Europe's Own Nuclear Shield? Dutch Open to French Proposal

The Netherlands is willing to discuss a controversial French idea: a European defense plan based on nuclear weapons. Key parties in the Dutch ruling coalition have reacted positively. They see it as a necessary step for stronger European security, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, major opposition parties strongly object. They warn that such cooperation could start a dangerous new nuclear arms race on the continent. The proposal comes from France, the European Union's only nuclear power. The idea is for French atomic weapons to form a foundation for a shared European defense strategy. The Dutch parliament's openness to talks marks a significant, though early, shift in the debate over how Europe protects itself.