BERLIN

Germany and France have begun “strategic talks” on a possible cooperation on nuclear deterrence, a government spokesman said on Monday.

“For us, the situation is such that, in view of the global political situation, the federal government immediately acknowledges the necessity of nuclear deterrence and wants to strengthen the European pillar and is conducting strategic talks with France to this end,” Sebastian Hille told journalists in Berlin.

“The aim of the talks is to explore how closer cooperation on nuclear deterrence can be achieved. The talks are still in their early stages, and it is clear that no quick results are to be expected,” he added.

Hille stressed that the bilateral discussions are not geared toward replacing the US nuclear umbrella in Germany.

“This is not about replacing the US protective shield, but rather supplementing and strengthening it. The US plays a central role in NATO's nuclear deterrence. That is the case now, and it should remain so in the future. The German government is firmly committed to this position,” he said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he was in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about nuclear deterrence amid mounting concerns about US security commitments to Europe.

"I have held confidential talks with the French president about European nuclear deterrence," Merz said at the opening of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.

He previously said he was open to France extending its nuclear deterrent in Europe. Germany, which cannot obtain its own atomic weapons due to treaty obligations, has traditionally relied on the US nuclear umbrella through its participation in NATO.