Germany and France have begun discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation regarding nuclear deterrence. According to “Spiegel” Günter Sautter, the security advisor to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, traveled to Paris on Wednesday for an initial round of talks. Other European nations also participated in the consultations held in Paris. The next meeting between German and French officials is scheduled before the summer break in Germany.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron first established a “nuclear steering group” in March to explore the details of this collaboration. Back in early March, during a speech on nuclear deterrence at the Ile-Longue military base in Brittany, Macron introduced the concept of “forward-looking deterrence”. Within this framework, he announced that elements of strategic forces could be deployed in Europe.
The German-French steering group, set up by Macron and Merz in the spring, is planning joint maneuvers in preparation for a potential crisis. Consequently, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) may take part in the conventional aspects of French nuclear exercises and gain insight into France’s atomic sites.
Information from “Spiegel” suggests that the Bundeswehr is still slated to participate in one of these so-called “Poker” exercises this year, likely in September. Initially, this involvement would be on an observer basis. Moving forward, the Bundeswehr might offer support, though this support must not directly involve nuclear weapons. Examples of acceptable assistance include air cover provided by fighter jets or aerial refueling.
