NATO: There is no alternative to the American nuclear umbrella in Europe

The NATO Secretary General told reporters at the Munich Security Conference "I think any discussion in Europe aimed at strengthening collective nuclear deterrence is a good thing, but no one in Europe is calling for replacing the US nuclear umbrella."

The American nuclear umbrella in Europe

he added "Everyone realizes that it is the ultimate guarantor, and that all other discussions complement it"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday before a meeting of Western leaders that… "He held closed talks with the French President about European nuclear deterrence"

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who represents the other European nuclear power alongside France, said that his country "Strengthens its nuclear cooperation with France"

Nuclear arsenals in Europe

This growing debate about strengthening nuclear arsenals on the European continent comes in light of growing concerns about the Russian threat and the extent of trust in US security commitments under President Donald Trump.

Officials from the Trump administration told European allies of the need to assume responsibility for their conventional defense, but said that the United States will continue to provide its nuclear cover.