Former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer, a Green Party figure, has urged Europe to develop its own nuclear weapon. In an interview with the “Tagesspiegel” he said that “Europe must do it” and warned that the United States’ security guarantee is “instantaneously uncertain”.

Fischer rejects the idea of a purely national German nuclear armament. He stresses that Germany’s responsibility to take a leading role in Europe can only be fulfilled together with other European states.

He argued that Europe has indulged for too long in the illusion of permanent peace. “How can you prevent an aggression‑prone neighbour from attacking you? Only through strength and deterrence” he said.

Fischer added that, if he were younger, he would have served in the armed forces. “Times have changed. We are threatened. We must defend ourselves”.