Germany Explores Shared European Nuclear Umbrella Amid US Tensions

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed discussions among European nations about a shared nuclear umbrella.
• The initiative aims to complement existing security arrangements with the U.S., amidst rising transatlantic tensions.
• Germany is currently prohibited from developing its own nuclear weapons under the 1990 Four Plus Two agreement and the 1969 non-proliferation treaty.
• Merz clarified that treaty obligations do not prevent Germany from discussing joint solutions with nuclear powers like Britain and France.
• Thomas Roewekamp, head of the parliamentary defense committee, stated Germany possesses the technical capacity to contribute to a European nuclear weapon.

Why It Matters: Germany is exploring a shared European nuclear defense strategy due to US alliance uncertainties.