Europe Considers Nuclear Arsenal for Greater Security, Says Experts

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk's comment regarding the option of a nuclear deterrent has brought European security into the limelight, particularly amidst the ambiguity over U.S. pledges to NATO.

His remarks echo increasing skepticism in European nations regarding the prospect of deterrence in the future, especially with the earlier declarations by Donald Trump regarding the unsustainability of NATO.

Important Highlights of Tusk's Comment:

Poland is not looking for nuclear weapons right away but wishes to initiate a dialogue on its security choices.
France's nuclear deterrent has been considered as a possible European guarantee, but Macron is adamant that France's nuclear arsenal will be in its sole control.
Germany's Friedrich Merz has urged negotiations with Britain and France to improve European nuclear security.
Past attempts at a joint European nuclear force (such as the Multilateral Nuclear Force) have failed on political and logistical grounds.
The nuclear doctrine of France is based on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and air-launched nuclear missiles, but according to experts, it can have a greater role in European security without explicit nuclear-sharing arrangements.

Possible Outcomes:

Poland would try to obtain more participation in European nuclear defense talks, without necessarily building an arsenal of its own.
France might extend the role of its nuclear deterrence in Europe and include allies as part of its nuclear exercises.
Britain's own nuclear capabilities depend significantly on continuing U.S. cooperation, giving rise to issues about its sustainable deterrence approach.

This discussion is emblematic of Europe's evolving security environment, especially as politicians prepare for potentially lessening American nuclear cover in the future.