Berlin, Germany – A former German foreign minister, Joschka Fischer, has called for the creation of a European nuclear shield in the wake of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the crisis in transatlantic relations. In an interview with the German magazine “Stern”, Fischer stated that a nuclear shield would be a “back-up against nuclear blackmail, as Moscow is currently trying with Europe on a weekly basis.” He urged the European Union to start negotiations with France and the United Kingdom, as nuclear powers, to expand the scope of their nuclear shield.
Fischer also advocated for the reintroduction of military conscription in Germany, saying that the abolition of the draft was an “error” that needs to be revised. He emphasized the need for a more robust military budget, stating that the current rate of two percent of the country’s GDP is insufficient. “We need to invest so much that our deterrence is credible” he said, without specifying a percentage.
Regarding the potential deployment of German soldiers in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Fischer expressed his support, but emphasized the need for careful consideration of the circumstances and security arrangements. He stated that, in principle, he believes that “if Europe is called upon, so are we.”
Fischer also commented on the recent diplomatic row between Ukraine and the United States, stating that the incident at the White House was a “first step towards the withdrawal of the US from the international stage.” He urged Europeans not to abandon the transatlantic relationship, saying that “we must hold on to the transatlantic West, despite Trumpism. Otherwise, we will shrink back to our periphery in the Eurasian continent.” He added that the relationship with the US will outlast Trump and that “sometimes one has to grit one’s teeth.