Event Summary
MSC hosts Digital Conversation on Nuclear Sharing
The Munich Security Conference brought together senior policy-makers, business leaders, and analysts to discuss the future of Germany's participation in NATO's nuclear sharing. Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of WestExec and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy of the United States of America, and Katja Keul, Member of the Defense Committee of the German Bundestag for the Alliance 90/The Greens Parliamentary Group, delivered introductory remarks at the beginning of the event.
On July 30, 2020, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) hosted a high-level digital event titled "An Update on the Nuclear Sharing Debate." In a small, confidential discussion, senior policy-makers, business leaders, and analysts exchanged views on the debate about Germany's future participation in the nuclear sharing arrangement of NATO. Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of WestExec and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy of the United States of America, and Katja Keul, Member of the Defense Committee of the German Bundestag for the Alliance 90/The Greens Parliamentary Group, started the event with introductory remarks. The conversation was moderated by Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference.
Against the backdrop of the upcoming acquisition of new dual-capable aircraft systems for the German Bundeswehr, a controversial debate about Germany's future participation in NATO's nuclear sharing arrangement resurfaced this spring. At the digital event, many participants agreed that a potential German opt-out would have far-reaching consequences not only for German but also for European security. Participants discussed possible implications for NATO and the transatlantic partnership. While there were conflicting views whether the status quo of the nuclear sharing arrangement in Europe is still adequate, many participants highlighted the cascading effects of a potential unilateral German withdrawal on other NATO allies. Further, it was pointed out that the German debate should take into account concerns and views of Germany's neighbors. Some participants underlined the need for NATO to critically reevaluate and update the alliance's nuclear posture considering the rapidly evolving security environment as well as recent technological developments. Some participants voiced concern over the Russian nuclear posture and highlighted the need to engage in arms control negotiations as well as to develop ideas to further the European arms control agenda.
About the Digital Conversations
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Munich Security Conference has created a new event format: the MSC Digital Conversations. Here, decision-makers and experts regularly discuss challenges and possible solutions to security implications emerging from the COVID-19 crisis as well as other pressing issues. Learn more about the Digital Conversations.
