Overview
- Roderich Kiesewetter proposes that Germany help finance or host a European nuclear deterrent without manufacturing or commanding the weapons.
- His push reflects doubts about the U.S. nuclear guarantee, with references to a potential Greenland crisis and Germany’s current nuclear sharing role at Büchel.
- Kiesewetter cites a development timeline of roughly ten years, while some experts suggest about five years for a cooperative capability.
- SPD foreign-policy leader Rolf Mützenich argues even indirect participation would violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Two-plus-Four Treaty and urges renewed arms-control diplomacy.
- Debate touches on whether to rely on France given political uncertainty, potential cooperation with Finland, Sweden and Poland, and unresolved questions over command, decision-making and basing.