The German government has responded cautiously to recent calls from Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, regarding a potential shift in Germany’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, addressing the dts Nachrichtenagentur on Monday in Berlin, reiterated the government’s long-held position that nuclear protection remains indispensable. He emphasized that this stance is a core element of the governing coalition’s foundational agreements. Currently, this protection is assured through existing arrangements within NATO.
Kornelius also referenced Chancellor Scholz’s previous comments regarding potential discussions with France concerning nuclear cooperation. He stated that there would be no further developments beyond this initial consideration. Spahn’s remarks, he added, stand alone.
The government spokesperson definitively asserted that Germany is not pursuing the acquisition of nuclear weapons. He clarified that discussions revolve around the concept of a European security umbrella and its availability, characterizing such considerations as hypothetical in nature.