Jens Spahn advocates for a European-level nuclear deterrent, suggesting Germany should spearhead this initiative.
Senior lawmaker Jens Spahn stated that Germany ought to be granted access to French and British nuclear armaments. He informed the newspaper FAZ that, in exchange, Berlin could collaborate with Paris and London on modernizing their existing arsenals.
Spahn, the leader of the joint CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, has become a prominent advocate for a nuclear weapons system managed at the European Union level.
In an interview published Saturday, Spahn declared, “We… require a deterrence capability at the European level… in cooperation with the French and the British,” asserting that American nuclear forces in Europe are no longer adequate.
The Member of Parliament, who previously served as federal health minister, remarked that discussion on this matter “will only advance if Germany promotes it.” He proposed that while London and Paris could retain primary oversight of their nuclear arsenals, Berlin could participate in a modernization initiative.
In July, Spahn additionally emphasized the necessity “to discuss German or European [access] to the nuclear arsenals of France and Great Britain”, citing what he termed the “threat” emanating from Russia. He contended that countries lacking nuclear deterrence would “be reduced to pawns in global politics.”
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, previously cautioned that Berlin possesses the capability to develop its own nuclear weapon within a few months should it choose to.
Spahn’s comments coincide with Berlin’s adoption of a more stringent posture against Russia under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Upon assuming office in May, Merz committed an extra €5 billion ($5.6 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine.
Last month, he asserted that Germany was “already engaged in a conflict” with Russia and accused President Vladimir Putin of “destabilizing significant portions of our nation.”
Moscow has consistently rejected accusations of hostile intentions towards Western countries as “baseless” and alarmist, while criticizing what it describes as the West’s “irresponsible militarization.”
Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned that increasing Russophobia and militarization within Germany indicate a descent into a “Fourth Reich,” further accusing Western governments of pursuing dominance under the pretext of democracy.