Germany should invest in the French nuclear program

Berlin/Paris: Former German President Wolfgang Schauble appealed that against the background of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Germany should invest in the French nuclear program for the security of Europe. Since the beginning of the Ukraine military campaign, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other important Russian leaders have consistently warned about the use of nuclear weapons. This has created apprehension in the European countries and moves have started to restructure the military policies. A statement by Schauble also is a part of the same sentiment.

Former German President Wolfgang Schauble was interviewed by Welt am Sontag. He presented his stand that there is a need for change in the European defence policies referring to the Russian attack on Ukraine. Schauble appealed that Putin and his colleagues are consistently warning of nuclear strikes. Therefore, Europe must build a nuclear retaliatory capability. France has nuclear weapons capabilities. Germany should make financial investments in the French nuclear program, keeping its interests in view. In return, it should develop a nuclear retaliatory capability in collaboration with France.

The former German President also advised that Germany should emphasise military cooperation with France soon. It is necessary to think even regarding an agreement to use nuclear weapons. France and Germany are neighbours and share a close bonding on many issues. The countries also concur on the collective threats. Schauble also claimed that if a thought has to be given to the European defence security, including nuclear capabilities is mandatory.

New challenges cannot be faced under the existing agreements in the European Union. The former President also pointed out that new agreements are necessary and Germany, France and Poland need to take the initiative in this matter. Only nine countries in the world have nuclear capabilities, which include European countries, France and the United Kingdom. It is said that France has nearly 300 nuclear weapons. Other than these, even the United States has deployed nuclear weapons in certain European locations.