Germany's new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has announced his readiness to discuss nuclear deterrence with European allies.
"I see a fundamental need for us to discuss with France and the United Kingdom how we can jointly ensure such deterrence in the future," Merz said during his first visit to France.
At the same time, the German Chancellor said during his first foreign visit in his new position that the possible expansion of France's nuclear umbrella would not replace the US atomic guarantees but complement them.
Merz also announced future talks with France in the "3+3" format, which implies that the German Chancellor, the French President, and the foreign and defense ministers of both countries will attend the meetings. Both Merz and Macron stressed their intention to strengthen Franco-German relations.
