The debate on the creation of a nuclear shield in Europe independent of the United States has resumed in Germany.

In Germany, disputes broke out within the coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) about the creation of a European nuclear umbrella that would not rely on the resources and weapons of the United States. This was reported by the Handelsblatt newspaper on January 16.

"A serious discussion about the extent to which French and British nuclear capabilities can be used in the future within the framework of common European deterrence is reasonable and necessary <...> What Germany's contribution to European deterrence might look like will need to be discussed with our partners at the appropriate time," said Siemthe Moeller, deputy chairman of the SPD.

The "pro-Russian position of US President Donald Trump" has increased doubts in many European countries about whether Europe can count on US nuclear protection in the event of an escalation of the situation on the continent, the authors of the article specify.

"We believed that the United States would always and forever be on our side, and we would not have to assume additional obligations <...> Now this trust is changing at breakneck speed," said Andreas Paulus, a former judge of the Constitutional Court of Germany and an expert on international law.

According to the newspaper, Paulus considers it extremely important for Europe to become more independent in the nuclear field. However, the creation of independent European nuclear forces is unrealistic. Instead, Britain and France could take on much of the role currently played by the United States. At the same time, Germany is not a nuclear power, but as part of its nuclear deterrence, it provides fighter jets that, in the event of an attack, can be equipped with American nuclear warheads stored in the country.

In July 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany aims to maintain its partnership with the United States and preserve the American "nuclear umbrella," but is also open to discussions on the creation of a European atomic shield. CDU politician Jens Spahn also called on Europe to become an independent nuclear power.

In December of the same year, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia's nuclear shield was more modern than the nuclear forces of any other power. The Head of State drew attention to the fact that new means of destruction and weapons continue to appear in the country, which so far have no analogues in the world.

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