Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen welcomed European discussions on strengthening nuclear deterrence, but stressed that the US nuclear umbrella cannot be replaced at present. According to him, Europe does not yet have sufficient capacities for autonomous protection.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen on Tuesday welcomed European discussions on strengthening regional nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, according to him, “currently” it is not realistic to replace the protective nuclear umbrella of the USA.
European leaders have begun to consider solutions to the continent’s lack of nuclear protection in light of growing uncertainty over US military support. The head of diplomacy of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, told the Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat that a discussion should be started on the development of Europe’s own nuclear deterrence. Apart from Russia, only Britain and France currently possess nuclear weapons in Europe.
European nuclear deterrence
In an interview with AFP, Häkkänen emphasized that the US continues to support the maintenance of nuclear capabilities within NATO. “I believe that the US is fully committed to nuclear deterrence in NATO,” the minister said. According to him, European countries are “taking over the leading position in conventional defense”. He also welcomed the discussion on a “stronger European nuclear deterrent”.
“If Europe invests more in the nuclear deterrence of France or Britain, it will only be a good thing,” Häkkänen said, but stressed that Europe’s nuclear capabilities cannot yet match America’s.
The New START agreement has expired
The New START agreement between the US and Russia expired last week. For the first time in decades, there is no treaty limiting the deployment of nuclear weapons between the two countries, which has raised fears of an arms race.
