Germany & France Discuss Joint Nuclear Deterrent Amid US Trust Concerns

Munich, Germany – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has revealed that Berlin has initiated confidential discussions with France regarding a potential European nuclear deterrent, signaling a significant shift in European security thinking and a desire to “reset” relations with the United States. The move comes amid growing concerns about the reliability of US leadership and a perceived crumbling of the established global order.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 13, 2026, Merz called on Washington to “repair and revive trust” in what he described as a new era of great power politics. He warned that the United States could no longer act unilaterally, stating, “In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone.” He emphasized the importance of NATO, framing it as a “competitive advantage” for both Europe and the US.

The German Chancellor’s remarks underscore a growing trend among European leaders to forge a more independent path in security and defense, while simultaneously seeking to maintain a strong transatlantic alliance. This comes after a period of heightened uncertainty following shifts in US foreign policy and a perceived erosion of traditional leadership.

France, currently the only nuclear power within the European Union, possesses a substantial nuclear arsenal, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles. Germany, bound by international agreements, is prohibited from developing its own nuclear weapons. Merz clarified that Germany remains committed to its obligations within the NATO framework, specifically nuclear sharing arrangements and stressed the importance of preventing the emergence of security disparities within Europe. “We Germans are adhering to our legal obligations. We see this as strictly embedded within our nuclear sharing in NATO. And we will not allow zones of differing security to emerge in Europe,” he stated.

The discussions with France are taking place against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly stemming from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and disruptions to global trade. European nations have been increasing their military spending in response to these challenges, and also in reaction to past criticism leveled at European allies regarding defense contributions.

The shift in tone from the US delegation at the Munich Security Conference, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offered a contrast to previous encounters. Rubio affirmed the enduring importance of transatlantic ties, describing the relationship as being at a “defining moment” due to the rapidly changing global landscape. This represents a departure from the more confrontational rhetoric exhibited by former US officials, such as Vice President JD Vance during the 2025 conference, who openly criticized European policies on issues ranging from free speech to immigration.

Last year, Vance’s criticisms sparked a public rift with European leaders, including Merz, who explicitly rejected accusations of censorship and protectionism. “A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States. Vice-President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago,” Merz acknowledged in his speech. “He was right.”

The growing divergence in perspectives highlights a fundamental disagreement over approaches to issues such as trade, strategic autonomy, and the role of international institutions. Recent reports indicate disagreements between Germany and France over proposals for a joint European loan and the implementation of European preference policies in procurement.

Public opinion in Europe also reflects a growing sense of unease regarding US leadership. A recent YouGov poll across six major European countries revealed that favorability towards the United States has reached its lowest point since polling began in 2016. Perceptions of threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea are now broadly comparable to, and in some cases exceed, those associated with the United States.

Merz’s call for a renewed transatlantic partnership comes as the international rules-based order faces increasing strain. He expressed concern that the existing order, “however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form.” The Chancellor’s emphasis on the need for a stronger, more unified Europe underscores the growing recognition that the continent must take greater responsibility for its own security and prosperity in a world characterized by increasing uncertainty and competition.

French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to deliver a speech on the nuclear deterrent later this month, a topic officials have described as falling within the president’s purview and therefore subject to discretion.