European Union considering its own nuclear weapons program over fears it cannot rely on Trump

[Jimbo101]

Rawstory

As German Chancellor Angela Merkel floats the notion that Europe cannot rely on the United States in the capacity is has in the past, core U.S. allies are ramping up discussions of a European Union nuclear weapons program—or “Eurodeterrent”—that would place France’s weapons arsenal under a common European command, the New York Times reports.

Though proponents are in the minority on the European continent, the idea is a sign of growing concern that the United States, under President Donald Trump, is not committed to the defense of Europe in the same way his predecessors were.

German Council on Foreign Relations head Jana Puglierin said some senior European officials have “triggered a public debate about this, taking place in newspapers and journals, radio interviews and TV documentaries.”

“That in itself is remarkable,” she added. “I am indeed very astonished that we discuss this at all.”

Foundation for Strategic Research deputy director Bruno Tertrais told the Times he previously would have said, “don’t bother, there’s no story here,” but said such a plan could be enacted provided “a serious loss of trust in the U.S. umbrella.” And, given Britain’s pending departure from the E.U., “the French might feel they have a special responsibility” to protect Europe.

Such a loss in trust may be on the horizon. Trump is just now returning from a trip to a NATO summit, which House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi said “disrespected out closest allies.” He also failed to voice support for NATO’s Article 5, which is the principle of collective defense that guides the alliance. It commits member nations to protect fellow members and was invoked for the first time after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.

[Grassy Knoll]

1. I Wouldn't Give Trump An Ovaltine Decoder Ring

[Doreen]

2. I wouldn't worry about that. He could not decode that even for how long he

spends in the bathroom starting at 3:00 am. Besides Ralphie is much smarter.

[Sgent]

3. No way

does France agree to this. They MIGHT give joint command to Germany, but Poland?

[blue-wave]

6. If you know the history

between France and Poland, they are historically close allies. And I mean waaaay back in history. So I would never say never.

That said, this would be a huge blow for the human race. The last thing we need is another armed nuclear group. Good job Mr. President!(sarcasm)

[procon]

4. He said as much during the campaign; nukes for everyone.

He said the same thing, that it was America's job to help other countries, so they needed to get their own bombs.

[Kentonio]

5. I'd be extremely surprised.

France are incredibly independent when it comes to their nuclear arsenal and it could bring into question their permanent seat on the Security Council. If this actually ever happened, I think it would basically guarantee that the EU was morphing into a truly federalist political union.

[SunSeeker]

7. Nothing creates unity like being attacked by a common enemy (Trump/Putin). nt

[Kentonio]

8. Indeed, and personally I'd love to see the EU become a proper federal union.

It's perfectly placed geographically, culturally and politically to act as a counterweight between the US, Russia and China.