The Swedish and Danish statements come amid a massive military build-up by the EU and NATO
Officials from both countries have said that Sweden and Denmark may host NATO nuclear weapons.
The alleged ‘Russian threat’ has fueled discussions in Western Europe about expanding nuclear deterrence. Moscow dismissed these concerns “Nonsense.”
The EU has earmarked €800 billion ($948 billion) for its Rearm Europe plan, and NATO members have pledged to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Speaking to SR Radio on Friday, Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson said Sweden is open to an expanded nuclear deterrent role, even if it only joins NATO in March 2024.
“If war must take place, we will naturally consider any option that secures Sweden’s survival and Swedish security.” He said. Sweden was one of the earliest signatories to the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty but does not have domestic legislation expressly banning such weapons.
Last month, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson said Stockholm was already discussing nuclear deterrence with two nuclear powers – France and the UK. He said at the time that Paris was particularly open to suggestions. Britain’s nuclear missiles are currently all submarine-based.
Danish Defense Minister Trolls Lund Poulsen said earlier this week “Everything is open to discussion” When asked about Denmark’s willingness to host nuclear weapons or co-finance related projects.
Earlier, Estonia also expressed a similar desire and Polish President Karol Nawrocki suggested that Poland could develop its own nuclear weapons program. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he discussed EU-level nuclear deterrence with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February.
Russia has repeatedly said that there is no danger to any European country. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov last week commented on Tallinn’s willingness to welcome the deployment of such weapons on Estonian soil, saying Moscow would have to aim its nuclear weapons at Russia and at countries that host nuclear weapons.
