Participation grounds Germany's credibility as a European power
In the aforementioned context, it can be assumed that Germany’s role is seen as symbolic though important. Constraints of Germany’s military power are well known. However, through its more active role, especially the leading of the battlegroup in Lithuania, Germany is seen as a more credible military power and European power at large. Participation in nuclear sharing is seen as a facilitator to its credibility.
Germany’s participation also bears the symbolism of the transatlantic link. Its withdrawal from nuclear sharing would be perceived in the Baltics and, furthermore, to the east of the Baltics, as another demonstration of weakening transatlantic unity.
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Dr. Māris Andžāns, Senior Research Fellow, Latvian Institute of International Affairs