Armin Laschet, the CDU member who chairs the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that a discussion on a separate European nuclear shield is premature at this stage.
“It’s a very complicated question” Laschet told RTL and ntv on Friday. He pointed out that in Europe France and the United Kingdom are the only two nuclear powers, each with its own strategy. Whether either might share their readiness with other states remains unclear. “In principle many scenarios can be considered, but it isn’t a topic right now” he added.
Regarding earlier proposals from France to expand its nuclear shield, Laschet said, “One should always talk, especially with the French president”. He added that the details of any German participation would need to be worked out: who holds the decision‑making authority, how the arrangement would be structured, and who would cover the substantial costs. “Becoming a nuclear power entails billions of euros, so I won’t jump into quick enthusiasm. Instead, I’ll simply wait to see how these conversations and ideas develop”.