German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed reservations about the idea of using French nuclear weapons to defend other European countries, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
In response to a journalist's question before the start of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Scholz mentioned NATO's nuclear deterrence system, which is based on the deployment of nuclear weapons in some European countries, including Germany.
“We are in an alliance with each other within NATO. There are very specific rules in this regard“, Scholz pointed out.
He added that what is of most importance is the agreed and established nuclear cooperation, of which Germany is a part. "What is particularly important is the nuclear cooperation that is organized in Germany. And I think we should not abandon it. That is the common opinion of all the main parties in Germany," he added.
According to expert estimates, the US still has about 100 atomic bombs in Europe, some of which are believed to be stored at the Büchel air base in Germany's Eifel region. In the event of an emergency, they could be placed on fighter jets of the German Bundeswehr.
French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday that he was considering proposing that European countries be placed under the protection of French nuclear weapons.
The UK also has nuclear weapons, but due to its complicated post-war history, Germany has not developed its own, DPA reported.
French nuclear weapons have had a clear role in maintaining peace and security in Europe since 1964, Macron said in a televised speech.
During the recent election campaign, Germany's likely future chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested holding talks with Western European nuclear powers to provide a similar nuclear umbrella.