Berlin – This Monday, the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced that they have established a group focused on coordination between Germany and France, which encompasses consultations on the integration of conventional, missile defence, and nuclear capabilities from France. According to the two leaders, they have set up a high-level steering group on nuclear matters that will serve as a framework for dialogue on doctrines and the coordination of strategic cooperation, which includes consultations on the combination of conventional, missile defence, and nuclear capabilities of France. Merz and Macron clarified that the creation of this group arises from both countries’ interest in strengthening cooperation in the field of deterrence in light of a threatening landscape. Furthermore, they emphasised that this collaboration will complement NATO’s nuclear deterrence and NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. France and Germany have decided to initiate concrete actions, including Germany’s participation in France’s nuclear exercises. Visits to strategic sites will also take place, and work will be done on developing capabilities alongside European partners. The two leaders noted that their nations wish to bolster their skills in areas such as detection, air defence, and precision strikes. The collaboration between France and Germany is based on the understanding that nuclear deterrence is a pillar of security in Europe. According to the two leaders, this is underpinned by the deterrent capabilities of the United States, which include its nuclear weapons on European soil, as well as the nuclear forces of France and the United Kingdom. Merz and Macron emphasised that this initiative will focus on coordinating with the United States, the United Kingdom, other allies, and NATO.
Germany and France join forces in nuclear deterrence with a coordination group.
