs are stored in Germany, for example in Buechel (Rhineland-Palatinate). In addition to Germany, to countries participating in the so -called Nuclear participation in Europe include Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Türkiye.
The chairman of the CDU/CSU SPAHN faction spoke about the European nuclear shield as a project under “German leadership”. The background for these considerations are the threats of US President Donald Trump that he will withdraw American soldiers stationed in Europe to protect against Russia and will no longer support Europeans in the form of American nuclear weapons for deterrence and defense.
Technically, Germany is able to produce nuclear weapons. The Federal Republic has highly developed nuclear technology, for example in the field of enriching uranium, construction of research reactors or laser technology.
In addition, he has many years of experience in the range of load -bearing systems necessary for the use of nuclear weapons, such as aircraft, rockets, submarines, for example, maneuvering missiles Taurus, Eurofighter fighters, class 212 A submarines. Nevertheless Germany has committed themselves in several treaties to not develop and not have their own nuclear weapons.
Sergey Kohl / Shutterstock
Taurus Kepd 350 maneuvering shell at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2016 exhibition, Germany, June 1, 2016
“Do everything to make the US still provide a nuclear umbrella”
The statements of Prime Minister Rhin and the head of the spahn faction caused a debate about the atomic weapon of Germany – a criticism of these plans also appeared. – Germans need a nuclear umbrella to guarantee its safety. Until now, they are guaranteed by NATO, and thus the United States to a decisive extent. This is still the best solution for our country, everything else would be an emergency solution-said a spokesman for the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag for foreign policy Juergen Hardt in an interview with Welt. – I am skeptical about the EU atomic shield, in which Germany would participate, but not the United States.
France's offer regarding participation in the French nuclear weapon reserve, Force de Frappe, Hardt called “generous”. “However, it cannot replace the US nuclear deterrence potential,” said foreign policy politician. The very fact that American rocket installations are not easily accessible to Russia is a great strategic advantage. – I also see no reason to seriously consider the US withdrawal from NATO and look for alternative solutions. If Americans criticize our defense efforts, we should talk about it, instead of spending huge money on the construction of a European nuclear shield parallel to NATO – Hardt said.
During the NATO summit last week in the Hague in the Netherlands, 32 Member States undertook under the pressure of US President Trump to significantly increase defense expenditure. At the latest from 2035, each member will have to invest five percent. gross domestic product (GDP) in defense and security – of which 3.5 percent for purely military expenses, and 1.5 percent for security infrastructure. Thus, one of Trump's main demands was met and one of the main disputes between the US president and Europeans was alleviated. In this way – at least for now – the probability that the Americans will withdraw a nuclear umbrella from the European NATO countries.
The CDU politician for foreign policy Roderich Kiesewetter does not believe that public discussion about Germany as a nuclear power made sense. – In the light of the current foreign political situation, we must discreetly lead a debate on the European nuclear umbrella. We should make every effort to ensure that the United States continues to provide Europe with nuclear umbrella within NATO – he said.
Continuation of the material under the video
Two obstacles: treaties and money
The ambitions of making Germany an atomic power come with two obstacles. First, the treaty situation. International agreements exclude Germany's development as an independent military atomic power. Germany has been a member of the nuclear weapon (NPT) system from 1975 and undertake in it not to work and not have nuclear weapons. In addition, Germany is obliged by the Treaty 2+4 (1990) to remain a nuclear -free country. The construction and possession of German nuclear weapons would be a breach of political taboos – both in internal and foreign policy – with unpredictable consequences.
The analysis of the Bundestag scientific services, commissioned by Kiesewetter in 2017, whose main conclusions are current today, states that “the current German obligations arising from international law are limited to the ban on the acquisition of their own nuclear weapons (German bomb).” “Participation in a nuclear program”, already practiced in relation to the US nuclear weapons stationed in Germany, does not violate (as opposed to this) the Treaty on Nuclear Nuclear weapons, as did the co -financing of the nuclear potential of another country (for example, France or Great Britain) – that is the conclusion.
From a purely legal point of view, a European nuclear umbrella with Germany would therefore be possible. Kiesewetter, however, pays attention to costs. – The European nuclear umbrella would consume huge sums – he says. – Then for rockets, launchers, safe satellite connections, command structures, etc. We would spend not 3.5 percent. GDP, which NATO has just agreed to, but rather six percent. So you would have to spend many additional billions – he concluded.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
