As the region struggles to fend off increased Russian aggressiveness and waning American assistance, President Emmanuel Macron of France stated on Wednesday that his country is open to discussing expanding the security provided by its nuclear weapons to its European allies.
Only France is a member of the European Union, and the only two nations in Europe having nuclear weapons are France and Britain. Both the US and Russia possess nuclear weapons.
In a broadcast speech that was primarily focused on the conflict in Ukraine and the security of Europe, Mr. Macron declared, “Our nuclear deterrent protects us — it is comprehensive, sovereign, and French through and through.” “It has actively contributed to maintaining peace and security in Europe since 1964.”
“For our allies on the European continent, I have made the strategic decision to open the debate on protection through deterrence,” Mr. Macron continued.
He backed a “strategic dialogue” with European allies “on the role played by France’s nuclear deterrence in our collective security” in 2020, long before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Those concepts had not gained much support at the time among France’s allies, many of whom now depend on America’s nuclear arsenal.
However, the continent has now been compelled to quickly reevaluate its security architecture as a result of President Trump’s actions to withdraw America’s customary security blanket in Europe, stop supporting Ukraine, and encourage allies to increase defense spending.
Mr. Macron’s address presented a clear image of Europe being torn between a more belligerent Russia, which he claimed was now allocating 40% of its state budget to military expenditures, and an untrustworthy American ally.
As he announced that France would host a meeting of European army chiefs in Paris next week to discuss the potential deployment of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine after the war ends, Mr. Macron said, “I want to believe that the United States will remain by our side, but we need to be ready if that were no longer the case.”
“Neither Moscow nor Washington should decide Europe’s future,” he continued.
Last month, Mr. Merz stated that German officials should discuss expanding their nuclear umbrellas with their French and British colleagues.
In an interview with Le Parisien last week, Mr. Macron remarked of France’s European partners, “We have a shield; they don’t.” Additionally, they can no longer rely on the nuclear deterrence provided by the United States. France would be stronger if we had a deliberate conversation with those who lack it.
Speaking before a gathering of European leaders in Brussels on Thursday, Mr. Macron’s office stated that the extension of a national nuclear umbrella, which has also been discussed in Britain, was not anticipated to be a major focal point of the conversation.
