Europe Considers Independent Nuclear Deterrence as US Alliance Weakens

With diminishing US support, European leaders explore a joint nuclear strategy involving France, the UK, and Germany.

France has renewed its proposal for a European nuclear deterrence strategy, citing the reduced reliability of US defense commitments under President Trump.
German Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz has signaled a shift toward European defense autonomy, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on the United States.
France has offered to station nuclear-armed jets in Germany as part of a collaborative deterrence effort, though details on decision-making structures remain unresolved.
The UK, while modernizing its nuclear arsenal, has yet to commit to a European nuclear framework but remains a critical player in discussions.
Experts warn that building a cohesive European nuclear strategy will require significant political coordination, financial investment, and industrial capacity expansion.