Germany, France discuss strengthening nuclear cooperation

Germany and France have begun scheduled negotiations on closer cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence, Der Spiegel reports.

According to the publication, the German Chancellor’s foreign policy adviser Günter Sautter visited Paris on May 27 for the first round of consultations. Representatives from several European countries also took part in the discussions. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Germany before the summer parliamentary recess, which begins on July 4.

In March, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron presented a joint declaration on deepening cooperation in nuclear deterrence. The document outlines initial practical steps to be taken this year, including the participation of German military personnel in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic facilities.

According to Der Spiegel, Germany’s first participation in the “Poker” exercises is planned for 2026 in an observer capacity. In the future, the Bundeswehr may be assigned supporting roles not directly related to nuclear weapons, including aircraft escort and aerial refuelling.

Germany, under the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany of 1991, renounced the production and possession of nuclear weapons; however, US nuclear weapons are still deployed on its territory within the framework of NATO.

By Vugar Khalilov