Overview

• Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, has prioritized European independence from the U.S., including discussions on nuclear sharing with France and the U.K.
• French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed openness to a European nuclear deterrence framework, marking a shift in strategic dialogue.
• Critics argue that European nuclear sharing would be insufficient against Russia's vast arsenal and could undermine NATO's cohesion.
• The Trump administration's pivot away from Europe and closer ties with Russia have raised concerns about NATO's future stability.
• Proponents of European nuclear sharing see it as a contingency plan, though significant obstacles, including funding, infrastructure, and political risks, remain.