Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting has asked for the protection of Britain’s nuclear deterrent if Donald Trump withdraws US security guarantees for Europe.
Friedrich Merz said Germany needed to prepare in case the president ditched Nato promises to defend his allies.
The centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader said he wanted Europe to have its own nuclear umbrella or at the very least be able to shelter behind Britain and France’s weapons.
Mr Merz is expected to win election and when there are fears the transatlantic relationship is breaking down.
Emmanuel Macron has already suggested the French deterrent could be extended to the rest of Europe, but has been rebuffed by Germany until now.
Since then, Mr Trump has begun negotiations with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine over Volodymyr Zelensky’s head, and without involving European leaders.
The US president has undermined Nato’s Article 5, which states an attack on one alliance member is an attack on all
Friedrich Merz said Germany needed to prepare in case the president ditched Nato promises to defend his allies.
The centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader said he wanted Europe to have its own nuclear umbrella or at the very least be able to shelter behind Britain and France’s weapons.
Mr Merz is expected to win election and when there are fears the transatlantic relationship is breaking down.
Emmanuel Macron has already suggested the French deterrent could be extended to the rest of Europe, but has been rebuffed by Germany until now.
Since then, Mr Trump has begun negotiations with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine over Volodymyr Zelensky’s head, and without involving European leaders.
The US president has undermined Nato’s Article 5, which states an attack on one alliance member is an attack on all
6 months ago
