If Trump wins ...

Nuclear deterrence: Is the EU emancipating itself from the USA?

The nuclear submarine "Le Terrible" from the "Triomphant" class with its 16 intercontinental nuclear missiles could carry out a devastating retaliatory strike in the event of a nuclear attack. France, the only EU nuclear power, has four submarines of this class.

(Bild: Marine nationale)

Fear of Donald Trump is spreading in Europe: his recent threat not to defend NATO allies in the event of a Russian attack is causing uncertainty in EU security policy. Even the withdrawal of US nuclear weapons seems possible under Trump with his "America First" philosophy. It is therefore not surprising that Europe is thinking about the worst-case scenario - and discussing nuclear deterrence.

Experts believe two scenarios are possible with a common European nuclear weapons doctrine: a Europeanization of the French "Force de frappe" with around 300 nuclear weapons, which could carry out devastating retaliatory strikes against the attacker after a nuclear attack; or the procurement of the EU's own nuclear weapons. There is also a third option in the form of nuclear armament for Germany - according to experts, this would be a matter of a few months. An argumentative stocktaking.