Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) called for German‑French discussions on nuclear protection for Europe. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, he said that France has offered to make its nuclear shield more usable for European security and urged Germany to engage in the dialogue. Although Germany remains committed under the NPT not to possess its own nuclear weapons-a promise he acknowledges-Klingbeil argues that the French proposal should still be accepted. “A strategic dialogue between Germany and France is appropriate in these times” he said.
Klingbeil clarified that this stance does not undermine NATO’s nuclear deterrent or Germany’s participation in it. “I want to preserve this transatlantic pillar of our security” he added. He also stressed that Europe must grow stronger, a development that will demand a great deal from Germany: “Germany must be a leading power in Europe”.