politics
February 20, 2026
European leaders told to ‘keep their mouth shut’ on nukes
European leaders should keep their “mouth shut” on nuclear deterrence, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken has said
TL;DR
- Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken believes European leaders should remain silent on nuclear deterrence.
- Franken's comments follow statements from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding nuclear sharing.
- Talk of a European nuclear deterrent has increased due to reduced US security commitments.
- Russian officials have expressed concern about the growing discussion of nuclear weapons in Germany.
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki has suggested Warsaw should develop its own nuclear weapons program.
- The expiration of the New START treaty has heightened concerns about a nuclear arms race.