Macron Considers Nuclear Deterrent for European Defense Amid Russian Threats
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes strategic discussions on nuclear deterrence with European allies as concerns about U.S. disengagement grow.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that he intends to engage in discussions with European allies concerning the use of France’s nuclear deterrent to safeguard the continent against perceived threats from Russia.
This initiative comes in light of growing apprehensions regarding a potential decline in U.S. support for European defense.
France is the sole nuclear power within the European Union.
In a televised address prior to a special European summit scheduled for Thursday, Macron characterized Russia as a significant threat to both France and Europe.
He stated, "I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent by our (nuclear) deterrent," underscoring that decisions regarding the use of France’s nuclear arsenal will remain solely in the purview of the French president.
Macron's announcement follows remarks from Friedrich Merz, the recently elected leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, who advocated for discussions around "nuclear sharing" arrangements with France.
The upcoming summit in Brussels, where EU leaders will convene, is set to address the issue of nuclear deterrence alongside support for Ukraine and broader European defense strategies.
For decades, European NATO allies have relied on the United States' nuclear capabilities as a cornerstone of deterrence.
Macron emphasized that Europe’s future security framework should not hinge exclusively on decisions made in Washington or Moscow.
He asserted that "the innocence of the last 30 years"—which followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989—is now over.
In his address, Macron noted that Russia currently allocates 40% of its state budget to military expenditures and has plans to expand its military force by 2030, which includes the addition of 300,000 soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 300 jet fighters.
He questioned the likelihood of a halted Russian expansionism in Ukraine, posing a rhetorical challenge by asking, “Who can believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?”
Macron outlined the need for allies to ensure that Russia does not initiate further invasions of Ukraine, even after a potential peace agreement.
He advocated for providing sustained support to the Ukrainian military and potentially deploying European forces that would not engage directly in combat but would be positioned to monitor and ensure compliance with any peace accord.
He revealed plans for a meeting of military chiefs of staff from European nations interested in participating in this initiative, set to take place in Paris next week.
This development unfolds against a backdrop where U.S. President Donald Trump has previously called for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense.
Trump administration officials have indicated that the current level of U.S. engagement in European defense matters may not be guaranteed indefinitely.
Additionally, Macron expressed his intent to persuade Trump against imposing tariffs on imports from Europe, in light of threats from the U.S. administration to apply 25% tariffs on European goods, a claim that EU leaders have disputed.
This initiative comes in light of growing apprehensions regarding a potential decline in U.S. support for European defense.
France is the sole nuclear power within the European Union.
In a televised address prior to a special European summit scheduled for Thursday, Macron characterized Russia as a significant threat to both France and Europe.
He stated, "I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent by our (nuclear) deterrent," underscoring that decisions regarding the use of France’s nuclear arsenal will remain solely in the purview of the French president.
Macron's announcement follows remarks from Friedrich Merz, the recently elected leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, who advocated for discussions around "nuclear sharing" arrangements with France.
The upcoming summit in Brussels, where EU leaders will convene, is set to address the issue of nuclear deterrence alongside support for Ukraine and broader European defense strategies.
For decades, European NATO allies have relied on the United States' nuclear capabilities as a cornerstone of deterrence.
Macron emphasized that Europe’s future security framework should not hinge exclusively on decisions made in Washington or Moscow.
He asserted that "the innocence of the last 30 years"—which followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989—is now over.
In his address, Macron noted that Russia currently allocates 40% of its state budget to military expenditures and has plans to expand its military force by 2030, which includes the addition of 300,000 soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 300 jet fighters.
He questioned the likelihood of a halted Russian expansionism in Ukraine, posing a rhetorical challenge by asking, “Who can believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?”
Macron outlined the need for allies to ensure that Russia does not initiate further invasions of Ukraine, even after a potential peace agreement.
He advocated for providing sustained support to the Ukrainian military and potentially deploying European forces that would not engage directly in combat but would be positioned to monitor and ensure compliance with any peace accord.
He revealed plans for a meeting of military chiefs of staff from European nations interested in participating in this initiative, set to take place in Paris next week.
This development unfolds against a backdrop where U.S. President Donald Trump has previously called for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense.
Trump administration officials have indicated that the current level of U.S. engagement in European defense matters may not be guaranteed indefinitely.
Additionally, Macron expressed his intent to persuade Trump against imposing tariffs on imports from Europe, in light of threats from the U.S. administration to apply 25% tariffs on European goods, a claim that EU leaders have disputed.
