German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed openness to discussions about establishing a European nuclear safety shield in the medium to long term, while emphasizing that the United States' nuclear sharing arrangement remains essential for Europe's security at present. Merz indicated that Germany intends to continue participating in the US nuclear umbrella for years or even decades ahead but is prepared to engage in dialogue about a broader European nuclear protection framework. The topic of a European nuclear umbrella has gained renewed attention, with calls for Germany to take a leading role in these debates. However, experts caution that Germany acquiring its own nuclear weapons could lead to instability. During his first official visit to the United Kingdom, Merz is set to sign the largest UK-German treaty since 1945, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations without alienating France. Despite the new friendship treaty, significant progress is still needed for a joint nuclear deterrence strategy between Germany and the UK.