MUNICH
The Netherlands' foreign minister said Saturday that discussions around a potential French nuclear umbrella for Europe are legitimate, but stressed that the US nuclear guarantee will remain fundamental to the continent’s security architecture.
Speaking to Anadolu on the second day of the Munich Security Conference, David van Weel said that discussions about expanding Europe’s nuclear deterrence, particularly around France’s capabilities, are not objectionable but emphasized confidence in existing US guarantees.
"So I'm not against these talks and seeing what the French nuclear deterrence could mean for Europe, but I have no doubt that the nuclear umbrella that the US provides us a lot of safety and will remain there," he said.
He also addressed debates over NATO contingency planning amid a possible reduction in Washington's military contributions.
The minister said recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured European allies about continued transatlantic cooperation.
"I think we had a very comforting speech here from Secretary Rubio, who said that, yes, we want Europe to do more. ... Yes, we feel that Europe needs to accept the world as it is and not how it should be in their view, but at the same time that the transatlantic bond is here to stay, and they want to build together with Europe," he said.
Van Weel described the current moment as a "wake-up call" for Europe to increase defense efforts, while maintaining a strong alliance with Washington.
"We need to step up our own defense. We need to be able to take care of our own security more. But on top of that, we will have a strong NATO and a strong transatlantic one," he said.
Van Weel also highlighted Türkiye’s role within the alliance, calling it a key contributor to European security.
"So, I think, Türkiye is critical for European security," he said. "I'm therefore very happy that we have this strong nation within NATO."
"I've worked at NATO, so I've seen the large contribution that Türkiye makes to our safety, and I think we should all be happy for them," he concluded.