European defence self-reliance

Recent developments highlight a growing trend towards European defence self-reliance, particularly exemplified by deepening nuclear cooperation between France and Germany. This initiative involves Germany's military participating in a French nuclear exercise for the first time, signaling a shared "deterrence" strategy. While explicitly stated not to replace NATO's nuclear umbrella, this move underscores Europe's efforts to bolster its own defence capabilities. The timing is significant amid ongoing concerns about the future of US security commitments to the continent. This increased cooperation between two major European powers is a concrete step towards greater strategic autonomy and a more robust European defence posture, reflecting a proactive approach to ensuring continental security in a changing geopolitical landscape.