Europe rethinks defense strategies with reduced U.S. support

Europe is reassessing its security needs, particularly in light of the United States shifting its focus to Asia. Netherlands' Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized that European countries must take action to secure their own defense. His comments were made during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. France and the UK are the only European nations with nuclear weapons. France has about 300 nuclear warheads, while the UK has around 250. France maintains autonomy in its nuclear strategies, whereas the UK relies on the US for support. This dependency raises questions about Britain's ability to act independently in a crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that France's nuclear strategy could extend to protect European allies. He noted that Europe’s future should not be dictated by Washington or Moscow. Countries like Poland and Germany are showing interest in discussions about collaboration with France on nuclear security. Experts suggest that France's nuclear capabilities could serve as a deterrent for Europe, but they also warn there are risks involved. The idea of extending France's nuclear umbrella could expose it to retaliatory threats. The shift in American nuclear credibility has prompted European nations to consider relying more on each other. However, some officials believe France and the UK still cannot match the extensive capabilities of the US nuclear arsenal. The discussions about Europe’s defense highlight the importance of building trust among European nations as they navigate their security landscape independently.