European countries are, for the first time since the end of the Cold War, seriously discussing the possibility of developing their own nuclear capabilities, Bloomberg reports, citing informed sources.
Source: Censor.NET
The push to intensify these discussions came after the temporary suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March 2025. Although the pause lasted only a few days, it caused concern in European capitals and highlighted that the continent cannot always fully rely on American military deterrence.
Currently, Europe depends on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” within NATO, which involves the deployment of American nuclear weapons on the territory of certain countries and guarantees of collective defense. If this support weakens, the continent could be threatened by Russia, which possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. At present, only the United Kingdom and France have their own nuclear weapons in Europe.
Creating a full European nuclear arsenal would require significant financial resources, infrastructure development, including enrichment facilities, and would violate international nuclear non-proliferation treaties. Experts recommend focusing on the development of high-tech non-nuclear weapons capable of deterring potential aggression and striking strategic targets.
Senior researcher Darya Dolzikova from the Royal United Services Institute in London noted that a full European nuclear deterrent is unlikely, but it is worth assessing how France and the United Kingdom can influence the continent’s security with their own nuclear capabilities.
Consultations mainly take place at a high military level in bilateral or trilateral formats between countries facing direct threats from Russia and hosting American military facilities on their territory. At the same time, the negotiations remain highly confidential to avoid sending public signals to Moscow.